The Association of Antidepressant Use and Impulse Control Disorder in Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether initiation of an antidepressant is associated with the development of impulse control disorder (ICD) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). DESIGN: We performed a retrospective analysis utilizing data from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). Two-sample Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparison of continuous variables and Pearson χ2 tests were used for categorical variables. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to assess the hazard of ICD with antidepressant exposure. SETTING: The PPMI is a multicenter observational study of early PD with 52 sites throughout North America, Europe, and Africa. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the current study were those in the PPMI PD cohort with a primary diagnosis of idiopathic PD. MEASUREMENTS: The presence of ICD was captured using the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease (QUIP). Antidepressant use was defined based on medication logs for each participant. Depressive symptoms were captured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). RESULTS: A total of 1,045 individuals were included in the final analysis. There was a significant increase in the probability of ICD in those exposed to serotonergic antidepressants compared to those not exposed (Log-rank p <0.001). Serotonergic antidepressant use was associated with a hazard ratio for ICD of 1.4 (95% CI 1.0-1.8, z-value 2.1, p = 0.04) after adjusting for dopamine agonist use, depression, bupropion use, MAOI-B use, amantadine use, LEDD, disease duration, sex, and age. CONCLUSIONS: Serotonergic antidepressant use appears to be temporally associated with ICD in patients with PD.

Impulse control disorders in patients with dopamine agonist-treated pituitary adenomas: a cross-sectional multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Impulse control disorders (ICDs) have been described as underrecognized side effects of dopamine agonists (DAs) in neurological disorders but are not sufficiently understood in endocrine conditions. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of DAs induced ICDs and determine potential risk factors related to these disorders in patients with prolactinoma and non-function pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional multicenter study involving 200 patients with prolactinoma and NFPAs, who received follow-ups in tertiary referral centers. DA-induced ICDs were assessed using ICD questionnaires modified from prior studies. RESULT: At least one ICD was reported by 52% of participants, among whom 28.5% mentioned compulsive shopping, 24.5% punding, and 24.5% hypersexuality. Furthermore, 33% of the patients reported the presence of one type of ICD behavior, while 12% specified two and 7% had three types of such behavior. The multivariable logistic regression showed that the significant risk factors of ICD were younger age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88-0.97, p 0.001), being single (AOR: 0.15, 95%CI: 0.03-0.84, p 0.03), and a positive history of psychiatric illness (AOR: 7.67, 95% CI: 1.37-42.97, p 0.021). CONCLUSION: ICDs with a broad range of psychiatric symptoms are common in individuals with DA-treated prolactinoma and NFPAs. Endocrinologists should be aware of this potential side effect, particularly in patients with a personal history of psychiatric disorder.

Impulse control behaviors and apathy commonly co-occur in de novo Parkinson's disease and predict the incidence of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

OBJECTIVE: Impulse control behaviors (ICBs) and apathy are believed to represent opposite motivational expressions of the same behavioral spectrum involving hypo- and hyperdopaminergic status, but this has been recently debated. Our study aims to estimate the co-occurrence of ICBs and apathy in early Parkinson's disease (PD) and to determine whether this complex neuropsychiatric condition is an important marker of PD prognoses. METHODS: Neuropsychiatric symptoms, clinical data, neuroimaging results, and demographic data from de novo PD patients were obtained from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative, a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort. The clinical characteristics of ICBs co-occurring with apathy and their prevalence were analyzed. We compared the prognoses of the different groups during the 8-year follow-up. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to predict the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) using baseline neuropsychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 422 PD patients and 195 healthy controls (HCs) were included. In brief, 87 (20.6 %) de novo PD patients and 37 (19.0 %) HCs had ICBs at baseline. Among them, 23 (26.4 %) de novo PD patients and 3 (8.1 %) HCs had clinical symptoms of both ICBs and apathy. The ICBs and apathy group had more severe non-motor symptoms than the isolated ICBs group. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the co-occurrence of ICBs and apathy was a risk factor for LID development (HR 2.229, 95 % CI 1.209 to 4.110, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Co-occurrence of ICBs and apathy is common in patients with early PD and may help to identify the risk of LID development.

Disorders of impulsivity in trichotillomania and skin picking disorder.

Trichotillomania and skin picking disorder are often classified as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) as they are characterized by repetitive hair-pulling and skin picking, respectively. They were initially considered to be impulse control disorders despite little research scrutiny. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship of these two conditions to other disorders with impulsive features. Adults with trichotillomania (n = 104) and skin picking (n = 178) or both (n = 96) were recruited from the general community using advertisements and online support groups and completed an online survey. Participants undertook a structured clinical interview and completion of self-report instruments to characterize clinical profiles and associated characteristics. In addition, each participant completed the Minnesota Impulse Disorders Interview to screen for disorders with impulsive features. Of the 378 adults with BFRBs, 134 (35.4%) screened positive for at least one disorder with features of impulsivity with the most common being compulsive buying (18.3%) and problematic use of the internet (17.5%). Participants with a co-occurring disorder of impulsivity reported significantly worse pulling and picking symptoms (p < .001), were more likely to have co-occurring alcohol problems (p < .001) and PTSD (p < .001), and scored higher regarding dissociative symptoms (p < .001). BFRBs are associated with a range of impulsive disorders and the comorbidity may have important treatment implications.

Nonmotor Symptoms and Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson's Disease Patients in India: A Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder with significant nonmotor symptom (NMS) burden, including impulse control disorders. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate NMS and impulse control disorders in PD patients under primary care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 32 PD patients and evaluated using standardized assessment tools. Demographics, comorbidities, and symptom burdens were recorded. Evaluation tools included the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, REM Sleep Behavior Disorder assessment, Geriatric Depression Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale for cognitive impairment, NMS scale, and identification of impulse control disorders. RESULTS: In PD, comorbidities were prevalent (84%), and most were at Hoehn and Yahr Stages 2 and 3. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder was present in 28.12%, with 5 receiving clonazepam treatment. Depression affected 28.12%, with 5 receiving pharmacological treatment. Cognitive impairment was notable in 9 patients. NMS burden was high, with varying severity. Impulse control disorders were limited, whereas one case of dopamine dysregulation syndrome was identified. DISCUSSION: This primary care-based study in India assessed NMS and impulse control disorders in PD patients, highlighting comorbidities and management opportunities. The study's strength lies in evaluating an unselected primary care population, whereas limitations include small sample size. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the importance of primary care physicians in monitoring and managing NMS in PD patients. Impulse control disorders and cognitive impairment are critical aspects that need attention. The findings support an integrated approach involving health-care professionals across various disciplines to provide holistic care for PD patients.

Résumé Introduction:La maladie de Parkinson (PD) est un trouble neurodégénératif prévalent avec un fardeau significatif de symptômes non moteurs (NMS), y compris les troubles du contrôle des impulsions. Cette étude visait à évaluer de manière exhaustive les NMS et les troubles du contrôle des impulsions chez les patients atteints de la maladie de Parkinson pris en charge en soins primaires.Matériaux et méthodes:Une étude transversale descriptive a été menée sur 32 patients atteints de la maladie de Parkinson et évaluée à l'aide d'outils d'évaluation standardisés. Les données démographiques, les comorbidités et le fardeau des symptômes ont été enregistrés. Les outils d'évaluation comprenaient l'échelle de Hoehn et Yahr, l'évaluation du trouble du comportement en sommeil paradoxal (RBD), l'échelle de dépression gériatrique, l'échelle d'évaluation cognitive de Montréal pour les troubles cognitifs, l'échelle NMS et l'identification des troubles du contrôle des impulsions.Résultats:Chez les patients atteints de la maladie de Parkinson, les comorbidités étaient prévalentes (84 %), et la plupart étaient aux stades 2 et 3 de l'échelle de Hoehn et Yahr. Le trouble du comportement en sommeil paradoxal était présent chez 28,12 % des patients, dont 5 recevaient un traitement au clonazépam. La dépression affectait 28,12 % des patients, dont 5 recevaient un traitement pharmacologique. Une altération cognitive était notable chez 9 patients. Le fardeau des NMS était élevé, avec une gravité variable. Les troubles du contrôle des impulsions étaient limités, tandis qu'un cas de syndrome de dysrégulation dopaminergique a été identifié.Discussion:Cette étude menée en soins primaires en Inde a évalué les NMS et les troubles du contrôle des impulsions chez les patients atteints de la maladie de Parkinson, mettant en évidence les comorbidités et les opportunités de prise en charge. La force de l'étude réside dans l'évaluation d'une population de soins primaires non sélectionnée, tandis que les limites comprennent une petite taille d'échantillon.Conclusion:Cette étude souligne l'importance des médecins de soins primaires dans la surveillance et la prise en charge des NMS chez les patients atteints de la maladie de Parkinson. Les troubles du contrôle des impulsions et l'altération cognitive sont des aspects critiques qui nécessitent une attention particulière. Les résultats soutiennent une approche intégrée impliquant des professionnels de la santé de différentes disciplines pour fournir des soins holistiques aux patients atteints de la maladie de Parkinson.

Relación entre el trastorno de conducta del sueño REM y el trastorno de control de impulsos en pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson / Association between REM sleep behaviour disorder and impulse control disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease

Introducción: La relación entre el trastorno del control de impulsos (TCI) y el trastorno de conducta del sueño REM (TCSR) no se ha aclarado todavía y los resultados de la literatura son contradictorios. Nuestro objetivo es valorar la asociación entre estos 2 trastornos y, a su vez, su presencia en dependencia de la terapia dopaminérgica. Métodos: Un total de 73 pacientes diagnosticados de enfermedad de Parkinson, en tratamiento con un único agonista dopaminérgico, fueron incluidos en el estudio, tras valoración clínica y habiendo completado el cuestionario de pregunta única para el TCSR y el cuestionario abreviado para los trastornos impulsivo-compulsivos en la enfermedad de Parkinson. Resultados: La edad media ± desviación estándar de los pacientes fue de 68,88±7,758 años. De ellos, 26 pacientes (35,6%) se clasificaron dentro de un TCSR-probable, presentando mayor prevalencia de síndrome rígido acinético no tremórico, más años de tratamiento con levodopa y con agonistas dopaminérgicos, y una relación significativa con el TCI (p=0,001) en comparación con el grupo sin TCSR-probable. En cuanto al tratamiento con agonistas dopaminérgicos, se demostró la asociación significativa de la administración por vía oral con una mayor prevalencia de TCI, mientras que esta vía también se relacionó con mayor tendencia a desarrollar TCSR, diferencias en este caso no significativas. Conclusiones: Nuestros datos confirman que el TCSR se relaciona con el TCI en la enfermedad de Parkinson (AU)

Introduction: The relationship between impulse control disorder (ICD) and REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) has not yet been clarified, and the literature reports contradictory results. Our purpose is to analyse the association between these 2 disorders and their presence in patients under dopaminergic treatment. Methods: A total of 73 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and treated with a single dopamine agonist were included in the study after undergoing clinical assessment and completing the single-question screen for REM sleep behaviour disorder and the short version of the questionnaire for impulsive-compulsive behaviours in Parkinson's disease. Results: Mean age was 68.88 ± 7.758 years. Twenty-six patients (35.6%) were classified as probable-RBD. This group showed a significant association with ICD (P=.001) and had a higher prevalence of non-tremor akinetic rigid syndrome and longer duration of treatment with levodopa and dopamine agonists than the group without probable-RBD. We found a significant correlation between the use of oral dopamine agonists and ICD. Likewise, patients treated with oral dopamine agonists demonstrated a greater tendency toward presenting probable-RBD than patients taking dopamine agonists by other routes; the difference was non-significant. Conclusions: The present study confirms the association between RBD and a higher risk of developing symptoms of ICD in Parkinson's disease (AU)

Ethical Gambling: a commitment to preventing gambling addiction from the political and social standpoints

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"Juego Ético": un compromiso en la prevención de la adicción al juego desde el ámbito político y social / No disponible

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Obesity, eating behaviour and mental health among university students in Mexico city / Obesidad, conducta alimentaria y salud mental en estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de México

Introduction: Psychological factors are important in the development of obesity; however these are frequently underestimated in intervention programs. Objective: To examine the association of mental health with altered eating behavior related to weigh gain, and with abdominal obesity among college students in order to provide more comprehensive guidelines for intervention programs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed with 1,122 university students (from a total population of 1,820 freshmen students) at the Metropolitan Autonomous University, Mexico City. Body mass index and waist circumference (WC) were recorded. A six items questionnaire was applied to assess altered eating behavior. Self-reported questionnaires for depression (Beck Depression Inventory), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder Scale of Carrol and Davidson), and impulsiveness symptoms (Plutchik Impulsivity Scale) were used. Multiple logistic regression models were performed. Results: An increased WC was associated with depression symptoms (OR=1.4), female sex (OR=1.5), and age (OR=1.1). Students with altered eating behaviors showed elevated levels of impulsivity (e.g. have difficulties to stop eating, OR=4.2) and depression (e.g. have problem to eat at regular times, OR=6.98). In addition, higher WC was associated with female sex, parents' obesity, and unhealthy eating behaviors (e.g. have difficulties to stop eating, OR=1.42; and constantly feel hungry, and eat too much, OR=2.25). Conclusions: Although preventive programs directed at development of adequate eating habits and physical activity are considered a key component of intervention programs, strategies for the management of emotions, the promotion of positive mood and impulsivity-reduction techniques are a necessary complement for a comprehensive approach to overweight and obesity (AU)

Introducción: Los factores psicológicos son importantes en el desarrollo de la obesidad; sin embargo, éstos se subestiman con frecuencia en los programas de intervención. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre salud mental y conductas alimentarias alteradas en relación con el sobrepeso y la obesidad abdominal entre estudiantes universitarios con el fin de proporcionar directrices más amplias para los programas de intervención. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con 1.122 estudiantes universitarios (de una población total de 1 820 estudiantes del primer año) de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México. Se registraron el índice de masa corporal y la circunferencia de la cintura (CC). Se aplicó un cuestionario para evaluar alteraciones de la conducta alimentaria . Se utilizaron cuestionarios de autoreporte para la identificación de depresión (Inventario de Depresión de Beck), ansiedad (trastorno de ansiedad general Escala de Carrol y Davidson), y síntomas de impulsividad (Escala de Impulsividad Plutchik). Se realizaron modelos de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: Un aumento de CC se asoció con síntomas de depresión (OR = 1,4), sexo femenino (OR = 1,5) y edad (OR = 1,1). Los estudiantes con conductas alimentarias alteradas mostraron niveles elevados de impulsividad (por ejemplo, tienen dificultades para dejar de comer, OR = 4,2) y depresión (por ejemplo, tienen problemas para comer a horas regulares, OR = 6,98). Además, el aumento de CC se asoció con el sexo femenino, la obesidad de los padres, y los comportamientos alimentarios poco saludables (por ejemplo, tienen dificultades para dejar de comer, OR = 1,42, y constantemente sienten hambre y comen en exceso, OR = 2,25). Conclusiones: A pesar de que los programas de prevención dirigidos a desarrollo de hábitos alimentarios adecuados y la actividad física son considerados un componente clave de los programas de intervención, las estrategias para el manejo de las emociones, la promoción del estado de ánimo positivo y técnicas de reducción de la impulsividad son un complemento necesario para un enfoque integral del tratamiento del sobrepeso y la obesidad (AU)

Correlates of conflict, power and authority management, aggression and impulse control in the Jamaican population / Correlatos de conflicto, poder y manejo de la autoridad, agresividad y control de los impulsos en la población Jamaicana

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study is to establish the correlates of the phenomenology of conflict and power management in the Jamaican population. METHODS: A total of 1506 adult individuals were sampled from 2150 households using a stratified sampling method and assessed using the 12 questions of the Jamaica Personality Disorder Inventory (JPDI) on the phenomenology of conflict and power management that are grouped into the psychological features of aggressive social behaviour, unlawful behaviour, socially unacceptable behaviour and financial transgressive behaviour. The database of responses to the demographic and JPDI questionnaires was created and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. RESULTS: Of the national population sampled, 69.1% denied having any phenomenological symptoms of abnormal power management relations while 30.9% of the population admitted to having some degree of conflict and power management, ranging from mild (10.3%), to moderate (17.1), or severe (3.5%). There were 46.55% of the population which had problems with aggressive social behaviour, 9.33% had problems with unlawful behaviour, 9.58% had problems with unacceptable social behaviour and 37.74% had problems with financial transgressive behaviour. Significant gender and socio-economic class patterns for conflict and power management were revealed. This pattern of conflict and power management behaviour is critical in understanding the distinction between normal and abnormal expression of these emotions and actions. CONCLUSION: Nearly one-third of the sample population studied reported problems with conflict, abnormal power and authority management, impulse control and serious aggressive and transgressive behaviour.

OBJETIVO: El objeto de este estudio es establecer los correlatos de la fenomenología del manejo de conflicto y poder en la población jamaicana. MÉTODOS: Se tomaron muestras de un total de 1506 individuos adultos de 2150 hogares, usando un método de muestreo estratificado, y se evaluaron usando las 12 preguntas del Inventario de Trastornos de la Personalidad en Jamaica (JPDI) sobre la fenomenología del manejo del conflicto y el poder, clasificadas como características psicológicas del comportamiento social agresivo, comportamiento ilícito, comportamiento socialmente inaceptable, y conducta financiera transgresora. La base de datos de respuestas a los cuestionarios de demografía y JPDI, fue creada y analizada utilizando el Paquete Estadístico para Ciencias Sociales (SPSS) versión 17. RESULTADOS: El 69.1% de la población nacional muestreada negó tener síntoma fenomenológico alguno de relaciones de poder anormal, mientras que el 30.9% de la población admitía haber tenido algún grado de manejo de conflicto y poder, fluctuando de leve (10.3%) a moderado (17.1), o severo (3.5%). Hubo 46.55% de la población con problemas de comportamiento social agresivo, 9.33% tuvo problemas de comportamiento ilegal, 9.58% tenían problemas de comportamiento social inaceptable, y 37.74% tuvo problemas de comportamiento financiero transgresor. Se pusieron de manifiesto de forma significativa patrones de género y clase socioeconómica con respecto al manejo de conflicto y poder. Este patrón de comportamiento de manejo de conflicto y poder es un factor crítico para entender la distinción entre la expresión normal y anormal de estas emociones y acciones. CONCLUSIÓN: Casi un tercio de la población de la muestra estudiada reportó problemas con el manejo de conflicto, poder anormal y autoridad, control de impulsos, y serio comportamiento agresivo y transgresor.

Abuso y dependencia de internet: la epidemia y su controversia / Internet abuse and dependence: the epidemic and its controversy

Background: Since Internet made its first appearance for the general public, and its thereafter growth, different emerging health issues have been described. The discussion has taken place not only in the mass media, but also in the academy, initially with case reports of abuse and dependence, and now that it has been considered as a new diagnosis in the not yet finished DSM-V, either as another category within the substance abuse, or another one more related to the impulse control disorders. Methods: A systematic review of the published literature about the subject was done using related MESH terms: "Internet", "Behavior, Addictive", "Impulse Control Disorders" e "Impulsive Behavior" between 2006 and march 2012. Results: The prevalence of Internet abuse and dependence has been difficult to determine because of the lack of consensus in the diagnostic criteria. As other psychiatric entities, genetic and psychological risk factors could be involved, as well as it could be associated with other comorbidities such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, alcohol abuse and eating disorders. Neuroimaging studies have shown evidence of neurobiological similarities with the structures involved in substance dependence. Conclusion: For answering many of these queries specific terminology is required, in order to validate new instruments for diagnosis and follow up as well, in order to in the future describe the risk factors, natural history and treatment alternatives for this emerging disease.

Introducción: Junto con la aparición de internet, ha ido cobrando interés problemas de salud emergentes asociados al uso de las nuevas tecnologías. La discusión no sólo se ha dado en los medios de comunicación, sino también a nivel académico. Inicialmente asociado al reporte de casos de "adicción a internet", para luego llegar al punto de incluso considerar su incorporación al futuro DSM-V, ya sea homologando el fenómeno a la adicción a substancias, o como un fenómeno emparentado con los trastornos por control de impulsos. Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura publicada sobre el tema utilizando los términos MESH afines: "Internet", "Behavior, Addictive", "Impulse Control Disorders" e "Impulsive Behavior" que se hubieran indexado desde el 2006 a marzo de 2012. Resultados: La prevalencia del abuso y dependencia a internet ha sido difícil de esclarecer por falta de consenso en los criterios diagnósticos. Tal como en otras entidades psiquiátricas podrían existir predisponentes genéticos y psicológicos así como asociación con comorbilidades tales como trastornos del ánimo, trastornos ansiosos, síndrome de déficit atencional e hiperactividad, abuso de alcohol y trastornos alimentarios. Pareciera haber correlato neurobiológico, demostrado en neuroimágenes, con las conocidas adicciones químicas. En cuanto al tratamiento, al no haber instrumentos para medir la respuesta, aún no existe evidencia de eficacia terapéutica. Conclusión: Para esclarecer muchas de estas dudas aún no resueltas hace falta terminología específica e instrumentos validados para diagnosticar y seguir a estos pacientes, para de esta manera describir sus factores de riesgo, curso natural y alternativas de tratamiento.

Tecnopatología. La nueva epidemia del siglo XXI / Technopathology: the new epidemic of the 21st century

Las nuevas tecnologías han supuesto un cambio en las formas de comunicación, debido a que el acceso a la información a través de Internet es continuo y lo ha convertido en algunos casos en un hábito adictivo. A través de este artículo, trataremos de analizar, tanto desde el punto de vista biológico como psicológico y social, las patologías que han surgido por el uso excesivo de las TIC (AU)

The new technologies have brought with them a change in the way of communication. The access to information through the Internet is continuous, to the point that, in some cases, it has become into an addiction. Through this article, we would try to analyze from the biologic point of view as the psychological and social ones, the pathologies that have emerged due to the excessive use of the ICTs (AU)

Adicción a la cuasi-muerte / Addition to near-death

Este artículo describe un tipo muy maligno de autodestrucción observado en un grupo reducido de pacientes. Está presente en la manera en la que administran sus vidas y surge, peligrosamente, en la transferencia. Este tipo de autodestrucción, a mi juicio, radica en una disposición de índoles sadomasoquista particular que dichos pacientes son incapaces de resistir. Es como un impulso constante hacia la desesperación y la muerte que los fascina a la vez que, inconscientemente, disfrutan del proceso. Se dan ejemplos para demostrar cómo tales disposiciones dominan la forma en la que el paciente se comunica con su analista e, interiormente, consigo mismo, y la manera en la que esto afecta sus procesos mentales. Es, con seguridad, extremadamente difícil para estos pacientes acercarse a placeres más reales y más ligados a sus objetos, ya que ello significaría la renuncia a hábitos gratificadores que todo lo absorben (AU)

This paper describes a very malignant type of self-destructiveness seen in a small group of patients. It is active in the way that they run their lives and it emerges in a deadly way in the transference. This type of self-destructiveness is, I suggest, in the nature of an addiction of a particular sado-masochistic type, which these patients feel unable to resist. It seems to be like a constant pull towards despair and near-death, so that the patient is fascinated and unconsciously excited by the whole process. Examples are given to show how such addictions dominate the way in which the patient communicates with the analyst and internally, with himself, and thus how they affect his thinking processes. It is clearly extremely difficult for such patients to move towards more real and object-related enjoyments, which would mean giving up the all-consuming addictive gratifications (AU)

Influence of mental disorders on school dropout in Mexico / Influencia de los trastornos mentales en el abandono escolar en México

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of mental disorders on failure in educational attainment in Mexico. METHODS: Diagnoses and age of onset for each of 16 DSM-IV disorders were assessed through retrospective self-reports with the Composite International Diagnostic Instrument (CIDI) during fieldwork in 2001-2002. Survival analysis was used to examine associations between early onset DSM-IV/CIDI disorders and subsequent school dropout or failure to reach educational milestones. RESULTS: More than one of two Mexicans did not complete secondary education. More than one-third of those who finished secondary education did not enter college, and one of four students who entered college did not graduate. Impulse control disorders and substance use disorders were associated with higher risk for school dropout, secondary school dropout and to a lesser degree failure to enter college. Anxiety disorders were associated with lower risk for school dropout, especially secondary school dropout and, to a lesser degree, primary school dropout. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneity of results found in Mexico may be due to the effect of mental disorders being diminished or masked by the much greater effect of economic hardship and low cultural expectations for educational achievement. Future research should inquire deeper into possible reasons for the better performance of students with anxiety disorders in developing countries.

OBJETIVO: Estudiar la repercusión de los trastornos mentales en el fracaso escolar en México. MÉTODOS: De septiembre del 2001 a mayo del 2002, se evaluaron los diagnósticos y la edad de aparición para cada uno de los 16 trastornos del DSM-IV mediante autoinformes retrospectivos recogidos por medio de la Entrevista Diagnóstica Internacional Compuesta (CIDI). Se empleó el anßlisis de supervivencia para analizar las asociaciones entre los trastornos del DSM-IV/CIDI de aparición temprana y el subsiguiente abandono escolar o fracaso en el logro de los hitos educativos. RESULTADOS: Mßs de uno de cada dos mexicanos no completó la educación secundaria. Mßs de una tercera parte de los que terminaron la educación secundaria no entraron en la universidad y uno de cada cuatro estudiantes que entraron el la universidad no llegó a graduarse. Los trastornos de control de los impulsos y los trastornos relacionados con el consumo de sustancias se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de abandono escolar, principalmente de abandono de la escuela secundaria y, en menor grado, de fracaso en entrar en la universidad. Los trastornos de ansiedad se asociaron con un menor riesgo de abandono escolar, especialmente de abandono de la escuela secundaria y, en menor grado, de la escuela primaria. CONCLUSIONES: La heterogeneidad de los resultados observados en México puede deberse a que el efecto de los trastornos mentales queda disminuido u oculto ante el efecto mucho mayor de las dificultades económicas y las reducidas expectativas culturales en cuanto al rendimiento escolar. En el futuro, la investigación debe inquirir mßs a fondo las posibles razones con objeto de mejorar el desempe±o de los estudiantes aquejados de trastornos de ansiedad en los países en desarrollo.

Implicaciones forenses en adultos con trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad / Forensic implications in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

En el ámbito forense abundan los diagnósticos de trastorno antisocial de la personalidad, trastorno límite de la personalidad y abuso de sustancias psicoactivas, que comparten algunos síntomas con el trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (TDAH) y frecuente comorbilidad. Las disfunciones ejecutivas, atencionales y, especialmente, las dificultades en el control de la impulsividad y de la autorregulación emocional, presentes en el TDAH, también son comunes en población forense. En este trabajo se revisan aspectos de estos síntomas susceptibles de producir problemas legales al sujeto. Por último, se plantean algunas cuestiones sobre la evaluación forense y sus futuros efectos sobre la valoración de la imputabilidad en personas con disfunciones neurofisiológicas y neuropsicológicas en los circuitos que regulan la atención y la impulsividad (AU)

In the forensic field, there are numerous diagnoses of antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder and substance abuse, as we shall see, that share some symptoms with the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and frequent comorbidity. Executive dysfunction, especially attentional difficulties in impulse control and emotional self-regulation in ADHD, are also common in forensic population. In this paper, aspects of these symptoms likely to cause legal problems the subject are reviewed. Finally, some questions arise about the forensic evaluation and its future effects on the assessment of responsibility in people with neurophysiological and neuropsychological dysfunction in circuits that regulate attention and impulsivity (AU)

Ludomania: avaliação transcultural do jogo de azar por dinheiro e seu tratamento / Ludomania: cross-cultural examinations of gambling and its treatment

O jogo patológico é um transtorno do controle do impulso que está ganhando mais e mais atenção. Este artigo revisa os critérios diagnósticos e os instrumentos de rastreamento para o jogo patológico, bem como os índices de prevalência desse transtorno ao redor do mundo, com ênfase na situação do jogo de azar no Brasil. Os tratamentos para o jogo patológico são também descritos, incluindo tanto as abordagens psicossociais como as farmacológicas. O jogo patológico é altamente comórbido com outros transtornos psiquiátricos, incluindo abuso de substâncias e depressão e poucos jogadores patológicos buscam tratamento para seus problemas com o jogo de azar. Portanto, recomenda-se a procura direta de problemas com o jogo de azar. É necessário melhorar a educação sobre o transtorno, tanto sob a perspectiva do cuidador como da sociedade, a fim de reduzir as conse-qüências pessoais e sociais desse transtorno.

Pathological gambling is a disorder of impulse control that is gaining more and more attention. This paper reviews diagnostic criteria and screening instruments for pathological gambling, as well as the prevalence rates of this disorder worldwide, with an emphasis on gambling in Brazil. Treatments for pathological gambling are also described, including both psychosocial and pharmacological approaches. Pathological gambling is highly comorbid with other psychiatric disorders, including substance abuse and depression, and few pathological gamblers seek treatment for their gambling problems. Therefore, direct screening for gambling problems is recommended. Increasing education about the disorder, from both the provider and societal perspective, is necessary to reduce the personal and societal consequences of this disorder.

Dependência de Internet e de jogos eletrônicos: uma revisão / Internet and videogame addiction: a review

OBJETIVO: Com a inclusão das novas tecnologias contemporâneas, a Internet e os jogos eletrônicos tornaram-se ferramentas de uso amplo e irrestrito, transformando-se em um dos maiores fenômenos mundiais da última década. Diversas pesquisas atestam os benefícios desses recursos, mas seu uso sadio e adaptativo progressivamente deu lugar ao abuso e à falta de controle ao criar severos impactos na vida cotidiana de milhões de usuários. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar de forma sistemática os artigos que examinam a dependência de Internet e jogos eletrônicos na população geral. Almejamos, portanto, avaliar a evolução destes conceitos no decorrer da última década, assim como contribuir para a melhor compreensão do quadro e suas comorbidades. MÉTODO: Foi feita uma revisão sistemática da literatura através do MedLine, Lilacs, SciELO e Cochrane usando-se como parâmetro os termos: "Internet addiction", pathological "Internet use", "problematic Internet use", "Internet abuse", "videogame", "computer games" e "electronic games". A busca eletrônica foi feita até dezembro de 2007. DISCUSSÃO: Estudos realizados em diferentes países apontam para prevalências ainda muito diversas, o que provavelmente se deve à falta de consenso e ao uso de diferentes denominações, dando margem à adoção de distintos critérios diagnósticos. Muitos pacientes que relatam o uso abusivo e dependência passam a apresentar prejuízos significativos na vida profissional, acadêmica (escolar), social e familiar. CONCLUSÕES: São necessárias novas investigações para determinar se esse uso abusivo de Internet e de jogos eletrônicos pode ser compreendido como uma das mais novas classificações psiquiátricas do século XXI ou apenas substratos de outros transtornos.

OBJECTIVE: With the introduction of the new technologies to our daily lives, the Internet and electronic games have become widely and unrestrictedly used tools and one of the major global phenomena in the last decade. Several investigations have attested the benefits from such resources; however, their healthy, adaptive use progressively gave place to their abuse and the lack of control, which have severely impacted on the daily life of millions of users. The objective of this study was to systematically review the articles looking into Internet and electronic games addiction in the general population. We intend, therefore, to evaluate the progression of these concepts in the course of the last decade, as well as contributing to better understand this condition and its comorbidities. METHOD: A systematic literature review was conducted by means of MedLine, Lilacs, SciELO, and Cochrane using the following terms as a parameter: "Internet addiction", "pathological internet use", "internet abuse", "videogame" , "computer games" and "electronic games". The electronic search was done up to December 2007. DISCUSSION: Studies conducted in distinct countries still indicate very different prevalence rates; this is probably due to the absence of consensus and the use of diverse names, which brings about the adoption of distinct diagnostic criteria. Many patients reporting abusive use and dependence show significant consequences to their professional, academic (school), social and family lives. CONCLUSIONS: Further investigations are needed to determine whether this abusive Internet and electronic game use should be understood as one of the newest psychiatric classifications of the 21st century or just substrates of other disorders.

Compras compulsivas: uma revisão e um relato de caso / Compulsive buying disorder: a review and a Case Vignette

OBJETIVO: O transtorno do comprar compulsivo foi descrito pela primeira vez como uma síndrome psiquiátrica no começo do século XX. Sua classificação permanece incerta e os investigadores têm debatido uma correlação potencial com transtornos do humor, transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo e transtornos do impulso. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar uma revisão de transtorno do comprar compulsivo e um relato de caso. MÉTODO: Duas bases de dados foram investigadas (Medline e PsycINFO) em busca de artigos publicados nos últimos 40 anos. Os unitermos selecionados foram "oniomania" e "compras compulsivas". Outros artigos relevantes também foram identificados por meio das listas de referências. RESULTADOS: O transtorno do comprar compulsivo é uma condição crônica e prevalente encontrada ao redor do mundo, que divide características comuns com transtornos do controle do impulso. Em amostras clínicas, mulheres perfazem mais de 80 por cento dos sujeitos. Sua etiologia é desconhecida, mas mecanismos neurobiológicos e genéticos têm sido propostos. O transtorno apresenta altas taxas de comorbidade com transtornos do humor, abuso de substâncias, transtornos alimentares e transtornos do controle do impulso. CONCLUSÃO: As recomendações terapêuticas derivadas da literatura e da experiência clínica sugerem que compradores compulsivos podem se beneficiar de intervenções psicossociais. Modelos de intervenção cognitivo-comportamental de grupo parecem promissores. Ensaios farmacológicos relatam resultados conflitantes. A identificação e o tratamento das comorbidades psiquiátricas são também um aspecto chave do tratamento. Para determinar a validade do transtorno do comprar compulsivo, os futuros trabalhos devem enfocar os achados psicopatológicos e neurobiológicos específicos à síndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Compulsive buying disorder was first described as a psychiatric syndrome in the early twentieth century. Its classification remains elusive, and investigators have debated its potential relationship to mood, substance use, obsessive-compulsive, and impulse control disorders. The objective of this study is to present a review of compulsive buying disorder and present a case vignette. METHOD: Two databases were reviewed (Medline and PsycINFO) in search for articles published in the last 40 years. Selected terms included oniomania, compulsive buying, and compulsive shopping. Other relevant articles were also identified through reference lists. RESULTS: Compulsive buying disorder is a prevalent and chronic condition that is found worldwide, sharing commonalities with impulse control disorders. In clinical samples, women make up more than 80 percent of subjects. Its etiology is unknown, but neurobiologic and genetic mechanisms have been proposed. The disorder is highly comorbid with mood, substance use, eating and impulse control disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment recommendations derived from the literature and clinical experience suggest that problem shoppers can benefit from psychosocial interventions. Cognitive-behavioral group models appear promising. Medication trials have reported mixed results. The identification and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity is also a key aspect of treatment. In order to determine the validity of compulsive buying disorder, future work should focus on psychopathology and neurobiological findings unique to the syndrome.

Trastornos del comportamiento en la enfermedad de Parkinson. Aspectos genéticos, farmacológicos y médico-legales / Behavioral disorders in parkinson´s disease genetic, pharmacological and medico legal aspects

Resumen. Introducción. Los pacientes con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) pueden presentar alteraciones neuropsiquiátricas y del comportamiento en diferentes estadios evolutivos de la enfermedad que dificulten el tratamiento. Desarrollo. Es necesario que el neurólogo esté atento a la posible aparición de alteraciones en el control de los impulsos, incluso desde fases tempranas de la enfermedad, para poder prevenirlas o planificar un ajuste adecuado del tratamiento. Entre los trastornos de impulsividad más comunes están la hipersexualidad, la ludopatía y otras conductas adictivas que, si no se detectan y tratan, pueden resultar destructivas para el entorno sociofamiliar del paciente. Los trastornos de la esfera psicótica (alucinaciones, ideas delirantes) a menudo están asociados a fases avanzadas de la EP y al efecto del tratamiento dopaminérgico, y se asocian con una mayor morbimortalidad. Es posible que factores genéticos, farmacogenéticos o una interacción gen-ambiente expliquen la diferente susceptibilidad individual a alteraciones en la esfera neuropsiquiátrica entre los pacientes con EP. Es conveniente recordar las posibles implicaciones médico-legales que pueden tener los trastornos de la conducta, tanto para el paciente y su familia como para el médico, pues se podrían plantear conflictos entre la confidencialidad y la prevención de daños a terceros, así como daño atribuible al efecto secundario de medicamentos. Conclusiones. Se debe conocer, prever y tratar adecuadamente las alteraciones de la conducta y neuropsiquiátricas en la EP, con implicaciones médicas y legales (AU)

Summary. Introduction. Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may present neuropsychiatric and conduct disorders at different stages of the development of the disease that make treatment even more difficult. Development. The neurologist must be on the lookout for the possible appearance of alterations affecting impulse control, even from the early stages of the disease, so as to be able to prevent them or to plan a suitable adjustment of treatment. Some of the most common impulsivity disorders include hypersexuality, compulsive gambling and other addictive behaviours which, if left undetected and untreated, can end up having a destructive effect on the patient’s socio-familial surroundings. Psychotic disorders (hallucinations, delusions) are often associated to advanced phases of PD and to the effect of dopamine therapy, and they are associated to a higher morbidity and mortality rate. Factors of a genetic or pharmacogenetic nature or a gene-environment interaction may account for the different individual susceptibility to disorders in the neuropsychiatric realm among patients with PD. It is wise to bear in mind the possible medico-legal implications that may stem from behavioral disorders, both for the patient and his or her family and for the physician, because situations could arise that trigger conflicts between confidentiality and preventing third parties from being harmed, as well as harm that can be attributed to the side effects of medicines. Conclusions. The specialist must be familiar with, foresee and propose suitable treatment for behavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders in PD with potential medico-legal implications (AU)

Trastornos del control de impulsos y tratamiento con antiepilépticos / Antiepilectic drugs in the control of the impulses disorders

Los trastornos clasificados como del control de los impulsos; trastorno explosivo intermitente, ludopatía, cleptomanía, piromanía, juego patológico, tricotilomanía, compras compulsivas, rasgado compulsivo y onicofagia, son un conjunto heterogéneo de entidades clínicas, la mayoría de ellas poco prevalentes. Sin embargo producen importantes disfunciones personales y sociales y presentan gran comorbilidad con otros trastornos psiquiátricos. En el tratamiento farmacológico se han utilizado fármacos antipsicóticos, antidepresivos, agonistas serotoninérgicos, naltrexona, betabloqueantes antiandrógenos, litio y antiepilépticos. En la actualidad existe creciente interés sobre el uso de los antiepilépticos, ya que se ha descrito la posible utilidad en estos trastornos, sin embargo en algunos casos sólo se conoce parcialmente las acciones neurobiológicas.Se revisa la literatura referente al tratamiento de estos trastornos con eutimizantes (litio, carbamazepina, ácido valproico, fenitoína, oxcarbazepina, topiramato, lamotrigina, leviteracetam) describiéndose los estudios en los que se basa el conocimiento actual. Los resultados deben ser considerados provisionales y ser actualizados en el futuro, pues están basados mayoritariamente en casos clínicos, series de casos o ensayos abiertos, existiendo poco conocimiento fundamentado en ensayos clínicos doble ciego (AU)

The disorders classified as control of the impulses; explosive intermittent disorder, pathological gambling, kleptomania, pyromania, pathological gambling, hair pullers, compulsive purchases, skin picking and onychophagia are a heterogeneous set of clinical entities, most of them with little prevalence. Nevertheless, they cause important personal and social dysfunctions and present great comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders. Antipsychotics, antidepressive agents, serotoninergic agonists, naltrexone, beta blockers antiandrogen, lithium and anticonvulsants have been used in their pharmacological treatment. Currently, interest is growing on the use of the antiepileptics because their possible usefulness has been described in these disorders. However, the neurobiological effects are only partially known in some cases. We have reviewed the literature regarding the treatment of these disorders with mood stabilizers, (lithium, carbamazepine, valproate, phenitoin, oxcarbacepin, topiramate, lamotrigin, leviteracetam) and have described those studies on which the current knowledge and evidence are based. The results must be considered as provisional and must be updated in the future, since they are mostly based on case reports, case series or opened clinical trials, their being little knowledge based on double blind clinical trials (AU)