Clinical and Cognitive Correlates of Insight in Bipolar Disorder.

Insight is greatly impaired in Bipolar Disorder (BD), especially during mania. Cognitive impairment is also present in BD. Despite that, few studies have investigated a possible association between these two aspects. The main goal of the current study is to compare BD affective states regarding performance in cognitive testing and investigate clinical and cognitive predictors for insight loss in BD. The study investigated a sample of 65 patients who were evaluated in one of the BD phases (mania, euthymia or depression). All the subjects underwent neuropsychological evaluation and completed the Insight Scale for Affective Disorders (ISAD). The relationship between level of insight and clinical/cognitive variables was analyzed through multiple regression models. No significant differences were found among BD phases regarding performance on cognitive testing. Insight was more impaired in mania then in depression or euthymia. Predictors for loss of insight were: severity of manic symptoms and impairments in selective attention (Symbol search test), divided attention (Trail making test) and inhibition (Stroop test). The sample size is a potential limitation of the current study. Nevertheless, the results suggest this had limited impact, with group differences being detected for a number of variables. The results found have important clinical importance, suggesting, for example, that rehabilitation of specific cognitive skills may improve insight in BD.

Psychiatric and socioeconomic aspects as possible predictors of compulsive buying behavior.

INTRODUCTION:: Compulsive buying can be characterized as an almost irresistible urge to buy various items. Compulsive buying disorder is a subject of growing interest to health professionals. It is a current issue and the prevalence rate in the global population is around 5 to 8%. OBJECTIVES:: The main objective of this study was to identify predictors of compulsive buying in the Brazilian population, assessing possible relationships between compulsive buying, depression and anxiety. METHODS:: The Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale was administered to screen for compulsive buying and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess anxiety and depression in a sample of 359 participants. Pearson coefficients were used to test for correlations. RESULTS:: Our study identified an interaction between female gender and compulsion to purchase. Furthermore, people's occupations also appear to have an influence on the problem. We found a correlation between depressive symptoms and oniomania. CONCLUSION:: Our study has certain limitations, such as the difficulty in recruiting individuals with compulsive buying disorder. Since compulsive buying is a phenomenon that is seldom investigated, it therefore remains unidentified. However, this is nevertheless a pioneering paper on the Brazilian population.

Psychiatric and socioeconomic aspects as possible predictors of compulsive buying behavior / Aspectos psiquiátricos e socioeconômicos como possíveis preditores de comportamento de compras compulsivas

Abstract Introduction: Compulsive buying can be characterized as an almost irresistible urge to buy various items. Compulsive buying disorder is a subject of growing interest to health professionals. It is a current issue and the prevalence rate in the global population is around 5 to 8%. Objectives: The main objective of this study was to identify predictors of compulsive buying in the Brazilian population, assessing possible relationships between compulsive buying, depression and anxiety. Methods: The Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale was administered to screen for compulsive buying and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess anxiety and depression in a sample of 359 participants. Pearson coefficients were used to test for correlations. Results: Our study identified an interaction between female gender and compulsion to purchase. Furthermore, people's occupations also appear to have an influence on the problem. We found a correlation between depressive symptoms and oniomania. Conclusion: Our study has certain limitations, such as the difficulty in recruiting individuals with compulsive buying disorder. Since compulsive buying is a phenomenon that is seldom investigated, it therefore remains unidentified. However, this is nevertheless a pioneering paper on the Brazilian population.

Resumo Introdução: A compra compulsiva pode ser caracterizada como um desejo quase irresistível de obter vários itens. O transtorno do comprar compulsivo tem sido objeto de interesse crescente para os profissionais de saúde. Considerado um problema atual, sua taxa de prevalência é de cerca de 5 a 8% na população mundial. Objetivos: O principal objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar os preditores da compulsão por comprar na população brasileira, avaliando possíveis relações entre compra compulsiva, depressão e ansiedade. Métodos: A Escala de Compras Compulsivas Richmond Adaptada foi utilizada para rastreio do comprar compulsivo, e a Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão, para avaliar ansiedade e depressão, em uma amostra de 359 participantes. As correlações foram determinadas usando o teste de Pearson. Resultados: Foi identificada em nosso estudo uma interação entre sexo feminino e compulsão por compras. Além disso, a ocupação parece interferir no problema. Encontramos uma correlação entre sintomas depressivos e oniomania. Conclusão: Nosso estudo apresenta algumas limitações, tais como a dificuldade em recrutar indivíduos com transtorno do comprar compulsivo. Por ser um tema pouco explorado, há uma dificuldade em identificar indivíduos acometidos. No entanto, este é um ensaio pioneiro na população brasileira.

Prevalence study of compulsive buying in a sample with low individual monthly income.

INTRODUCTION: Compulsive buying can be characterized as an almost irresistible impulse to acquire various items. This is a current issue and the prevalence rate in the global population is around 5 to 8%. Some surveys indicate that the problem is growing in young and low-income populations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of compulsive buying among people with low personal monthly incomes and analyze relationships with socio-demographic data. METHODS: The Compulsive Buying Scale was administered to screen for compulsive buying and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess anxiety and depression in a sample of 56 participants. Pearson coefficients were used to test for correlations. RESULTS: The results indicated that 44.6% presented an average family income equal to or greater than 2.76 minimum wages. It is possible that compulsive buying is not linked to the purchasing power since it was found in a low-income population. CONCLUSION: Despite the small sample, the results of this study are important for understanding the problem in question.

Prevalence study of compulsive buying in a sample with low individual monthly income / Estudo de prevalência de compra compulsiva em uma amostra com baixo rendimento mensal individual

Introduction: Compulsive buying can be characterized as an almost irresistible impulse to acquire various items. This is a current issue and the prevalence rate in the global population is around 5 to 8%. Some surveys indicate that the problem is growing in young and low-income populations. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of compulsive buying among people with low personal monthly incomes and analyze relationships with socio-demographic data. Methods: The Compulsive Buying Scale was administered to screen for compulsive buying and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to assess anxiety and depression in a sample of 56 participants. Pearson coefficients were used to test for correlations. Results: The results indicated that 44.6% presented an average family income equal to or greater than 2.76 minimum wages. It is possible that compulsive buying is not linked to the purchasing power since it was found in a low-income population. Conclusion: Despite the small sample, the results of this study are important for understanding the problem in question.

Introdução: A compra compulsiva pode ser caracterizada como um impulso quase irresistível de obter diversos itens. Considerada um problema da atualidade, estima-se que sua taxa de prevalência seja em torno entre 5 a 8% na população mundial. Algumas pesquisas sinalizam um aumento do problema entre jovens e populações de baixa renda. Objetivos: Avaliar a prevalência da compra compulsiva em sujeitos com baixa renda mensal individual e analisar as relações entre os dados sociodemográficos. Método: A Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS) foi utilizada para rastrear compra compulsiva, e a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), para avaliar ansiedade e depressão em uma amostra de 56 participantes. Correlações foram verificadas através do teste de Pearson. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que 44,6% apresentavam renda média familiar igual ou maior a 2,76 salários mínimos. É possível que a compra compulsiva não esteja vinculada ao poder aquisitivo, uma vez que ela foi encontrada em uma população com baixa renda. Conclusão: Embora a amostra seja pequena, os resultados obtidos são importantes para compreender o problema em questão.

Treatment effect on temperament and character in panic disorder: a prospective randomized double-blind study / Efeito de tratamento sobre temperamento e caráter no transtorno de pânico: estudo randomizado prospectivo duplo-cego

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to analyze the effect of pharmacological treatment for panic disorder on temperament and character dimensions and to compare the effect of imipramine and fluoxetine on this outcome. METHOD: Temperament and character dimensions were evaluated in panic disorder patients before and after six months of pharmacological treatment with imipramine and fluoxetine, using the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised. Patients were randomized between groups and both (patient and investigators) were blinded to the intervention drug. Furthermore, 34 non-panic controls answered the revised Temperament and Character Inventory through an Internet survey. RESULTS: Panic disorder patients showed higher scores for Harm Avoidance and lower scores for Persistence, Self-Directedness, and Cooperativeness than controls at baseline, but only the low Persistence value remained different from controls after treatment. Responder patients presented significant reduction in Harm Avoidance scores and a significant increase in Self-Directedness scores, whereas non-responders showed a significant increase of Harm Avoidance levels. Fluoxetine and Imipramine showed similar effects on the revised Temperament and Character Inventory dimensions. CONCLUSION: High Harm Avoidance and low Self-Directedness, Persistence, and Cooperativeness are associated with panic disorder. Treatment of acute panic disorder symptoms lead to the reduction of Harm Avoidance and to an increase in Self-Directedness scores. However, there was no difference between treatment with fluoxetine and imipramine for the effect on the revised Temperament and Character Inventory dimensions.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar o efeito do tratamento farmacológico do transtorno do pânico nas dimensões de temperamento e caráter, comparando os efeitos das medicações imipramina e fluoxetina neste desfecho. METODOLOGIA: As dimensões de temperamento e caráter foram avaliadas em pacientes com transtorno do pânico antes e depois de seis meses de tratamento com imipramina ou fluoxetina, utilizando-se o "Temperament and Character Inventory- Revised" (TCI-R). O estudo foi randomizado e duplo-cego. Além disso, 34 controles sem transtorno do pânico responderam ao TCI-R via internet. RESULTADOS: Pacientes com transtorno do pânico apresentaram maior pontuação para "Harm Avoidance" e menor pontuação para "Persistence", "Self-Directedness" e "Cooperativeness" que os controles antes do tratamento, mas apenas "Persistence" manteve a diferença após o tratamento. Pacientes respondedores apresentaram redução significativa da pontuação para "Harm Avoidance" e aumento significativo para "Self-Directedness" após o tratamento, enquanto os não-respondedores mostraram aumento significativo na pontuação para "Harm Avoidance". A fluoxetina e a imipramina apresentaram efeitos semelhantes nas dimensões do TCI-R. CONCLUSÃO: Alta pontuação para "Harm Avoidance" e baixa para "Persistence", "Self-Directness" e "Cooperativeness" estão associados ao transtorno do pânico. O tratamento sintomático do transtorno do pânico leva a redução da pontuação para "Harm Avoidance" e aumento de pontuação para "Self-Directedness". No entanto, não há diferença entre os efeitos da imipramina e da fluoxetina nestas dimensões do TCI-R.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the driving anger scale (DAS): long form and short form.

INTRODUCTION: Driving anger has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years because it may induce individuals to drive aggressively or adopt risk behaviors. The Driving Anger Scale (DAS) was designed to evaluate the propensity of drivers to become angry or aggressive while driving. This study describes the cross-cultural adaptation of a Brazilian version of the short form and the long form of the DAS. METHODS: Translation and adaptation were made in four steps: two translations and two back-translations carried out by independent evaluators; the development of a brief version by four bilingual experts in mental health and driving behaviors; a subsequent experimental application; and, finally, an investigation of operational equivalence. RESULTS: Final Brazilian versions of the short form and of the long form of the DAS were made and are presented. CONCLUSIONS: This important instrument, which assesses driving anger and aggressive behaviors, is now available to evaluate the driving behaviors of the Brazilian population, which facilitates research in this field.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Driving Anger Scale (DAS): long form and short form / Tradução e adaptação transcultural da versão brasileira da Driving Anger Scale (DAS): forma longa e forma curta

Introduction: Driving anger has attracted the attention of researchers in recent years because it may induce individuals to drive aggressively or adopt risk behaviors. The Driving Anger Scale (DAS) was designed to evaluate the propensity of drivers to become angry or aggressive while driving. This study describes the cross-cultural adaptation of a Brazilian version of the short form and the long form of the DAS. Methods: Translation and adaptation were made in four steps: two translations and two back-translations carried out by independent evaluators; the development of a brief version by four bilingual experts in mental health and driving behaviors; a subsequent experimental application; and, finally, an investigation of operational equivalence. Results: Final Brazilian versions of the short form and of the long form of the DAS were made and are presented. Conclusions: This important instrument, which assesses driving anger and aggressive behaviors, is now available to evaluate the driving behaviors of the Brazilian population, which facilitates research in this field. .

Introdução: A raiva na direção de veículos tem atraído a atenção de pesquisadores nos últimos anos, pois pode induzir as pessoas a dirigirem agressivamente ou a adotarem comportamentos de risco. A Driving Anger Scale (DAS) foi criada a fim de avaliar a propensão de motoristas a se tornarem agressivos ou raivosos enquanto dirigem. Este estudo descreve a adaptação transcultural de uma versão brasileira da forma longa e da forma curta da DAS. Método: O processo consistiu em quatro passos: duas traduções e duas retrotraduções elaboradas por avaliadores independentes; elaboração de uma versão sintética por quatro especialistas em saúde mental e comportamentos na direção bilíngues; posterior aplicação experimental; e, finalmente, investigação da equivalência operacional. Resultados: Foram definidas e são apresentadas as versões finais da forma longa e da forma curta da DAS em português brasileiro. Conclusões: Este importante instrumento, que mensura a raiva na direção e comportamentos agressivos, está agora disponível para avaliar os comportamentos na direção da população brasileira, facilitando a pesquisa nesse campo de estudo. .

Psychotherapy for compulsive buying disorder: a systematic review.

Based on a literature review, the purpose is to identify the main therapeutic approaches for the compulsive buying disorder, a present time disorder characterized by excessive and uncontrollable concerns or behaviors related to buying or expenses, which may lead to adverse consequences. The systematic review was carried out by searching the electronic scientific bases Medline/Pubmed, ISI, PsycInfo. The search was comprised of full-text articles, written in Portuguese and English, with no time limit or restrictions on the type of study and sample. A total of 1659 references were found and, by the end, 23 articles were selected for this review. From the articles found, it was determined that, although there are case studies and clinical trials underlining the effectiveness of the treatment for compulsive buying, only those studies with a focus on the cognitive-behavioral therapy approach make evident the successful response to the treatment. The publication of new studies on the etiology and epidemiology of the disorder is necessary, in order to establish new forms of treatment and to verify the effectiveness and response of the Brazilian population to the existing protocols.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: implications of metabolic dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its clinical interrelations in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, prospective study with 100 patients with diagnosed PCOS based on the consensus of Rotterdam (2003). We investigated the interrelationships of MS, with intrinsic PCOS data. Dermatological profile was analyzed, in addition to acanthosis nigricans (AN) in the presence of hirsutism and acne. The use of HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) aimed at the correlation with MS in order to establish the metabolic dysfunction with the state of insulin resistance. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviations corresponding figures for age, body mass index and waist circumference were, respectively, 25.72 (± 4.87), 30.63 (± 9.31) and 92.09 (± 18.73). The prevalence of MS was 36% and significantly correlated with BMI, AN, and in 51% of patients the state of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Regarding skin profile, only AN significant correlation with MS. CONCLUSION: We propose the routine inspection of metabolic components related to severe PCOS. These parameters configure the cardiovascular risk and such conduct is of undoubted importance to public health.

Psychiatric comorbidity in diabetes type 1: a cross-sectional observational study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, i.e., the presence of signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression in type 1 diabetic patients, as well as to investigate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in insulin dependent patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study of 110 diabetic outpatients (mean = 58.3, SD = 14.5; 50 male and 60 female) was conducted in a public health clinic with patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who were under the medical supervision of an endocrinologist. The patients were evaluated through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS). RESULTS: With respect to anxiety symptoms, we found a prevalence of 60% (n = 66) among patients, while in depression symptoms we found a prevalence of 53.6% (n = 59) concerning the 110 patients evaluated. More specifically, we found 28.2% (n = 31) of patients without depression or anxiety, 13.6% (n = 15) of patients with depression, 16.4% (n = 18) of patients with anxiety and 41.8% (n = 46) of patients with depression combined with anxiety. The most remarkable data were generalized anxiety disorder (22.7%), dysthymia (18.2%), panic disorder (8.2%) and social phobia (5.5%). CONCLUSION: The need for accurate assessments about the presence of symptoms related to psychopathology in patients with type 1 diabetes is evident.

Caffeine and suicide: a systematic review.

Suicide is considered a deliberate act initiated and concluded by a person with full knowledge or expectation of a fatal result, and one of the main symptoms of depression. An individual's conscious and excessive ingestion of a damaging substance is also considered to be an attempted suicide. Despite limited knowledge of caffeine abuse, deaths from overdose of caffeine have been reported in the literature. Thus, this study aims to review the existing literature on caffeine consumption and suicide attempts and deaths, investigating the relation between caffeine consumption and suicide attempts and deaths. We found 24 studies that discuss the relationship between caffeine and suicide. The findings revealed that, despite being an addictive substance and potentially fatal in higher doses, caffeine was still a rare factor in a number of studies concerning its relation with suicide attempts and death. The majority of the research found in this study was of the case study type. Furthermore, the majority of studies focus on the assistance offered to the victim and the procedures undertaken to control the bodily damage created. The existing studies indicate the substance may act as either a direct or an indirect agent in suicide. Therefore, a better understanding of how caffeine may be linked to suicide is crucial for its prevention.

Depression as a comorbidity in Behcet's syndrome.

Behcet's syndrome (BD) is a controversial, chronic, and episodic condition that is autoimmune in origin and causes systemic vasculitis in the arteries and genital veins. BD is consistently associated with depression, with an incidence of 86% upon the first appearance of symptoms and disorders of the disease. However, few studies have looked at depression and other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, in the context of comorbidity with BD. The aim of this review is to identify articles that focus on the relation between BD and depression as a comorbidity. The studies found revealed a consistently high incidence of depression in the BD population, even when compared with other chronic pathologies including Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriasis, although there was a limitation in the use of scales and other tools for assessment and control of comorbid symptoms, moreover there are no studies linking the drugs used in the BD treatment of each patient and the symptoms present in each case. This review clearly shows the lack of research in which depression scores are analyzed in relation to the medications used by individual patients. Additionally, the use of additional scales is necessary to increase the knowledge about the nature and consequences of depression as comorbidity of BD.

Executive function impairments in patients with depression.

Depression, the most prevalent psychiatric disorder, has a lifelong risk of 20% and is related to high rates of death among the patients. Thus, this study aims to conduct a systematic review of changes in executive functions of adult patients diagnosed with depression. We found 1381 articles; however, only 28 were selected and recovered. The inclusion criteria was the assessment of executive functions with at least one neuropsychological test, and articles that evaluated primarily adult individuals with depression, without comparison to other psychiatric disorders. Although most of the studies (25 out of 28 analyzed) have shown deficits in some executive subcomponents, these findings are not conclusive because they used different parameters of assessment. Moreover, many variables were not controlled, such as the different subtypes of the disorder, the high level of severity, comorbidity and the use of drugs. Most studies showed different deficits in executive functions in depressed patients, but further longitudinal studies are needed in order to confirm these findings.

Validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of Yale-Brown obsessive compulsive scale-shopping version (YBOCS-SV).

INTRODUCTION: The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale-Shopping Version (YBOCS-SV) is considered the gold standard in the assessment of shopping severity. It is designed to assess cognitions and behaviors relating to compulsive buying behavior. The present study aims to assess the validity of the Brazilian version of this scale. METHODS: For the study, composed the sample 610 participants: 588 subjects of a general population and 22 compulsive buyers. Factorial analysis was performed to assess the relations and the correlation between the YBOCS-SV, the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS), and Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale (RCBS), was assessed using Pearson coefficient, for study of convergent and divergent validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were used to assess internal consistency. RESULTS: The results show good to excellent psychometric parameters for the YBOCS-SV in its Brazilian version. With regard to correlations, the YBOCS-SV is inversely and proportionally correlated with CBS and the RCBS, indicating that the YBOCS-SV is an excellent instrument for screening compulsive buying. The YBOCS-SV presented high alpha coefficient of Cronbach's alpha (0.92), demonstrating good reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian version of the YBOCS-SV is indicated to diagnose compulsive buying disorder, and likely use for the purposes intended in the Brazilian population.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: implications of metabolic dysfunction / Síndrome dos ovários policísticos: implicações da disfunção metabólica

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its clinical interrelations in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, prospective study with 100 patients with diagnosed PCOS based on the consensus of Rotterdam (2003). We investigated the interrelationships of MS, with intrinsic PCOS data. Dermatological profile was analyzed, in addition to acanthosis nigricans (AN) in the presence of hirsutism and acne. The use of HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance) aimed at the correlation with MS in order to establish the metabolic dysfunction with the state of insulin resistance. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviations corresponding figures for age, body mass index and waist circumference were, respectively, 25.72 (± 4.87), 30.63 (± 9.31) and 92.09 (± 18.73). The prevalence of MS was 36% and significantly correlated with BMI, AN, and in 51% of patients the state of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Regarding skin profile, only AN significant correlation with MS. CONCLUSION: We propose the routine inspection of metabolic components related to severe PCOS. These parameters configure the cardiovascular risk and such conduct is of undoubted importance to public health. .

OBJETIVO: estabelecer a prevalência da síndrome metabólica (SM) e as respectivas inter-relações clínicas no contexto da síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP). MÉTODO: estudo transversal, prospectivo, em 100 pacientes portadoras de SOP diagnosticada com base no consenso de Rotterdam (2003). Investigam-se, principalmente, as interrelações da SM, com os dados intrínsecos à SOP. O perfil dermatológico analisado consiste, além da acantose nigricante (AN), na presença de hirsutismo e da acne. O emprego do HOMA-IR (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance - modelo matemático de aferição da resistência insulínica) objetivou a correlação com a SM a fim de legitimar a disfunção metabólica com o estado de RI. RESULTADOS: Os valores médios e respectivos desvios-padrões relativos à idade, ao índice de massa corporal e a circunferência abdominal foram respectivamente 25,72 (±4,87), 30,63 (±9,31) e 92,09 (±18,73). A prevalência da SM, 36%, mostrou correlação significativa com o IMC, prevalecido pela constituição do sobrepeso e obesidade, a AN e, em 51% das pacientes, o estado de resistência à insulina (HOMA-IR). No que concerne ao perfil dérmico, apenas a AN evidenciou correlação significativa com a SM. CONCLUSÃO: propõe-se a inspeção rotineira dos componentes metabólicos relacionados ao quadro grave da SOP. Tais parâmetros configuram o risco cardiovascular e tal conduta se constitui de indubitável importância no que tange à saúde pública. .

"Nomophobia": impact of cell phone use interfering with symptoms and emotions of individuals with panic disorder compared with a control group.

UNLABELLED: Panic disorder refers to the frequent and recurring acute attacks of anxiety. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the routine use of mobiles phones (MPs) and investigates the appearance of possible emotional alterations or symptoms related to their use in patients with panic disorder (PD). BACKGROUND: We compared patients with PD and agoraphobia being treated at the Panic and Respiration Laboratory of The Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to a control group of healthy volunteers. METHODS: An MP-use questionnaire was administered to a consecutive sample of 50 patients and 70 controls. RESULTS: People with PD showed significant increases in anxiety, tachycardia, respiratory alterations, trembling, perspiration, panic, fear and depression related to the lack of an MP compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups exhibited dependence on and were comforted by having an MP; however, people with PD and agoraphobia showed significantly more emotional alterations as well as intense physical and psychological symptoms when they were apart from or unable to use an MP compared to healthy volunteers.

High-frequency rTMS to treat refractory binge eating disorder and comorbid depression: a case report.

Binge eating disorder (BED) has limited therapeutic options. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a modulation technique of cortical excitability that has shown good results in treating certain psychiatric disorders by correcting dysfunctional cortical regions. We hypothesize that rTMS could be an alternative therapy for BED through potential modulation action on frontostriatal abnormalities and dopaminergic pathways noted by neuroimaging. We report the case of a young woman presenting refractory BED and comorbid depression treated with 20 sessions of rTMS for 30 minutes over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at 10 Hz for about a month (2400 stimuli per day). She answered two self-report questionnaires, the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Before rTMS treatment, the BES score was 38, and the BDI score was 42. Three days after rTMS treatment, the BES score was 27 and the BDI score was 23, and the patient referred to no binge eating episodes for that week. Therefore, rTMS could offer a new option of treatment for BED and comorbid depression.

Implications of movement-related cortical potential for understanding neural adaptations in muscle strength tasks.

This systematic review aims to provide information about the implications of the movement-related cortical potential (MRCP) in acute and chronic responses to the counter resistance training. The structuring of the methods of this study followed the proposals of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses). It was performed an electronically search in Pubmed/Medline and ISI Web of Knowledge data bases, from 1987 to 2013, besides the manual search in the selected references. The following terms were used: Bereitschaftspotential, MRCP, strength and force. The logical operator "AND" was used to combine descriptors and terms used to search publications. At the end, 11 studies attended all the eligibility criteria and the results demonstrated that the behavior of MRCP is altered because of different factors such as: force level, rate of force development, fatigue induced by exercise, and the specific phase of muscular action, leading to an increase in the amplitude in eccentric actions compared to concentric actions, in acute effects. The long-term adaptations demonstrated that the counter resistance training provokes an attenuation in the amplitude in areas related to the movement, which may be caused by neural adaptation occurred in the motor cortex.