Exploratory study of ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation and age of onset of bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Sunlight contains ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation that triggers the production of vitamin D by skin. Vitamin D has widespread effects on brain function in both developing and adult brains. However, many people live at latitudes (about > 40 N or S) that do not receive enough UVB in winter to produce vitamin D. This exploratory study investigated the association between the age of onset of bipolar I disorder and the threshold for UVB sufficient for vitamin D production in a large global sample. METHODS: Data for 6972 patients with bipolar I disorder were obtained at 75 collection sites in 41 countries in both hemispheres. The best model to assess the relation between the threshold for UVB sufficient for vitamin D production and age of onset included 1 or more months below the threshold, family history of mood disorders, and birth cohort. All coefficients estimated at P ≤ 0.001. RESULTS: The 6972 patients had an onset in 582 locations in 70 countries, with a mean age of onset of 25.6 years. Of the onset locations, 34.0% had at least 1 month below the threshold for UVB sufficient for vitamin D production. The age of onset at locations with 1 or more months of less than or equal to the threshold for UVB was 1.66 years younger. CONCLUSION: UVB and vitamin D may have an important influence on the development of bipolar disorder. Study limitations included a lack of data on patient vitamin D levels, lifestyles, or supplement use. More study of the impacts of UVB and vitamin D in bipolar disorder is needed to evaluate this supposition.

Self-regulation in youth with bipolar disorder

Objectives: To examine the composition of self-regulation in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) through the relationship between executive functions, emotion processing, and family environmental factors. Methods: 58 participants (36 with PBD and 22 controls), ages 12-17, were assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), Conners' Continuous Performance Test (CPT-II), Wisconsin Cards Sorting Test (WCST), Computerized Neurocognitive Battery Emotion Recognition Test-Facial Emotion Recognition Test (PENNCNB ER-40), and Expressed Emotion Adjective Checklist Questionnaire (EEAC). Results: Adolescents with PBD displayed significant deficits in all three spheres when compared to the control group. Emotion processing correlated negatively with inhibition and attention, and correlated positively with mental flexibility/working memory. Family environmental factors correlated negatively with mental flexibility/working memory and emotion processing, and positively with attention and inhibition. These correlations indicate that better inhibitory control, attention, and mental flexibility/working memory are associated with greater emotion processing and a fitter family environment. Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate all of the components of self-regulation deficits simultaneously in patients with PBD. Results suggest that self-regulation is essential for a comprehensive perspective of PBD and should be assessed in an integrative and multifaceted way. Understanding that self-regulation is impacted by the abovementioned factors should influence treatment and improve the functional impairments of daily life observed in this population.

Behavioral self-regulation in pediatric bipolar disorder and healthy offspring of bipolar patients

Objectives: This study investigated behavioral self-regulation problems using the Children's Hostility Inventory (CHI) in pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD), healthy offspring of bipolar disorder patients (HOBD), and healthy controls (HC) without previous history of psychiatric disorders. Methods: The CHI was administered to 41 consecutive children and adolescents diagnosed with PBD, to 16 HOBD, and to 22 HC. The inventory assessed irritability, expression, hostility, and aggression and was completed by the children with the help of their mothers. Adolescents and their respective parents were interviewed separately using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). Results: All subscales of the CHI presented statistically significant differences, except for the subscale assessing feelings of suspicion. Pairwise comparisons revealed consistently significant differences between the PBD group and controls, indicating more self-regulation difficulties in the PBD group, represented by high levels of hostility and aggressive behavior. There were no significant differences between the PBD and HOBD groups. Conclusions: Future studies should further investigate if such behavior is state-dependent or a trait of bipolar juvenile expression. Expression of hostility and irritability should be considered relevant targets in psychosocial approaches addressing this population.

Evidence of validity and reliability of the Desiderative Questionnaire with juvenile offenders and victimized adolescents / Evidências de validade e fidedignidade do Questionário Desiderativo com adolescentes infratores e vitimizados

The objective of this work was to assess validity and reliability of the Desiderative Questionnaire with adolescent offenders and victims. The sample comprised 200 adolescents, of both genders, between 12 and 16 years of age, of whom 50 were sentenced to correctional measures, 50 were victims of domestic violence and 100 without suspected violence or transgression. Data analysis was performed using the Pearson Chi-Square Test, Kappa Concordance Index and Cronbach's Alpha. The results showed statistically significant differences between the clinical and control groups in several categories, with more difficulties among adolescent victims and offenders. They also revealed precision of the technique used and of the evaluation system with high correlations among the judges as well as high internal consistency, with adequate reliability coefficients.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar estudos de validade e de fidedignidade do Questionário Desiderativo com adolescentes infratores e vitimizados. Compuseram a amostra 200 adolescentes, de ambos os sexos, entre 12 e 16 anos, sendo 50 cumprindo medida socioeducativa, 50 vítimas de violência doméstica e 100 sem suspeitas de sofrerem violência ou terem praticado ato infracional. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio do Teste Qui-Quadrado de Pearson, Índice de Concordância Kappa e Alfa de Cronbach. Os resultados mostraram que o teste diferenciou de forma estatisticamente significante os grupos clínicos e de controle em várias categorias, identificando mais dificuldades entre os adolescentes vitimizados e infratores, com menor força de ego. Também revelaram precisão da técnica e do sistema de avaliação com elevadas correlações entre os juízes e alta consistência interna, com adequados coeficientes de fidedignidade.

Personality traits and parenting styles in boys victims of sexual abuse: a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective: We examined the association between personality traits and parenting styles in boys victims of sexual abuse (SA). Methods: Sixty-two (62) boys were divided into two groups: 32 (Victims of SA group, age 11.7±1.28) and 30 non-victims of SA (Comparison group, age 11.6±1.22). All participants completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-J) and the Parenting Styles Inventory (PSI). The intelligence quotient (IQ) was also assessed. Results: Both groups did not differ in terms of IQ. In the SA group, men (97%) were the biggest abusers, 85% of the parents were divorced and the father was the biggest aggressor (44%). The SA victims had higher neuroticism (p <0.001) and identified riskier parental practices, while the comparison group reported good parental practices (p<0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that higher negative paternal parental style scores increase the chance of belonging to the victims group. Discussion: Victims of SA present a higher risk of neuroticism and perception of dysfunctional family dynamics, with seriously reversed social roles. Further studies are needed to investigate the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, personality and parental styles, and the development of psychological intervention programs and other professional practices for victims of SA and their families in various contexts of violence.

Memory training combined with 3D visuospatial stimulus improves cognitive performance in the elderly: pilot study / Treinamento de memória combinado com estímulo visuoespacial em 3D melhora o desempenho cognitivo em idosos: estudo piloto

ABSTRACT. Studies suggest that the engagement of aged participants in cognitive stimulation programs can reduce expected cognitive decline associated with age. Objective: To evaluate the effects of memory training (MT) associated with three-dimensional multiple object tracking (3D-MOT) NeuroTracker (NT) in the elderly. Methods: Forty-four participants (>60 years of age) were recruited and randomly distributed into two groups: experimental (EG; n=22) and comparative (CG; n=22). Both groups performed 12 one-hour MT sessions, twice a week, consisting of specific computerized stimuli associated with teaching of mnemonic strategies; 10 minutes of NT was part only of the EG's sessions. In pre- and post-training periods, both groups were evaluated using a sociodemographic questionnaire, neuropsychological assessment, as well as a specific measure offered by NT. Results: Both groups benefited from the MT and reported more positive feelings regarding their memory and quality of life. However, the EG obtained better results in tests consistent with the strategies trained and which involved attentional resources, reaction time, visual processing speed, episodic, semantic, subjective and working memory as well as aspects of social cognition. Conclusions: This study showed that the combination of MT and 3D-MOT contributed for a better cognitive performance in the EG. Thus, the results of the present study encourage further research and the development of combined cognitive interventions for the elderly population with and without cognitive deficits.

RESUMO. Estudos sugerem que o envolvimento de idosos em programas de estimulação cognitiva pode reduzir o declínio cognitivo esperado associado à idade. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos de um treinamento de memória (TM) associado a um estímulo visuoespacial tridimensional (3D-MOT) NeuroTracker (NT) em idosos. Método: Quarenta e quatro participantes (>60 anos) foram recrutados e distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: experimental (GE; n=22) e comparativo (GC; n=22). Ambos os grupos realizaram 12 sessões do TM de uma hora, duas vezes por semana, consistindo em estímulos computadorizados específicos associados ao ensino de estratégias mnemônicas; apenas nas sessões do GE foram utilizados 10 minutos com o NT. Nos períodos pré- e pós-treinamento, ambos os grupos foram avaliados por meio de questionário sociodemográfico, avaliação neuropsicológica e medidas cognitivas específicas do NT. Resultados: Ambos os grupos se beneficiaram do TM e relataram sentimentos mais positivos em relação à memória e à qualidade de vida. No entanto, o GE obteve melhores resultados em testes consistentes com as estratégias treinadas e que envolviam recursos atencionais, tempo de reação, velocidade de processamento visual, memória episódica, semântica, subjetiva e de trabalho, além de aspectos da cognição social. Conclusões: Este estudo mostrou que a combinação do TM e 3D-MOT contribuiu para um melhor desempenho cognitivo no GE. Dessa forma, os resultados do presente estudo incentivam novas pesquisas e o desenvolvimento de intervenções cognitivas combinadas para a população idosa com e sem déficits cognitivos.

Traços de personalidade de adolescentes infratores e vitimizados por meio do Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Junior (EPQ-J) / Personality traits of adolescent offenders and victims through the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Junior (EPQ-J)

O presente estudo objetivou mapear os traços de personalidade (Psicoticismo, Neuroticismo e Extroversão) de adolescentes brasileiros vítimas de abuso intrafamiliar, nas modalidades física e/ou sexual, e autores de ato infracional. A amostra foi composta por um total de 200 adolescentes de ambos os sexos na faixa etária entre 12 e 16 anos, divididos em três grupos: a) 50 adolescentes infratores, b) 50 adolescentes vítimas de abuso intrafamiliar físico e/ou sexual, c) 100 adolescentes sem suspeitas de sofrerem violência doméstica ou terem praticado ato infracional. Como instrumento, foi utilizado o Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Junior (EPQ-J). Os dados foram avaliados pela análise da significância da diferença entre os grupos de pesquisa por meio do teste de comparação múltipla de Tukey. Foram encontradas diferenças significantes entre os grupos de pesquisa nos tres fatores analisados (Psicotisismo p<0,001; Extroversão p<0,015; Neuroticismo p<0,027), indicando principalmente nos grupos clínicos tendência a reagir de forma desajustada, impulsiva e agressiva. Também se mostraram mais introvertidos, não sociáveis, com isolamento social, além de apresentarem hipersensibilidade emocional, com excitabilidade e traços de ansiedade, que podem desencadear transtornos de humor, principalmente a depressão. Conclui-se que as experiências de vitimização intrafamiliar e de prática de atos infracionais, além de se mostrarem como faces de uma mesma moeda, prejudicam a adaptação do indivíduo e interferem na forma como atuam no ambiente, podendo levar ao comprometimento da saúde mental de sujeitos e ao desencadeamento de transtornos de humor ou de carater.

The present study aimed to map the personality traits (Psychoticism, Neuroticism and Extroversion) of Brazilian adolescents victims of intrafamilial abuse, in physical and/or sexual modalities, and perpetrators of an infrational act. The sample consisted of a total of 200 adolescents of both sexes aged 12 to 16 years, divided into three groups: a) 50 young offenders, b) 50 adolescents victims of physical and/or sexual intrafamilial abuse, c) 100 adolescents who are not suspected of experiencing domestic violence or have committed an infraction act. As an instrument, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Junior (EPQ-J) was used. Data were evaluated by analyzing the significance of the difference between the research groups using Tukey's multiple comparison test. Significant differences were found between the research groups in the three analyzed factors (Psychoticism p <0.001; Extroversion p <0.015; Neuroticism p <0.027), indicating mainly in the clinical groups a tendency to react inappropriately, impulsively and aggressively. They were also more introvert, non-sociable, with social isolation, besides presenting emotional hypersensitivity, excitability and anxiety traits, which can trigger mood disorders, especially depression. It is concluded that the experiences of intrafamilial abuse and the practice of infraction act, besides being shown as two sides of the same coin, impair the individual's adaptation and interfere the way they act in the environment, which may lead to impairment of the mental health of subjects. and triggering mood or character disorders.

Predominant polarity classification and associated clinical variables in bipolar disorder: A machine learning approach.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by periodic episodes of manic and depressive symptomatology. Predominant polarity (PP) appears to be an important specifier of BD. The present study employed machine learning (ML) algorithms to accurately determine a patient´s PP without the inclusion of number and polarity of past episodes, while exploring associations between PP and demographic and clinical variables. METHODS: From a cohort of 148 BD patients, demographic and clinical variables were collected using a customized questionnaire and the SCID-CV. The algorithm employed was the Random-Forest method. The algorithm was programed to classify patients into either depressive or manic predominant polarities and to reveal which variables were associated to the specifier. RESULTS: The algorithm attained an AUC ROC of 74.72% (95% CI = 72.29-77.15%) in classifying patients into either manic or depressive PP. The variables selected by the algorithm were: (1) age at first depressive episode; (2) number of hospitalizations; (3) BD Type II; (4) manic onset; (5) delusions; (6) psychotic features at onset; (7) tobacco addiction; (8) family history of BD; (9) hallucinations; and (10) comorbid anxiety disorders, (11) alcohol dependence, (12) eating disorders and (13) substance dependence. LIMITATIONS: The study is limited due to the small sample size, the inclusion of only self-reported and clinician-observed clinical variables and its cross-sectional design. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that the ML approach could be effective in determining a patient´s PP. Furthermore, although not previously reported, some variables, such as tobacco use and comorbid eating disorders, appear to be closely associated with PP.