Systematic Review of the Psychopathological Symptomatology and Neuropsychological Disorders of Chronic Primary Musculoskeletal Pain.

Chronic pain can develop without tissue damage, injury, or underlying illness. There are several intervening biological, psychological, and social factors involved in its appearance that significantly affect the activities of daily life. It is also associated with significant emotional anxiety and/or functional disability. This review systematically analyses works published in the last five years that evaluate the psychopathological symptomatology and neuropsychological disorders of chronic primary musculoskeletal pain (CPMP). A bibliographic search was carried out to identify articles published in English between January 2018 and March 2023 using the Medline, Scopus, PsycInfo, and Pubmed databases. Twenty articles were obtained using the PRISMA selection method. The main results of this study provided evidence of the presence of moderate and severe chronic pain in patients suffering from musculoskeletal pain. This increase in the intensity of pain correlates with greater psychopathological symptomatology, such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, lack of attention, and hyperactivity/impulsiveness, as well as the use of maladaptive coping strategies. Furthermore, there exists dysfunction in the cerebral structures related to attention and the processing of pain in patients with CPMP. This review may help to develop and optimise the multidisciplinary treatments adapted to the deficits caused by this illness.

Analysis of malingered psychological symptoms in a clinical sample for early detection in initial interviews.

Malingering consists of the production of false physical or psychological symptoms motivated by external incentives that are normally reproduced in pathologies that are not related to organic origin or there are no laboratory tests for their diagnosis, as is the case of mixed anxiety-depressive disorder and fibromyalgia syndrome. The objective of this research consisted of comparing the profile of simulative patients with fibromyalgia and mixed anxiety-depressive disorder to obtain a profile and facilitate its detection in initial interviews. The research was carried out with 78 patients (42 patients with fibromyalgia and 36 patients with mixed anxiety-depressive disorder) who were administered the professional's structured clinical judgment, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire, and the Structured Symptom Simulation Inventory. The main obtained results show that the simulation classification proposed by the questionnaire is in the range of 66.67-80% with regard to coinciding with the judgment of experts, and people with suspicion of simulation of both groups of patients present similar characteristics. The simulators thus present incongruous responses in relation to the questionnaires, and high levels of trait anxiety, state, and depression predict the simulation of symptoms.

Profile of Subclinical Psychopathy in Spanish University Students.

Psychopaths are portrayed as deceitful, manipulative, domineering and narcissistic; the result of an irregular and irresponsible interpersonal style that harms both the psychopath him/herself and others. Furthermore, psychopathy is frequently associated with both violent and antisocial conduct. However, subclinical psychopaths are known for manifesting this type of profile without committing crimes. The objective of this study is to examine the differences that exist in subclinical psychopathy concerning gender, the number of intimate relationships and the age of the university student. The number of university students participating was 1289. They were given the Integrated/Subclinical Psychopathy Questionnaire (CUPIS). The results show that, in subclinical psychopathy, men present higher scores than women and younger persons have higher scores than older persons. In addition, the scores in psychopathy are higher for students who have had a larger number of intimate relationships. The contributions of this study allow us to determine the profile associated with subclinical psychopathy.

Psychological Tasks Used in Neuroimaging with Male Perpetrators of Intimate Partner Violence against Women: A Systematic Review.

This bibliographic review analyses the utility for psychologists of using neuroimaging tests and psychological or neuropsychological tests at the same time for studying the functioning of the brain in male abusers condemned for intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW). So as to be able to find an answer, we reviewed the available studies that investigated the structure or functioning of the brain. The results of these reviewed works of research show the benefits of using neuroimaging applied to male abusers, together with the use, either simultaneously or not, of other types of psychological, neuropsychological, or observational tests to complement and/or amplify the results of the neuroimaging techniques, as this can help us to advance in the knowledge of neuroscience as concerns the mind of the male abuser.

Executive Processes and Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Youths Under Protective Measures.

This research studies the executive processes of youths under protective measures between 13 and 18years of age, as well as the emotional problems they have and the presence of behavioural problems, such as difficulties to control and direct attention, to control one's own behaviour and inhibit inadequate or ineffective responses (hyperactivity-impulsiveness) and problems related to emotional regulation. In addition, we study the presence of significant differences according to the sex of the youths. We also analyse to what extent the difficulties in the executive processes are related to and can predict the emotional and behavioural problems. The instruments used were Stroop's Colour and Word Test (Stroop), the Paths Test (TESen), and the System of Evaluation for Children and Adolescents (SENA). The results indicated that the youths had difficulties in such executive processes as execution, speed, and accuracy in carrying out tasks. Furthermore, they had emotion problems, amongst which the symptoms of anxiety are worthy of note; whilst attention deficit, hyperactivity-impulsiveness, and problems related to emotional regulation could also be observed. The data indicated greater difficulties in the executive processes for males than for females. There was a greater emotional symptomatology in the females, whilst there were greater deficits in attention and hyperactivity/impulsiveness in the males. Similarly, the deficits in the executive processes were related to and predicted emotional and behavioural problems. This research suggests the design of a structured programme focused on systematic training in real, daily situations, recommending the use of restorative techniques to work on the affected cognitive skills and techniques aimed at improving the youths' emotion regulation.

Suicidal Ideation and Mental Health: The Moderating Effect of Coping Strategies in the Police Force.

The suicide rate in the police force (Fuerzas y Cuerpos de Seguridad-FFCCSS) is estimated to be greater than that of the general population. The objectives of this paper are to detect mental health problems, in particular depression and anxiety, and to analyze the moderating effect of coping strategies on the relation between mental health and suicide ideation in police officers. The Suicidal Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ-R), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), the Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Brief Cope have all been used in the study. The sample consists of 98 Spanish police officers, of whom 91.8% were male. The results indicate that depression and anxiety can predict suicidal ideation. Nevertheless, it must be said that coping strategies do not have a moderating effect in the relation between mental health and suicidal ideation in this professional group.

Clinical Findings in SMR Neurofeedback Protocol Training in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

Fibromyalgia is related to central sensitization syndrome (CSS) and is associated with chronic pain and a decrease in general health. The aim of this study was to explore how changes in brain patterns of female fibromyalgia patients are shaped by neurofeedback therapy and how it affects pain perception and general health. A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-tests was carried out with 37 female fibromyalgia patients referred by the Pain Unit of the National Health Service of Spain. The method involved applying a sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) protocol to monitor changes in brain waves under different conditions, taking pre-/post-test measurements of perceived pain, general health and the impact on fibromyalgia. Measures included the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire Revised (FIQR), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and EEG (SMR, theta waves). During therapy, the SMR/theta wave ratio increased significantly and after application of therapy, significant results were observed for the FIQR, VAS and GHQ-28. In conclusion, neurofeedback therapy increases the SMR/theta wave ratio in fibromyalgia, helping to maintain a balance between brain functions. This is associated with the activation of inhibitory processes, which is related to the perceived improvement of pain in fibromyalgia patients.