Congenital long QT syndrome: A challenging diagnosis by fetal echocardiography.

The diagnosis of long QT syndrome (LQTS) in utero presents many challenges for clinicians, and there is high risk for intrauterine fetal demise as life-threatening arrhythmias develop secondary to QT prolongation. We describe a challenging case of a fetus presenting with sinus bradycardia and second-degree atrioventricular block with episodes of ventricular tachycardia. A prenatal diagnosis of LQTS was suspected given the fetal echocardiographic findings of a short ventricular relaxation time, due to extremely prolonged refractory period. The patient was delivered emergently due to Torsade's with hydrops, with ongoing arrhythmia despite medical management requiring implantation of pacemaker and sympathectomy. Early recognition of LQTS is important to optimize fetal survival with prompt medical management.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in pediatric patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and their parents.

BACKGROUND: An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in the pediatric patient (and the precipitating events that led to ICD placement) can be traumatic for patients and their families and may lead to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PTSD in pediatric patients with an ICD and their parents and identify the factors associated with PTSD incidence. METHODS: Pediatric participants with an ICD aged 8-21 years and parents of children aged 0-21 years completed surveys that included demographic characteristics and PTSD measures. Pediatric participants completed additional psychosocial measures, such as anxiety and depression self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: Fifty youth (30% female) and 43 parents (70% female) completed the measures. Six of 50 youth (12%) met the screening criteria for a likely PTSD diagnosis, while 20 of 43 parents (47%) met the cutoff for PTSD on the screening measure. Children with PTSD were more likely to have had a secondary prevention ICD (83% vs 17%; P = .021), meet the clinical cutoff for depression (67% vs 16%; P = .005), and had higher shock anxiety scores (31.7 vs 17.9; P = .003) than children without PTSD. Female gender (57% vs 23%; P = .043) and patient depression (31% vs 5%; P = .042) were associated with PTSD in parents. CONCLUSION: Parents were found to be more likely to meet the criteria for PTSD than youth. In youth, PTSD was associated with medical and psychosocial factors, whereas PTSD in parents was associated with being female and child depression. Clinic-based screenings and management planning of emotional functioning are warranted to address psychological distress in patients and parents.

Del trastorno conversivo a los trastornos neurológicos funcionales. ¿Superando el diagnóstico por descarte? / From Conversion Disorders to Functional Neurological Disorders. Overcoming the Rule-out Diagnosis?

RESUMEN Los trastornos neurológicos funcionales, antes llamados trastornos conversivos, son un problema clínico frecuente en los servicios de neurología y psiquiatría y en atención primaria. En las nuevas categorías diagnósticas se hace énfasis en las características positivas necesarias para el diagnóstico de este trastorno. Se realizó una revisión narrativa de la literatura médica para determinar las diferencias y las ventajas clínicas que la actual clasificación aporta al diagnóstico y el tratamiento de los trastornos neurológicos funcionales. Se identifican las diferencias conceptuales entre los trastornos conversivos y los trastornos neurológicos funcionales y las implicaciones de estos cambios en el abordaje clínico. La nueva propuesta diagnóstica para los trastornos neurológicos funcionales brinda la oportunidad de transformar un diagnóstico realizado a partir del descarte de otras afecciones en otro en el que se verifica la presencia de signos neurológicos que apuntan al trastorno y se pueden ensenar al paciente, y a partir de ellos, plantear estrategias de tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Functional neurological disorders, formerly referred to as conversion disorders, are a frequent clinical problem in neurology, psychiatry and primary care departments. In the new diagnostic categories, emphasis is placed on the positive characteristics necessary to diagnose this disorder. A narrative review of the scientific medical literature related to the subject was performed in order to determine the differences and advantages that the new classification of functional neurological disorders gives to doctors and patients. Historical, diagnostic, clinical and treatment concepts related to functional neurological disorders are reviewed. The conceptual differences between conversion disorders and functional neurological disorders and the implications of these changes in the clinical approach are identified. The new proposed diagnosis for functional neurological disorders provides the opportunity to transform a diagnosis made by ruling out other pathologies to a diagnosis where the presence of neurological signs suggestive of the disorder are verified and can be taught to the patient, and based on them, treatment strategies posed. © 2017 Asociacion Colombiana de Psiquiatria. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

From Conversion Disorders to Functional Neurological Disorders. Overcoming the Rule-out Diagnosis? / Del trastorno conversivo a los trastornos neurológicos funcionales. ¿Superando el diagnóstico por descarte?

Functional neurological disorders, formerly referred to as conversion disorders, are a frequent clinical problem in neurology, psychiatry and primary care departments. In the new diagnostic categories, emphasis is placed on the positive characteristics necessary to diagnose this disorder. A narrative review of the scientific medical literature related to the subject was performed in order to determine the differences and advantages that the new classification of functional neurological disorders gives to doctors and patients. Historical, diagnostic, clinical and treatment concepts related to functional neurological disorders are reviewed. The conceptual differences between conversion disorders and functional neurological disorders and the implications of these changes in the clinical approach are identified. The new proposed diagnosis for functional neurological disorders provides the opportunity to transform a diagnosis made by ruling out other pathologies to a diagnosis where the presence of neurological signs suggestive of the disorder are verified and can be taught to the patient, and based on them, treatment strategies posed.

Factores de riesgo para ideación suicida en pacientes con trastorno depresivo en Colombia / Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation in Patients with Depressive Disorders in Colombia

Introducción: La ideación suicida es un factor de mal pronóstico en depresión por el riesgo de intento de suicidio y suicidio consumado; sin embargo, es un aspecto que no ha sido estudiado lo suficiente en la población colombiana. Es importante conocer factores asociados para desarrollar estrategias adecuadas de tratamiento. Objetivo: Identificar factores de riesgo para la ideación suicida en pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno depresivo mayor entre los 18 y 65 años, en 5 ciudades de Colombia. Método: Se empleó la información de 295 pacientes con diagnóstico de trastorno depresivo mayor que participaron en el Estudio de Carga Económica de la Depresión en Colombia. La asociación de variables clínicas y psicosociales con la ideación suicida se evaluó por medio de modelos multinivel. Resultados: El sexo femenino fue un factor asociado con un menor riesgo de ideación suicida. Los factores asociados con ideación suicida incluyen desempleo, consumo de cigarrillo y de alcohol en los últimos 30 días, percepción de la salud mental como regular o mala, diagnóstico de depresión doble, tratamiento intrahospitalario, bajos ingresos y haber sufrido una gran crisis financiera en los últimos 2 años. Conclusiones: La ideación suicida es altamente prevalente en pacientes con trastorno depresivo mayor. Dentro de los factores de riesgo para ideación suicida se identifican elementos clínico como psicosocial que deben ser abordados con especial cuidado en pacientes con este diagnóstico al momento de hacer una evaluación de riesgo.

Introduction: Suicidal ideation is a poor prognostic factor in patients with depression, due to the risk of suicide attempt or completed suicide. However, it is a relatively unexplored aspect in the Colombian population. It is important to identify the associated factors in order to develop appropriate treatment strategies. Objective: To identify risk factors for suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder between 18 and 65 years in 5 Colombian cities. Methods: Data from 295 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were used from the Study of the Economic Burden of Depression in Colombia. The association between the clinical and psychosocial variables with the presence of suicidal ideation was assessed using two-level hierarchical models. Results: Female sex was a factor associated with a lower risk of suicidal ideation. Factors associated with the presence of suicidal ideation include unemployment, smoking and alcohol use in the past 30 days, mental health perceived as fair or poor, diagnosis of double depression, inpatient treatment, low income, unemployment, and a major financial crisis in the last 2 years. Conclusions: Suicidal ideation is highly prevalent in patients with major depressive disorder. Risk factors associated with both the clinical and psychosocial domain must be carefully evaluated during risk assessment of patients with this diagnosis.

[Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation in Patients with Depressive Disorders in Colombia]. / Factores de riesgo para ideación suicida en pacientes con trastorno depresivo en Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Suicidal ideation is a poor prognostic factor in patients with depression, due to the risk of suicide attempt or completed suicide. However, it is a relatively unexplored aspect in the Colombian population. It is important to identify the associated factors in order to develop appropriate treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for suicidal ideation in patients with major depressive disorder between 18 and 65 years in 5 Colombian cities. METHODS: Data from 295 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder were used from the Study of the Economic Burden of Depression in Colombia. The association between the clinical and psychosocial variables with the presence of suicidal ideation was assessed using two-level hierarchical models. RESULTS: Female sex was a factor associated with a lower risk of suicidal ideation. Factors associated with the presence of suicidal ideation include unemployment, smoking and alcohol use in the past 30 days, mental health perceived as fair or poor, diagnosis of double depression, inpatient treatment, low income, unemployment, and a major financial crisis in the last 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Suicidal ideation is highly prevalent in patients with major depressive disorder. Risk factors associated with both the clinical and psychosocial domain must be carefully evaluated during risk assessment of patients with this diagnosis.

La carga económica de la depresión en Colombia: costos directos del manejo intrahospitalario / The Economic Burden of Depression in Colombia: Direct Costs of Intrahospital Management

Introducción: En Colombia se desconoce la magnitud del impacto económico de la depresión. Objetivo: Determinar los costos directos del tratamiento hospitalario de la depresión en pacientes con trastornos depresivos de ambos géneros entre los 18 y 65 años de edad. Método: Estudio de costos directos de la enfermedad, a partir de datos consignados en 279 historias clínicas de pacientes hospitalizados por depresión en ocho instituciones de seis ciudades colombianas entre 2007-2008. Se obtuvieron medias o medianas para datos continuos y proporciones para datos categóricos, con sus respectivas medidas de dispersión. Resultados: El costo total promedio de la hospitalización por depresión se encontró en 1.680.000 pesos. La estancia representa el 74,1% del costo de la hospitalización. El costo promedio por día es 150.000 pesos. Bajo condiciones de acceso a los servicios de salud mental restringidas, el costo total directo de hospitalización por depresión severa o moderada está alrededor de 54.000 millones, en la seis ciudades, y en el país, 162.000 millones de pesos. Bajo condiciones de acceso observadas en el ámbito internacional, el costo total es de 134.000 millones de pesos en las seis ciudades y 399.000 millones en el país. Conclusiones: El presente estudio se constituye en un punto de partida hacia la cuantificación de la carga económica de la depresión en Colombia, concretamente en términos de los recursos monetarios destinados al manejo de la enfermedad en hospitales. Los hallazgos deben ser complementados con información sobre otros costos directos e indirectos de la depresión en la población adulta de Colombia.

Introduction: The magnitude of the economic burden of depression in Colombia is unknown. Objective: To determine the direct costs of hospitalary management of male and female patients with depressive disorders aged 18 to 65. Methods: Study of the costs of the illness, using data from 279 clinical records of patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of depression, in 2007-2008, in eight institutions of six cities in Colombia. Means or medians were estimated for continuous data and proportions for categorical data, along with dispersion measures. Results: The total average cost of hospitalization was 1,68 million Colombian pesos. Hospital stay represents 74.1% of the total cost of hospitalization. The average daily cost was 150,000 pesos. Under restricted access conditions the total direct cost of hospitalization for moderate to severe depression was estimated to be around 54,000 million pesos in the six cities included in the study, and 162,000 million pesos at the national level. Under the access conditions observed at the international level, the cost is 134,000 million pesos in the six cities and 399.000 million at the national level. Conclusions: This study is a starting point towards the quantification of the economic burden of depression in Colombia. Specifically, it provides information about the monetary resources used for depression management at the hospital level. These findings need to be complemented with information about other direct and indirect costs related to depression in the adult population of Colombia.

Factores comunes e integración de las psicoterapias / Common Factors and Integration of Psychotherapies

Introducción: Desde hace muchos años se viene discutiendo la presencia de factores comunes y de una eficacia similar en los distintos modelos de psicoterapia. La semejanza entre estos modelos contrasta con las acérrimas discusiones teóricas sobre su especial singularidad. Objetivo: Presentar varias conceptualizaciones sobre la naturaleza de los factores comunes de las psicoterapias. Desarrollo: Se muestran algunos trabajos empíricos y se aborda la posible integración de las diferentes modalidades, con sus ventajas y desventajas.

Introduction: Since many years the presence of common factors and of a comparable efficacy in the different psychotherapy models has been discussed. The similarity between these models is quite in contrast with the fierce theoretical discussions on their special singularity. Objective: To present several conceptualizations on the nature of the common factors in psychotherapies. Development: Some empirical works are shown and the possible integration of the different modalities, with their advantages and disadvantages, are discussed.

Voces del estigma Percepción de estigma en pacientes y familias con enfermedad mental / The Voices of Stigma. Perceptions of Stigma in Patients and Families with Mental Illness

Introducción: El estigma alrededor de la enfermedad mental es un fenómeno global y preocupante. Implica para el paciente y su familia un sufrimiento adicional al de la enfermedad misma y se relaciona con mayor aislamiento, menor búsqueda de ayuda y menos cumplimiento terapéutico. El juicio moral y el temor a la peligrosidad del paciente son fuentes importantes de la discriminación. Objetivo. Describir algunas de las características del estigma. Método. Se realizó una entrevista estructurada a 16 pacientes, dos grupos focales de pacientes en consulta externa y un grupo focal de familia, y se buscaron los ejemplos y testimonios representativos sobre el estigma vivido. Resultados. Este trabajo ofrece, además, testimonios y ejemplos del estigma sentido en pacientes y sus familiares que han acudido a la Clínica La Inmaculada en Bogotá. Conclusión. El estigma respecto a los pacientes con enfermedad mental y sus familias es un tema de actualidad y requiere estudios en profundidad.

Modelos conceptuales en medicina psicosomática / Sychosomatic Medicine: Models for Understanding it

En este trabajo se presentan algunos modelos conceptuales que permiten un acercamiento al campo de la medicina psicosomática. El modelo psicoanalítico ha tenido una influencia histórica, y ha evolucionado a través de conceptos derivados como la alexitimia. La idea básica sigue siendo la dificultad de mentalizar o procesar las emociones, con una descarga somática posterior. Los modelos cognitivos han hecho interesantes aportes recientes, y permiten una exploración conjunta con imágenes funcionales de cerebro. También se discuten los términos de alostasis, el modelo del estrés, la psiconeuroinmunología y la importancia de eventos tempranos en la respuesta posterior del organismo ante situaciones adversas. Finalmente, se destaca el impacto de los aspectos sociales en el estado de salud del individuo.

This paper shows some of the conceptual models underlying an understanding of psychosomatic medicine. Psychoanalysis had an important historic influence and has evolved in concepts such as alexithymia. The basic idea consists in the difficulty mentally processing emotional contents, leading to a somatic discharge. Cognitive models have offer interesting ideas recently, allowing a joint exploration with brain functional images. Other concepts including allostasis, stress, psychoneuroinmunology and the importance of early events en the later response of the organism facing adverse situations are also discussed. Finally, the importance of social aspects in the individual’s health status is also underlined.