The anxiolytic effect of cannabidiol depends on the nature of the trauma when patients with post-traumatic stress disorder recall their trigger event

Objectives: We assessed whether administering cannabidiol (CBD) before recalling the traumatic event that triggered their disorder attenuates anxiety in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As an exploratory pilot analysis, we also investigated whether this effect depends on the nature of the event (sexual vs. nonsexual trauma). Methods: Thirty-three patients of both sexes with PTSD were recruited and randomized 1:1 into two groups. One group received oral CBD (300 mg), and the other received a placebo before listening to a digital audio playback of their previously recorded report of the trigger event. Subjective and physiological measurements were taken before and after recall. We analyzed the data in two subsamples: trigger events involving sexual and nonsexual trauma. Results: In the nonsexual trauma group, the differences between measurements before and after recall were significantly smaller with CBD than placebo; this held true for anxiety and cognitive impairment. However, in the sexual trauma group, the differences were non-significant for both measurements. Conclusion: A single dose of CBD (300mg) attenuated the increased anxiety and cognitive impairment induced by recalling a traumatic event in patients with PTSD when the event involved nonsexual trauma.

Cannabidiol reverses memory impairments and activates components of the Akt/GSK3ß pathway in an experimental model of estrogen depletion.

Clinical and preclinical evidence has indicated that estrogen depletion leads to memory impairments and increases the susceptibility to neural damage. Here, we have sought to investigate the effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) a non-psychotomimetic compound from Cannabis sativa, on memory deficits induced by estrogen depletion in rats, and its underlying mechanisms. Adult rats were subjected to bilateral ovariectomy, an established estrogen depletion model in rodents, or sham surgery and allowed to recover for three weeks. After that, they received daily injections of CBD (10 mg/kg) for fourteen days. Rats were tested in the inhibitory avoidance task, a type of emotionally-motivated memory. After behavioral testing they were euthanized, and their hippocampi were isolated for analysis of components of the Akt/GSK3ß survival pathway and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl2. Results revealed that ovariectomy impaired avoidance memory, and CBD was able to completely reverse estrogen depletion-induced memory impairment. Ovariectomy also reduced Akt/GSK3ß pathway's activation by decreasing the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK3ß and Bcl2 levels, which were ameliorated by CBD. The present results indicate that CBD leads to a functional recovery accompanied by the Akt/GSK3ß survival pathway's activation, supporting its potential as a treatment for estrogen decline-induced deterioration of neural functioning and maintenance.

A compilação de triagem de transtornos mentais específicos pode detectar transtornos mentais gerais / Specific mental disorder screening compilation may detect general mental disorders / La compilación de la selección de trastornos mentales específicos puede detectar los trastornos mentales generales

Objetivo: Avaliar se um compilado breve de instrumentos de triagem, para transtornos mentais específicos, pode detectar transtornos mentais e emocionais na população geral. Método: Foram selecionados instrumentos de triagem validados para os transtornos mentais e emocionais mais prevalentes. Como critério de seleção, esses instrumentos deveriam manter as propriedades psicométricas do instrumento completo com apenas um ou alguns itens. Os instrumentos selecionados foram: o Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), o Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), o item 3 do Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), e três itens do Adolescent Psychotic-Like Symptom Screener (APSS-3). Esse compilado de instrumentos de triagem foi chamado de Mini Rastreio para Transtornos Mentais (Mini-RTM). O estudo foi dividido em duas fases: na primeira, 545 sujeitos foram entrevistados com o instrumento de triagem Mini-RTM e COOP/WONCA-Sentimentos em suas residências; na segunda fase, os sujeitos que concordaram em participar (230) foram entrevistados com o Mini-RTM, COOP/WONCA-Sentimentos e a entrevista diagnóstica MINI. A confiabilidade teste-reteste foi calculada pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (ICC). A área sob a curva ROC foi gerada para a análise da validade discriminativa. A validade concorrente foi calculada pela análise da correlação entre o Mini-RTM e o COOP/WONCA-Sentimentos. Resultados: A administração conjunta dos instrumentos de triagem para transtornos específicos mostrou sensibilidades que variaram de 0,76 a 0,88 e especificidades que variaram de 0,67 a 0,85. O valor do ICC para o escore total do Mini-RTM foi de 0,78. A área sob a curva para a detecção dos transtornos mentais foi de 0,84, com sensibilidade de 0,74 e especificidade de 0,76 (ponto de corte ≥ 4). Conclusão: Esse estudo mostrou que um compilado breve de instrumentos de rastreio para transtornos mentais específicos (Mini-RTM) pode detectar transtornos mentais e emocionais na população geral.

Objective: To evaluate whether a short compilation of screening tools for specific disorders could identify Mental or Emotional Disorders (MEDs) in the general population. Methods: We selected validated screening tools for the most prevalent MEDs. In order to be selected, these tools should maintain the psychometric properties of the complete instrument with a reduced number of items. These instruments were: Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), item 3 of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and three items on the Adolescent Psychotic-Like Symptom Screener (APSS-3). We called this compilation of screening tools Mini Screening for Mental Disorders (Mini-SMD). The study was divided in two phases. Firstly, 545 subjects were interviewed with the Mini-SMD and COOP/WONCA-Feelings at their residences. Subsequently, subjects who had agreed to participate (230) were reinterviewed with Mini-SMD, COOP/ WONCA-Feelings and MINI interview. Test-retest reliability was calculated by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated for the analysis of discriminative validity. Concurrent validity was calculated by analyzing the correlation between Mini-SMD and COOP/WONCA-Feelings. Results: The joint administration of screening tools for specific disorders showed sensitivities that ranged from 0.76 to 0.88 and specificities from 0.67 to 0.85. The ICC value for the total score of Mini-SMD was 0.78. The area under the curve was 0.84, with a sensitivity of 0.74 and specificity of 0.76 (for a cutoff ≥ 4). Conclusion: This study showed that a short compilation of screening tools for specific disorders can detect MEDs in general population.

Objetivo: Evaluar si un breve compilado de herramientas de detección para trastornos mentales específicos puede detectar los trastornos mentales y emocionales en la población general. Método: Herramientas de detección validadas para los trastornos emocionales y mentales más frecuentes han sido seleccionadas. Como criterios de selección, estas herramientas deberían mantener las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento completo con sólo uno o pocos elementos. Las herramientas seleccionadas fueron: el Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), el Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2), el elemento 3 del Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) y tres elementos del Adolescent Psychotic-Like Symptom Screener (APSS-3). Este compilado de herramientas de detección ha sido denominado el Mini Detección para Trastornos Mentales (Mini-DTM). El estudio se dividió en dos etapas. En la primera etapa, 545 sujetos fueron entrevistados en sus residencias con la herramienta de detección Mini-DTM y COOP/WONCA-Sentimientos. En la segunda etapa, a los sujetos que aceptaron participar (230) se entrevistaron con el Mini-DTM, COOP/WONCASentimientos y la entrevista diagnóstica MINI. La fiabilidad evaluar/revaluar fue calculada mediante el Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase (ICC). La Curva ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) fue generada para el análisis de la validez discriminante. La validez concurrente se calculó mediante el análisis de la correlación entre el Mini-DTM y el COOP/WONCA-Sentimientos. Resultados: La administración conjunta de las herramientas de detección para trastornos específicos mostró sensibilidades que oscilaron de 0,76 a 0,88 y especificidades que oscilaron de 0,67 a 0,85. El valor del ICC para la puntuación total del Mini-DTM fue 0,78. El área bajo la curva para la detección de trastornos mentales fue 0,84, con una sensibilidad de 0,74 y especificidad de 0,76 (punto de corte ≥ 4). Conclusión: Este estudio demostró que un breve compilado de herramientas de detección para trastornos mentales específicos (Mini-DTM) puede detectar trastornos mentales y emocionales en la población general.

Antiapoptotic effects of cannabidiol in an experimental model of cognitive decline induced by brain iron overload.

Iron accumulation in the brain has been recognized as a common feature of both normal aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Cognitive dysfunction has been associated to iron excess in brain regions in humans. We have previously described that iron overload leads to severe memory deficits, including spatial, recognition, and emotional memory impairments in adult rats. In the present study we investigated the effects of neonatal iron overload on proteins involved in apoptotic pathways, such as Caspase 8, Caspase 9, Caspase 3, Cytochrome c, APAF1, and PARP in the hippocampus of adult rats, in an attempt to establish a causative role of iron excess on cell death in the nervous system, leading to memory dysfunction. Cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychotropic component of Cannabis sativa, was examined as a potential drug to reverse iron-induced effects on the parameters analyzed. Male rats received vehicle or iron carbonyl (30 mg/kg) from the 12th to the 14th postnatal days and were treated with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg) for 14 days in adulthood. Iron increased Caspase 9, Cytochrome c, APAF1, Caspase 3 and cleaved PARP, without affecting cleaved Caspase 8 levels. CBD reversed iron-induced effects, recovering apoptotic proteins Caspase 9, APAF1, Caspase 3 and cleaved PARP to the levels found in controls. These results suggest that iron can trigger cell death pathways by inducing intrinsic apoptotic proteins. The reversal of iron-induced effects by CBD indicates that it has neuroprotective potential through its anti-apoptotic action.

Novel insights into mitochondrial molecular targets of iron-induced neurodegeneration: Reversal by cannabidiol.

Evidence has demonstrated iron accumulation in specific brain regions of patients suffering from neurodegenerative disorders, and this metal has been recognized as a contributing factor for neurodegeneration. Using an experimental model of brain iron accumulation, we have shown that iron induces severe memory deficits that are accompanied by oxidative stress, increased apoptotic markers, and decreased synaptophysin in the hippocampus of rats. The present study aims to characterize iron loading effects as well as to determine the molecular targets of cannabidiol (CBD), the main non-psychomimetic compound of Cannabis sativa, on mitochondria. Rats received iron in the neonatal period and CBD for 14 days in adulthood. Iron induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions, decreased epigenetic modulation of mtDNA, mitochondrial ferritin levels, and succinate dehydrogenase activity. CBD rescued mitochondrial ferritin and epigenetic modulation of mtDNA, and restored succinate dehydrogenase activity in iron-treated rats. These findings provide new insights into molecular targets of iron neurotoxicity and give support for the use of CBD as a disease modifying agent in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Early interventions for the prevention of PTSD in adults: a systematic literature review

Abstract Background Secondary interventions are implemented within a short interval following the occurrence of traumatic events with the purpose of preventing the onset of PTSD. Objective Analyze the results of studies that assessed post-trauma interventions in adults aimed at preventing the onset of PTSD or symptoms related to PTSD. Methods We performed literature searches using the search expression [(Early intervention OR secondary prevention) AND (Post traumatic stress disorder OR PTSD)] for articles published until October 2016. Among the references found, 29 fulfilled the selection criteria established for the review. Data were divided and analyzed according to the type of intervention: pharmacological or psychological. Results Psychological measures used in the studies lack homogeneity regarding the type of intervention and the assessment of intervention outcomes. Pharmacological interventions were less frequent and findings require replication, together with an expansion in the types of substances investigated. In general, many of the studies reviewed suggest that both pharmacological and psychological interventions are effective in the prevention of PTSD. Discussion Future trials should be focused on determining the best interventions for the secondary prevention of PTSD. The combination of psychological and pharmacological interventions for post-trauma patients poses opportunities and challenges that remain unexplored.

Avaliação do papel do sistema canabidiol em um modelo de lesão renal por isquemia/reperfusão em animais / Evaluation of the role of the cannabidiol system in an animal model of ischemia/reperfusion kidney injury

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos da administração de canabidiol em um modelo de isquemia/reperfusão renal em animais. Métodos: Foi induzida uma lesão renal, por meio de 45 minutos de isquemia renal seguida por reperfusão. Administrou-se canabidiol (5mg/kg) imediatamente após a reperfusão. Resultados: A isquemia/reperfusão aumentou os níveis de interleucina 1 e fator de necrose tumoral, o que foi atenuado pelo tratamento com canabidiol. Além disso, o canabidiol foi capaz de diminuir o dano oxidativo de lipídios e proteínas, mas não os níveis de nitrito/nitrato. A lesão renal após isquemia/reperfusão pareceu ser independente da expressão dos receptores canabidiol-1 e canabidiol-2, já que não houve aumento significante desses receptores após a reperfusão. Conclusão: O tratamento com canabidiol teve um efeito protetor contra a inflamação e o dano oxidativo em um modelo de isquemia/reperfusão renal. Esses efeitos parecem não ocorrer via ativação dos receptores canabidiol-1/canabidiol-2.

ABSTRACT Objective: This work aimed to investigate the effects of the administration of cannabidiol in a kidney ischemia/reperfusion animal model. Methods: Kidney injury was induced by 45 minutes of renal ischemia followed by reperfusion. Cannabidiol (5mg/kg) was administered immediately after reperfusion. Results: Ischemia/reperfusion increased the IL-1 and TNF levels, and these levels were attenuated by cannabidiol treatment. Additionally, cannabidiol was able to decrease lipid and protein oxidative damage, but not the nitrite/nitrate levels. Kidney injury after ischemia/reperfusion seemed to be independent of the cannabidiol receptor 1 and cannabidiol receptor 2 (CB1 and CB2) expression levels, as there was no significant increase in these receptors after reperfusion. Conclusion: The cannabidiol treatment had a protective effect against inflammation and oxidative damage in the kidney ischemia/reperfusion model. These effects seemed to be independent of CB1/CB2 receptor activation.

Reprint of "Caffeine protects against memory loss induced by high and non-anxiolytic dose of cannabidiol in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)".

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been investigated in a wide spectrum of clinical approaches due to its psychopharmacological properties. CBD has low affinity for cannabinoid neuroreceptors and agonistic properties to 5-HT receptors. An interaction between cannabinoid and purinergic receptor systems has been proposed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate CBD properties on memory behavioral and locomotor parameters and the effects of pre-treatment of adenosine receptor blockers on CBD impacts on memory using adult zebrafish. CBD (0.1, 0.5, 5, and 10mg/kg) was tested in the avoidance inhibitory paradigm and anxiety task. We analyzed the effect of a long-term caffeine pre-treatment (~20mg/L - four months). Also, acute block of adenosine receptors was performed in co-administration with CBD exposure in the memory assessment. CBD promoted an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in the anxiety task; in the memory assessment, CBD in the dose of 5mg/Kg promoted the strongest effects without interfering with social and aggressive behavior. Caffeine treatment was able to prevent CBD (5mg/kg) effects on memory when CBD was given after the training session. CBD effects on memory were partially prevented by co-treatment with a specific A2A adenosine receptor antagonist when given prior to or after the training session, while CBD effects after the training session were fully prevented by adenosine A1 receptor antagonist. These results indicated that zebrafish have responses to CBD anxiolytic properties that are comparable to other animal models, and high doses changed memory retention in a way dependent on adenosine.

Caffeine protects against memory loss induced by high and non-anxiolytic dose of cannabidiol in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been investigated in a wide spectrum of clinical approaches due to its psychopharmacological properties. CBD has low affinity for cannabinoid neuroreceptors and agonistic properties to 5-HT receptors. An interaction between cannabinoid and purinergic receptor systems has been proposed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate CBD properties on memory behavioral and locomotor parameters and the effects of pre-treatment of adenosine receptor blockers on CBD impacts on memory using adult zebrafish. CBD (0.1, 0.5, 5, and 10mg/kg) was tested in the avoidance inhibitory paradigm and anxiety task. We analyzed the effect of a long-term caffeine pre-treatment (~20mg/L - four months). Also, acute block of adenosine receptors was performed in co-administration with CBD exposure in the memory assessment. CBD promoted an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve in the anxiety task; in the memory assessment, CBD in the dose of 5mg/Kg promoted the strongest effects without interfering with social and aggressive behavior. Caffeine treatment was able to prevent CBD (5mg/kg) effects on memory when CBD was given after the training session. CBD effects on memory were partially prevented by co-treatment with a specific A2A adenosine receptor antagonist when given prior to or after the training session, while CBD effects after the training session were fully prevented by adenosine A1 receptor antagonist. These results indicated that zebrafish have responses to CBD anxiolytic properties that are comparable to other animal models, and high doses changed memory retention in a way dependent on adenosine.

Estudos psicométricos de instrumentos breves de rastreio para múltiplos transtornos mentais / Psychometric studies of brief screening tools for multiple mental disorders

Objetivo Realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre as características psicométricas de instrumentos breves para rastreamento de múltiplos transtornos mentais em cuidados primários de saúde. Métodos Revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO e ISI, de artigos publicados até abril de 2014, utilizando descritores sobre rastreamento breve de múltiplos transtornos mentais em cuidados primários de saúde. Resultados Foram obtidos 277 estudos e selecionados 15 após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Oito estudos analisaram confiabilidade e/ou consistência interna e os resultados mostraram índices bastante satisfatórios. Nos artigos selecionados, estavam presentes as análises das validades preditiva, concorrente e discriminante. Conclusão As escalas de rastreamento são úteis para a triagem de pacientes com possíveis transtornos mentais, e o uso desses instrumentos melhoraria a capacidade de detecção desses transtornos em cuidados primários de saúde. .

Objective Conduct a systematic literature review about psychometric characteristics of brief tools used for screening multiple mental disorders in primary health care. Methods Systematic literature review on PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO and ISI databases until April 2014 using key words related to brief screening of multiple mental disorders in primary health care. Results Were obtained 277 articles; 15 articles were selected after considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eight articles assessed reliability and/or internal consistency and results showed satisfactory indices. In the selected articles, were present analyzes of predictive validity, concurrent and discriminant. Results ranged from moderate to good. Conclusion Screening scales are useful to identify patients with possible mental disorders and they increase chances of detecting such disorders in primary health care. .

Evaluation of the role of the cannabidiol system in an animal model of ischemia/reperfusion kidney injury.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to investigate the effects of the administration of cannabidiol in a kidney ischemia/reperfusion animal model. METHODS: Kidney injury was induced by 45 minutes of renal ischemia followed by reperfusion. Cannabidiol (5mg/kg) was administered immediately after reperfusion. RESULTS: Ischemia/reperfusion increased the IL-1 and TNF levels, and these levels were attenuated by cannabidiol treatment. Additionally, cannabidiol was able to decrease lipid and protein oxidative damage, but not the nitrite/nitrate levels. Kidney injury after ischemia/reperfusion seemed to be independent of the cannabidiol receptor 1 and cannabidiol receptor 2 (CB1 and CB2) expression levels, as there was no significant increase in these receptors after reperfusion. CONCLUSION: The cannabidiol treatment had a protective effect against inflammation and oxidative damage in the kidney ischemia/reperfusion model. These effects seemed to be independent of CB1/CB2 receptor activation.

Cannabidiol normalizes caspase 3, synaptophysin, and mitochondrial fission protein DNM1L expression levels in rats with brain iron overload: implications for neuroprotection.

We have recently shown that chronic treatment with cannabidiol (CBD) was able to recover memory deficits induced by brain iron loading in a dose-dependent manner in rats. Brain iron accumulation is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and has been related to cognitive deficits in animals and human subjects. Deficits in synaptic energy supply have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases, evidencing the key role played by mitochondria in maintaining viable neural cells and functional circuits. It has also been shown that brains of patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases have increased expression of apoptosisrelated proteins and specific DNA fragmentation. Here, we have analyzed the expression level of brain proteins involved with mitochondrial fusion and fission mechanisms (DNM1L and OPA1), the main integral transmembrane protein of synaptic vesicles (synaptophysin), and caspase 3, an apoptosis-related protein, to gain a better understanding of the potential of CBD in restoring the damage caused by iron loading in rats. We found that CBD rescued iron-induced effects, bringing hippocampal DNM1L, caspase 3, and synaptophysin levels back to values comparable to the control group. Our results suggest that iron affects mitochondrial dynamics, possibly trigging synaptic loss and apoptotic cell death and indicate that CBD should be considered as a potential molecule with memory-rescuing and neuroprotective properties to be used in the treatment of cognitive deficits observed in neurodegenerative disorders.

Human experimental anxiety: actual public speaking induces more intense physiological responses than simulated public speaking

Objectives: a) To perform a systematic and meta-analytic review to verify whether the Simulated Public Speaking Task (SPST) leads to a greater increase in self-rated anxiety than in physiological correlates of anxiety; and b) to compare the results obtained with the SPST with an actual public speaking task involving healthy volunteers. Methods: a) The PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge databases were searched for studies involving the SPST prior to 2012. Eleven publications were eligible and provided data from 143 healthy volunteers for meta-analysis; b) 48 university students without somatic or psychiatric disorders were divided into three experimental groups of 16 subjects to undergo one of the following: SPST, real-world public speaking task (real-world), and control situation (control). Results: The meta-analysis showed that the SPST induced a significant increase in the Visual Analogue Mood Scale (VAMS) anxiety factor, but no significant increases in systolic blood pressure or heart rate. The empirical study showed that the real-world public speaking task increased heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure significantly more than the control and SPST conditions. Conclusions: These results suggest that real public speaking might be better than SPST in inducing experimental anxiety. .

O cuidado colaborativo auxilia no tratamento da ansiedade na atenção primária? / Does collaborative care help in the treatment of anxiety in primary health care? / ¿El cuidado colaborativo ayuda a tratar la ansiedad en la atención primaria?

Objetivo: Os transtornos de ansiedade representam uma parte importante dos problemas de saúde mental na atenção primária. Esta revisão bibliográfica pretende responder se o cuidado colaborativo (no Brasil chamado de "matriz de suporte") ajuda no tratamento dos transtornos de ansiedade e/ou sintomas de ansiedade. Métodos: Realizou-se uma busca bibliográfica, sem restrição de período, nas bases de dados PubMed, ISI, e LILACS PSYCINFO. Os descritores utilizados foram: "cuidado colaborativo"; "cuidado compartilhado"; "atenção primária"; "ansiedade"; "transtorno de ansiedade generalizada"; "transtorno de pânico"; "fobia"; "fobia social"; "transtorno de estresse pós-traumático"; "transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo"; e "transtorno de ansiedade NOS". Resultados: Foi encontrado um total de 106 artigos, sendo que sete foram selecionados após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão. Conclusão: Apesar dos diferentes tipos de cuidado colaborativo utilizados, os resultados mostram uma melhora nos sintomas de ansiedade nos pacientes que receberam o cuidado colaborativo em comparação com os grupos controle sem tal intervenção.

Objective: Anxiety disorders represent an important part of mental health problems in primary care. This literature review seeks to find out whether collaborative care (called "matrix support" in Brazil) assists the treatment of anxiety disorders and/or anxiety symptoms. Methods: We performed a literature search with no time period restriction using PubMed, ISI, and LILACS PSYCINFO databases. The descriptors sought were "collaborative care", "shared care", "primary care", "anxiety", "generalized anxiety disorder", "panic disorder", "phobia", "social phobia", "post-traumatic stress disorder", "obsessive compulsive disorder" and "anxiety disorder, Not Otherwise Specified - NOS." Results: A total of 106 articles were found and after the application of exclusion criteria, seven articles were selected for the present analysis. Conclusion: Despite the different types of collaborative care used, results show greater improvement in anxiety symptoms in patients that received collaborative care compared with those in the control groups, who did not receive such intervention.

Objetivo: Los trastornos de ansiedad representan una parte importante de los problemas de salud mental en la atención primaria. Esta revisión bibliográfica pretende responder si el cuidado colaborativo (llamado "matriz de soporte" en Brasil) ayuda en el tratamiento de los trastornos y/o síntomas de ansiedad. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica, sin restricción de período de tiempo, en las bases de datos PubMed, ISI, and LILACS PSYCINFO. Los descriptores utilizados fueron: "cuidado colaborativo", "cuidado compartido", "atención primaria", "ansiedad", "trastorno de ansiedad generalizada", "trastorno de pánico", "fobia", "fobia social", "trastorno de estrés postraumático", "trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo" y "trastorno de ansiedad NOS". Resultados: Se encontraron 106 artículos, de los cuales se usaron siete después de la aplicación de los criterios de exclusión. Conclusión: A pesar de los diferentes tipos de cuidado colaborativo utilizados, los resultados muestran una mejoría en los síntomas de ansiedad en los pacientes que recibieron el cuidado colaborativo en comparación con los grupos control que no recibieron tal intervención.

Cannabidiol reduces host immune response and prevents cognitive impairments in Wistar rats submitted to pneumococcal meningitis.

Pneumococcal meningitis is a life-threatening disease characterized by an acute infection affecting the pia matter, arachnoid and subarachnoid space. The intense inflammatory response is associated with a significant mortality rate and neurologic sequelae, such as, seizures, sensory-motor deficits and impairment of learning and memory. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute and extended administration of cannabidiol on pro-inflammatory cytokines and behavioral parameters in adult Wistar rats submitted to pneumococcal meningitis. Male Wistar rats underwent a cisterna magna tap and received either 10µl of sterile saline as a placebo or an equivalent volume of S. pneumoniae suspension. Rats subjected to meningitis were treated by intraperitoneal injection with cannabidiol (2.5, 5, or 10mg/kg once or daily for 9 days after meningitis induction) or a placebo. Six hours after meningitis induction, the rats that received one dose were killed and the hippocampus and frontal cortex were obtained to assess cytokines/chemokine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. On the 10th day, the rats were submitted to the inhibitory avoidance task. After the task, the animals were killed and samples from the hippocampus and frontal cortex were obtained. The extended administration of cannabidiol at different doses reduced the TNF-α level in frontal cortex. Prolonged treatment with canabidiol, 10mg/kg, prevented memory impairment in rats with pneumococcal meningitis. Although descriptive, our results demonstrate that cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory effects in pneumococcal meningitis and prevents cognitive sequel.

Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an anxiolytic drug / Canabidiol, um componente da Cannabis sativa, como um ansiolítico

OBJECTIVES: To review and describe studies of the non-psychotomimetic constituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol (CBD), as an anxiolytic drug and discuss its possible mechanisms of action. METHOD: The articles selected for the review were identified through searches in English, Portuguese, and Spanish in the electronic databases ISI Web of Knowledge, SciELO, PubMed, and PsycINFO, combining the search terms "cannabidiol and anxiolytic", "cannabidiol and anxiolytic-like", and "cannabidiol and anxiety". The reference lists of the publications included, review articles, and book chapters were handsearched for additional references. Experimental animal and human studies were included, with no time restraints. RESULTS: Studies using animal models of anxiety and involving healthy volunteers clearly suggest an anxiolytic-like effect of CBD. Moreover, CBD was shown to reduce anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder. CONCLUSION: Future clinical trials involving patients with different anxiety disorders are warranted, especially of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorders. The adequate therapeutic window of CBD and the precise mechanisms involved in its anxiolytic action remain to be determined.

OBJETIVOS: Revisar e descrever os estudos do constituinte não psicotomimético da Cannabis sativa, o canabidiol (CBD), como ansiolítico e discutir seus possíveis mecanismos de ação. MÉTODO: Os artigos selecionados para a presente revisão foram identificados por meio de busca eletrônica em inglês, português e espanhol nos bancos de dados ISI Web of Knowledge, SciELO, PubMed e PsycINFO e combinando os termos "canabidiol e ansiolíticos", "canabidiol e semelhante ao ansiolítico" e "canabidiol e ansiedade". Foram também revisadas as listas de referências dos artigos incluídos, de revisões da literatura e de capítulos de livro. Incluímos trabalhos experimentais em humanos e em animais, sem limite de tempo. RESULTADOS: Estudos com modelos animais de ansiedade e envolvendo voluntários saudáveis sugerem claramente que o CBD possui efeitos ansiolíticos. Além disso, o CBD mostrou-se capaz de reduzir a ansiedade em pacientes com transtorno de ansiedade social. CONCLUSÃO: Futuros ensaios clínicos com pacientes portadores de diferentes transtornos de ansiedade, em especial pacientes com transtorno do pânico, obsessivo-compulsivo, ansiedade social e estresse pós-traumático, são oportunos. Além disso, ainda é necessário determinar a adequada faixa terapêutica do CBD e os exatos mecanismos envolvidos nessa ação ansiolítica.

COOP/WONCA charts as a screen for mental disorders in primary care.

PURPOSE: Most people with mental disorders receive treatment in primary care. The charts developed by the Dartmouth Primary Care Cooperative Research Network (COOP) and the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies, and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA) have not yet been evaluated as a screen for these disorders, using a structured psychiatric interview by an expert or considering diagnoses other than depression. We evaluated the validity and feasibility of the COOP/WONCA Charts as a mental disorders screen by comparing them both with other questionnaires previously validated and with the assessment of a mental health specialist using a structured diagnostic interview. METHODS: We trained community health workers and nurse assistants working in a collaborative mental health care model to administer the COOP/WONCA Charts, the 20-item Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5) to 120 primary care patients. A psychiatrist blinded to the patients' results on these questionnaires administered the SCID, or Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition). RESULTS: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was at least 0.80 for single items, a 3-item combination, and the total score of the COOP/ WONCA Charts, as well as for the SRQ-20 and the WHO-5, for screening both for all mental disorders and for depressive disorders. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of these measures ranged between 0.77 and 0.92. Community health workers and nurse assistants rated the understandability, ease of use, and clinical relevance of all 3 questionnaires as satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: One-time assessment of patients with the COOP/WONCA Charts is a valid and feasible option for screening for mental disorders by primary care teams.

The fast alcohol screening test (FAST) is as good as the AUDIT to screen alcohol use disorders.

This study was aimed at assessing the psychometric qualities of the fast alcohol screening test (FAST), and at comparing these qualities to those of the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) in three samples of Brazilian adults: (i) subjects attended at an emergency department (530); (ii) patients from a psychosocial care center (40); and (iii) university students (429). The structured clinical interview for diagnosis (SCID)-IV was used as gold standard. The FAST demonstrated high test-retest and interrater reliability coefficients, as well as high predictive and concurrent validity values. The results attest the validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the FAST for the screening of indicators of alcohol abuse and dependence.