Internet addiction, sleeping habits and psychological distress in Brazilian adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: The internet is widespread in modern society and has raised concerns about excessive usage and its consequences for different aging groups. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the relationships between internet addiction, sleep patterns, and psychological distress in adolescents and young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to assess this phenomenon, an exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in southern Brazil from October to December 2023. A questionnaire, administered via Google Forms, collected data from 618 participants aged 15-36. The participants consisted of a non-probabilistic community sample selected based on convenience criteria. Instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Test, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and Social Media Engagement Questionnaire. RESULTS: It was categorized 48.1% as having moderate internet addiction, and classified 0.8% as having severe internet addiction. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between internet addiction and depression, anxiety, and stress. Logistic regression identified internet addiction and overall psychological distress as predictors of sleep difficulties, along with unemployment status. The findings highlight the detrimental impact of excessive internet use on sleep quality and mental health. The bidirectional relationship between internet addiction and psychological distress underscores the complex interplay between these variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the urgent need for interventions targeting internet addiction and its associated consequences in adolescents and young adults. Addressing internet addiction levels and promoting healthy internet usage habits are crucial steps in mitigating the adverse effects on mental health and sleep quality. There is a need for targeted interventions, protocols, and preventive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of excessive internet use on mental health and sleep quality. Public health strategies should include IA and its consequences in health programs with multidisciplinary approaches and protocols for treatments for behavioral addictions. The study emphasizes the multifaceted nature of internet addiction and its implications for mental health and sleep patterns.

Funções neuropsicológicas de meninas privadas de liberdade em unidade socioeducativa / Neuropsychological functions of girls deprived of liberty in socio-educational unit / Funciones neuropsicológicos de niñas privadas de libertad en unidad socioeducativa

OBJETIVO: A avaliação neuropsicológica tem alta relevância na adolescência e em situação de conflito com a lei, com privação de liberdade em instituições socioeducativas, pode auxiliar, compondo abordagens psicossociais que identifiquem as funções neuropsicológicas, situando-as a partir da historicidade do indivíduo. Deste modo, para compreender esse problema, foi objetivo desse estudo avaliar e descrever as funções neuropsicológicas de adolescentes meninas privadas de liberdade em instituição socioeducativa. MÉTODOS: As participantes foram 19 meninas avaliadas com os instrumentos: Barratt Scale, Inventário de Expressão de Raiva, teste Wisconsin de classificação de cartas, protocolo neuropsicológico, questionário para uso de drogas e Hare Psychopathy Checklist Revised. RESULTADOS: O uso de drogas na vida ocorreu em 80,0% dos casos. Verificaram-se altos escores de impulsividade total (M=75,8, DP=5,4), traço de raiva (M=24,5, DP=7,3) e respostas perseverativas (M =38,5, DP =19,9). Em conjunto com PCL-R total (M=17,5, DP=3,6) e com QI total (M=79,1, DP=16,2), esses níveis auxiliaram na caracterização das funções de autocontrole. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados foram interpretados como indicativos de baixo funcionamento executivo, altos níveis de raiva, de impulsividade, de uso de drogas e de traços de psicopatia. Foram relatadas adversidades durante a infância, o que pode ter contribuído para um desempenho prejudicado nas funções cognitivas e emocionais dessas meninas.

OBJECTIVE: Neuropsychological assessment is highly relevant in adolescence and in situations of conflict with the law, with deprivation of liberty in socio-educational institutions, it can help, composing psychosocial approaches that identify neuropsychological functions, situating them based on the individual's historicity. Therefore, to understand this problem, the objective of this study was to evaluate and describe the neuropsychological functions of adolescent girls deprived of liberty in a socio-educational institution. METHODS: The participants were 19 girls evaluated with the following instruments: Barratt Scale, Anger Expression Inventory, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Neuropsychological protocol, drug use questionnaire and Hare Psychopathy Checklist Revised. RESULTS: Lifetime drug use occurred in 80.0% of cases. There were high scores for total impulsivity (M=75.8, SD=5,4), trait anger (M=24.5, SD=7.3) and perseverative responses (M=38.5, SD=19.9). Together with total PCL-R (M=17.5, SD=3.6) and total IQ (M=79.1, SD=16), these levels helped to characterize self-control functions. CONCLUSIONS: The data were interpreted as indicating low executive functioning, high levels of anger, impulsivity, drug use and psychopathic traits. Adversities were reported during childhood, which may have contributed to impaired performance in the cognitive and emotional functions of these girls.

OBJETIVO: La evaluación neuropsicológica es de gran relevancia en la adolescencia y en las situaciones de conflicto con la ley, con privación de libertad en instituciones socioeducativas, puede ayudar, componiendo enfoques psicosociales que identifiquen funciones neuropsicológicas, las situando en función de la historicidad del individuo. Por tanto, para comprender esta problemática, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y describir las funciones neuropsicológicas de niñas adolescentes privadas de libertad en una institución socioeducativa. MÉTODOS: Las participantes fueron 19 niñas evaluadas con los siguientes instrumentos: Escala de Barratt, Inventario de Expresión de Ira, Test de clasificación de cartas de Wisconsin, protocolo neuropsicológico, cuestionario de consumo de drogas y Lista de Verificación de Psicopatía de Hare Revisada. RESULTADOS: El consumo de drogas durante la vida ocurrió en el 80,0% de los casos. Hubo puntuaciones altas en impulsividad total (M = 75,8, DE = 5,4), rasgo de ira (M = 24,5, DE = 7,3) y respuestas perseverativas (M = 38,5, DE = 19,9). Junto con el PCL-R total (M=17,5, DE=3,6) y el CI total (M=79,1, DE=16,2), estos niveles ayudaron a caracterizar las funciones de autocontrol. CONCLUSIONES: Se interpretó que los datos indicaban un bajo funcionamiento ejecutivo, altos niveles de ira, impulsividad, consumo de drogas y rasgos psicopáticos. Se informaron adversidades durante la infancia, que pueden haber contribuido al deterioro del desempeño en las funciones cognitivas y emocionales de estas niñas.

Mental health of Brazilian students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of gratitude, optimism, and hope in reducing anxiety

Abstract Objective To investigate the role of optimism, hope, and gratitude as psychosocial factors for healthy development, especially with regard to anxiety in college students in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods This is a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian Gratitude Scale (Escala Brasileira de Gratidão [B-GRAT]), and the Brazilian versions of an anxiety subscale, the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Hope Index Scale, and BIG-FIVE were administered. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlations, and hierarchical linear regression. Results A total of 297 students were assessed. The relationship between gratitude and anxiety became positive in the hierarchical linear analysis, contradicting the initial negative association between these variables according to the Spearman coefficients. This contradiction may be a result of the suppression effect. When gratitude was added to the model, these three variables together accounted for 38% of the variance in anxiety. This indicates that optimism, hope, and gratitude together are significant predictors, although optimism alone accounts for the greater part of the variance in decreased anxiety. Conclusion The data confirm that family and religiosity are protective factors against mental illness, specifically non-adaptive anxiety. Furthermore, developing optimism as a protective factor makes it possible to experience less anxiety while hope has the potential to provide the individual with multiple pathways to healthy development. This study highlights that gratitude plays a dual role in these relationships as it has the potential to be associated with anxious feelings with likely negative outcomes while at the same time it can drive positive psychosocial factors of optimism and hope, decreasing anxiety.

Prevalence of internet addiction and psychological factors in adolescents during the covid-19 pandemic / Prevalência de dependência da internet e fatores psicológicos em adolescentes durante a pandemia de covid-19 / Prevalencia de la adicción a internet y factores psicológicos en adolescentes durante la pandemia de la covid-19

Addictive behaviors related to Internet are becoming more common and this tool has been essential once it enables home office, entertainment, homeschooling, and easy access to information. Despite the easiness brought by technology, the exaggerated use has affected users in different ways, including in the development of psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to assess internet addiction, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention, impulsivity, and stress in 48 adolescents (26 young women and 22 young men), aged from 15 to 18 years, with a mean age of 16.74 (0.61), mostly students of public schools, during COVID-19, to investigate correlations between these variables according to sex and sociodemographic aspects. To assess the factors, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT); the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP-IV) Questionnaire ; the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale for brazilian adolescents (EDAE-A); the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11); and a sociodemographic questionnaire were applied. The data collection was performed in schools located in southern Brazil. The results indicated that 12 out of 48 adolescents were considered addicted to the Internet. Moreover, Internet addiction was a predictor of depression in regression analysis (p<0.001). In addition, participants classified as more addicted to the Internet scored lower averages in general attention (p<0.035) and higher averages in behavioral symptoms of inattention and ADHD (p<0.050), stress (p<0.003), anxiety (p<0.016), and depression (p<0.015), with effect sizes ranging from moderate to high. Therefore, the intense internet use by adolescents might cause psychological consequences such as depression in adolescents. Family support and professional intervention might help in the reduction of symptoms and consequences of internet addiction as well as in its prevention.(AU)

A dependência de internet é cada vez mais comum, pois essa ferramenta tem se tornado imprescindível, uma vez que possibilita home office, entretenimento, educação domiciliar e fácil acesso às informações. No entanto, o uso exagerado da tecnologia afeta os usuários de diversas formas, inclusive no desenvolvimento de transtornos psiquiátricos. Este estudo visou avaliar a dependência de internet, depressão, ansiedade, hiperatividade, atenção, impulsividade e estresse em 48 adolescentes (26 meninas e 22 meninos) de 15 a 18 anos, com idade média de 16,74 (0,61), estudantes de escolas públicas do Sul do Brasil durante a covid-19, para investigar correlações entre as variáveis anteriores de acordo com gênero e aspectos sociodemográficos. Para avaliar, aplicou-se o Internet Addiction Test (IAT), um teste de atenção, escala SNAP IV, escala de depressão, ansiedade e estresse para adolescentes (EDAE-A), escala de impulsividade de Barratt e um questionário sociodemográfico. Os resultados indicaram que 12 adolescentes foram considerados viciados em internet, e que a dependência desta foi preditora da depressão na análise de regressão (p < 0,001). Ainda, os participantes classificados como adictos tiveram médias mais baixas em atenção geral (p < 0,035) e mais altas em sintomas comportamentais de desatenção e hiperatividade (p < 0,050), estresse (p < 0,003), ansiedade (p < 0,016) e depressão (p < 0,015), com efeitos que variaram de moderado a alto. Portanto, o uso intenso da internet por adolescentes pode ter consequências psicológicas, como a depressão. Bom apoio familiar e intervenção profissional podem ajudar na redução dos sintomas e consequências, bem como na prevenção da dependência.(AU)

La adicción a Internet es cada vez más habitual, puesto que esta herramienta es esencial para el trabajo remoto, el entretenimiento, la educación domiciliar y el fácil acceso a la información. Sin embargo, su uso exagerado afecta a la vida de las personas de diferentes maneras, incluso en el desarrollo de trastornos psiquiátricos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la adicción a Internet, depresión, ansiedad, hiperactividad, atención, impulsividad y estrés en 48 adolescentes (26 muchachas y 22 muchachos), de entre 15 y 18 años, con una edad promedio de 16,74 (0,61), en su mayoría estudiantes de escuelas públicas del Sur de Brasil, durante la pandemia de la COVID-19, para investigar las correlaciones entre las variables mencionadas según género y aspectos sociodemográficos. Para evaluar los factores, se aplicaron el Test de Adicción a Internet (TAI), un test de atención, la escala SNAP IV, la Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés para adolescentes (EDAE-A), la escala de impulsividad de Barratt y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Los resultados indicaron que 12 adolescentes fueron considerados adictos a Internet, además, la adicción a Internet fue un predictor de la depresión en el análisis de regresión (p<0,001). Igualmente, los participantes clasificados como más adictos a Internet tuvieron promedios más bajos en atención general (p<0,035), y más altos en síntomas conductuales de falta de atención e hiperactividad (p<0,050), estrés (p<0,003), ansiedad (p<0,016) y depresión (p<0,015), con efectos que varían de moderado a alto. Por lo tanto, el uso intenso podría producir consecuencias psicológicas como la depresión en los adolescentes. Tener un buen apoyo familiar e intervención profesional puede ayudar a reducir los síntomas y las consecuencias de la adicción a Internet, así como prevenirla.(AU)

More than a feeling: Effects of competitive asymmetry on human emotions.

Competitive interactions have important effects on human emotions. Both victory and defeat can evoke a wide range of emotional reactions, including joy, pride, anger, fear, sadness and shame. However, little is known about what determines this variety of contestants' affective responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of competitive asymmetry, a common and ecologically relevant feature of animal conflicts, on human emotional responses to winning or losing a contest. To test this hypothesis, we conducted two experiments, the first with high school students (n = 331) and the second with young athletes (n = 73), in which we manipulated the outcomes of successive matches in a non-athletic competition. Thus, by inducing the competitors' scores, ranging from closer to more decisive outcomes, we were able to define the degree of competitive asymmetry in victory and defeat conditions. We then assessed participants' emotional responses to a set of affective stimuli. In the defeat condition, we found in both studies an increase in the occurrence of anger and fear due to more symmetric contests. There were also more frequent reports of shame following more decisive defeats (Experiment 1) and of pride following closer victories (Experiment 2), which were seen neither for sadness nor joy in any of the studies. Supporting our hypothesis, emotional reactions triggered by asymmetries among contestants were consistent with the behavioral patterns commonly seen in symmetric and asymmetric animal conflict, such as dominance/aggressive and defensive/escape behaviors.

Aversiveness of errors and the error-related negativity (ERN): A systematic review on the affective states' manipulations findings.

Error-related negativity (ERN) has been used to investigate neural mechanisms underlying error processing and conflict monitoring. Recent evidence highlights that affective and motivational states modulate the ERN and that aversiveness of errors plays a vital role in error monitoring. Therefore, our primary objective was to systematically evaluate and describe the influence of affect state-related manipulations on the ERN. A total of 51 publications identified from PsyInfo, PubMed, and PsyArticles databases were included following the Prisma procedures for systematic reviews. Papers were analyzed using sample attributes, psychological paradigms, and states manipulations. The present study shows that the ERN component has recurrently appeared to be sensitive to manipulations of affective states in the reviewed literature. However, conclusive findings concerning the affect state-dependent properties of the ERN remain elusive. Results are discussed considering heterogeneity in paradigms, variables, and the state-trait interactions. Furthermore, recommendations for future high-quality studies are provided along with the necessity of upcoming high-power replication attempts and more studies with positive affect manipulations.

From social status to emotions: Asymmetric contests predict emotional responses to victory and defeat.

Social status plays a key role in expressing different emotions. However, little is known about which mechanisms underlie the variability of emotional responses that are linked to social hierarchy. Status instability-a natural characteristic of hierarchies-can help to untangle the status-emotion relationship. Therefore, we verified whether the emotional expressions of fighters could be predicted by the degree of asymmetry in their fighting abilities during a contest. Emotional expressions upon the announcement of victory or defeat were evaluated using three different methods: nonverbal behavior patterns, software-coded facial expressions, and raters' evaluation of athletes' emotional intensity (N = 824). Competition symmetry predicted contestants' emotional responses, especially happiness in victory and anger in defeat. Conversely, more asymmetric contests predicted expressions of sadness and shame upon defeat. The asymmetry in fighting abilities had no effect on athletes' expressions of pride. Our data confirmed that status instability may be crucial to explain the variety of emotional expressions in competitive contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Internet Addiction and Attention in Adolescents: A Systematic Review.

Internet addiction (IA) has been explored worldwide and involves some features that might harm social, psychological, and functional aspects. The vulnerability of adolescents might result in some addictive behaviors, and the Internet is one of them. The aim of this systematic review was to identify empirical studies that have been done to explore instruments that have been used to assess IA and to verify what variables and comorbidities are related to IA in adolescents, including executive functions, such as attention. To accomplish our aim, a systematic search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Some inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the studies and 44 in total were analyzed independently. The results showed that the most used instrument to assess IA is the Young's Internet Addiction Test. A few studies have been developed in the Western world, and most of them have analyzed attention bias in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and non-ADHD groups. Furthermore, other variables have been widely explored in the studies, such as depression, sleeping patterns, body weight, aggressiveness, and other addictive substances.

Corticotropin-releasing factor infusion in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of lactating mice alters maternal care and induces behavioural phenotypes in offspring.

The peripartum period is accompanied by numerous physiological and behavioural adaptations organised by the maternal brain. These changes are essential for adequate expression of maternal behaviour, thereby ensuring proper development of the offspring. The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a key role in a variety of behaviours accompanying stress, anxiety, and depression. There is also evidence that CRF contributes to maladaptations during the peripartum period. We investigated the effects of CRF in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of lactating mice during maternal care and analysed locomotor activity and anxiety-like behaviour in the offspring. The BNST has been implicated in anxiety behaviour and regulation of the stress response. The effects of intra-BNST CRF administration were compared with those induced by the limited bedding (LB) procedure, a model that produces altered maternal behaviour. BALB/cJ dams were exposed to five infusions of CRF or saline into the BNST in the first weeks after birth while the LB dams were exposed to limited nesting material from postnatal days (P) 2-9. Maternal behaviour was recorded in intercalated days, from P1-9. Offspring anxiety-like behaviour was assessed during adulthood using the open-field, elevated plus-maze, and light/dark tests. Both intra-BNST CRF and LB exposure produced altered maternal care, represented by decreased arched-back nursing and increased frequency of exits from the nest. These changes in maternal care resulted in robust sex-based differences in the offspring's behavioural responses during adulthood. Females raised by CRF-infused dams exhibited increased anxiety-like behaviour, whereas males presented a significant decrease in anxiety. On the other hand, both males and females raised by dams exposed to LB showed higher locomotor activity. Our study demonstrates that maternal care is impaired by intra-BNST CRF administrations, and these maladaptations are similar to exposure to adverse early environments. These procedures, however, produce distinct phenotypes in mice during young adulthood and suggest sex-based differences in the susceptibility to poor maternal care.

Análise fatorial confirmatória da versão reduzida da Escala de Impulsividade Barratt para Adolescentes / Confirmatory factor analysis of the reduced version of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale for adolescents / Análisis factorial confirmatorio de la versión reducida de la escala de impulsividad Barratt para adolescentes

O objetivo geral foi avaliar a adequação da estrutura fatorial da versão brasileira da Barratt (BIS-11) para adolescentes de ambos os sexos e sugerir versão abreviada da escala com melhores propriedades psicométricas. Foram avaliados 304 adolescentes com idades entre 13 e 18 anos da cidade de Porto Alegre. Foi usada Escala de Impulsividade Barratt. Foi possível observar baixo índice de ajuste do modelo brasileiro em comparação com os demais e bom índice do modelo português. Porém, foi proposto uma versão reduzida da escala, totalizando 12 itens. Esta versão apresentou índices de ajuste adequados. O alfa de Cronbach corrigido obteve valor de 0,974. Este estudo apresenta boa análise fatorial que identifica três fatores da escala original para a população de adolescentes de ambos os sexos em versão abreviada da escala. (AU)

The general aim was to evaluate the adequacy of the factorial structure of the Brazilian version of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) for adolescents of both sexes and to suggest an abridged version of the scale with better psychometric properties. A total of 304 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years of the city of Porto Alegre were evaluated. The Barratt Impulsivity Scale was used. It was possible to observe a low fit index for the Brazilian model compared to the other indices and a good index for the Portuguese model. However, a reduced version of the scale was proposed, totaling 12 items. This version had adequate fit indices. The corrected Cronbach's alpha was 0.974. This study presents a good factorial analysis that identifies three factors of the original scale for the population of adolescents of both sexes in an abbreviated version of the scale. (AU)

El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar la adecuación de la estructura factorial de la versión brasileña de Barratt (BIS-11) para adolescentes de ambos sexos y sugerir una versión abreviada de la escala con mejores propiedades psicométricas. Fueron evaluados 304 adolescentes con edades entre 13 y 18 años de la ciudad de Porto Alegre. Se utilizó la Escala de Impulsividad Barratt. Se observó que la tasa de ajuste bajo del modelo brasileño en comparación con los demás y buen índice del modelo portugués. Sin embargo, se propuso una versión reducida de la escala, totalizando en 12 ítems. Esta versión presentó índices de ajuste adecuados. El alfa de Cronbach corregido obtuvo un valor de 0,974. Este estudio presenta un buen análisis factorial que identifica tres factores de la escala original para la población de adolescentes de ambos sexos en la versión abreviada de la escala. (AU)

Female crack cocaine users under treatment at therapeutic communities in southern Brazil: characteristics, pattern of consumption, and psychiatric comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE: To explore and describe sociodemographic characteristics, crack consumption patterns, and psychiatric comorbidities of female crack users receiving treatment at therapeutic communities. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study. Forty-six women who abstained from crack use were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), and a profile of crack use questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 31.02 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.73), most were single (76.1%), white (67.4%) and had complete or incomplete elementary education (43.5%). Before treatment, 65.2% of the women reported using crack every day; 46.3% smoked between 10 to 30 crack rocks per week. Mean treatment time was 63.56 days (SD = 75.85), with a mean of 80.41 days of abstinence (SD = 74.52) and 3.37 previous treatments (SD = 5.49). Mean age upon crack use initiation was 22.61 years (SD = 8.06), and the most frequent motivation to start using crack was curiosity (78.3%). The mean lifetime duration of crack use was 82.26 months (SD = 74.76), and the physical complications most frequently reported were weight loss (93.5%), followed by sleep problems (87%). In this study, the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses were major depressive episode (60.87%), followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (52.17%) and generalized anxiety disorder (13.07%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a pattern of high consumption of crack was observed. The results show a high frequency of mood and anxiety disorders, with the highest frequencies found for major depressive episode and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Female crack cocaine users under treatment at therapeutic communities in southern Brazil: characteristics, pattern of consumption, and psychiatric comorbidities / Mulheres usuárias de crack-cocaína em tratamento em comunidades terapêuticas no sul do Brasil: características, padrão de consumo e comorbidades psiquiátricas

Abstract Objective To explore and describe sociodemographic characteristics, crack consumption patterns, and psychiatric comorbidities of female crack users receiving treatment at therapeutic communities. Methods This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study. Forty-six women who abstained from crack use were assessed using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), and a profile of crack use questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. Results Participants had a mean age of 31.02 years (standard deviation [SD] = 7.73), most were single (76.1%), white (67.4%) and had complete or incomplete elementary education (43.5%). Before treatment, 65.2% of the women reported using crack every day; 46.3% smoked between 10 to 30 crack rocks per week. Mean treatment time was 63.56 days (SD = 75.85), with a mean of 80.41 days of abstinence (SD = 74.52) and 3.37 previous treatments (SD = 5.49). Mean age upon crack use initiation was 22.61 years (SD = 8.06), and the most frequent motivation to start using crack was curiosity (78.3%). The mean lifetime duration of crack use was 82.26 months (SD = 74.76), and the physical complications most frequently reported were weight loss (93.5%), followed by sleep problems (87%). In this study, the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses were major depressive episode (60.87%), followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (52.17%) and generalized anxiety disorder (13.07%). Conclusions Overall, a pattern of high consumption of crack was observed. The results show a high frequency of mood and anxiety disorders, with the highest frequencies found for major depressive episode and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Resumo Objetivo Explorar e descrever características sociodemográficas, padrão de consumo e comorbidades psiquiátricas em mulheres usuárias de crack recebendo tratamento em comunidades terapêuticas. Método Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo. Quarenta e seis mulheres abstinentes de crack responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico, ao Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), à Entrevista Estruturada do DSM-IV para Transtornos do Eixo I (SCID-I) e a um questionário sobre padrão de consumo de crack. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas dos dados. Resultados As participantes tinham média de 31,02 anos [desvio padrão (DP) = 7,73], eram na maioria solteiras (76,1%), brancas (67,4%) e tinham ensino fundamental completo ou incompleto (43,5%). Antes do tratamento, 65,2% das mulheres relataram usar crack todos os dias; 46,3% fumavam entre 10 e 30 pedras de crack por semana. O tempo médio de tratamento foi de 63,56 dias (DP = 75,85), com média de 80,41 dias em abstinência (DP = 74,52) e 3,37 (DP = 5,49) tratamentos anteriores. A idade média de início do uso de crack foi de 22,61 anos (DP = 8,06), e a motivação mais frequente para iniciar o uso de crack foi a curiosidade (78,3%). A duração média de uso de crack na vida foi de 82,26 meses (DP = 74,76), e as complicações físicas mais frequentemente relatadas foram perda de peso (93,5%), seguida por problemas de sono (87%). Neste estudo, os diagnósticos mais prevalentes foram episódio depressivo maior (60,87%), seguido por transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (52,17%) e transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (13,07%). Conclusões Em geral, observamos um padrão de alto consumo de crack. Os resultados mostram alta frequência de transtornos de humor e ansiedade, com maiores frequências para episódio depressivo maior e transtorno de estresse pós-traumático.

Hair cortisol concentration, cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairment in multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the demyelinated inflammatory processes that occur within the central nervous system. Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) dysfunctions have been associated with the triggering or increase in MS symptoms. We thus aimed at evaluating motor and behavioral functions, planning skills, processing speed, and their relationship with stress through measuring hair cortisol concentration from patients with MS. The sample was composed of 40 volunteers that were clinically diagnosed with MS, along with 33 healthy adults. Evaluations included: Clinical Evaluation Form, Mini-Mental State Exam, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite Measure, Expanded Disability Status Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, Zoo Map task, and a hair sample to analyze cortisol levels in the last 30 days. MS patients showed highly elevated hair cortisol levels in comparison to the control group (p = 0.048). All groups presented some degree of depressive and anxiety symptoms, aside from considerable perceived stress levels. The MS group presented deficits in gait, balance, manual skills and processing speed, and this was particularly so in individuals with moderate impairments when compared to control group (p < 0.001). Individuals with MS spent less time planning on ZooMap1 (p = 0.024) and made more mistakes (p < 0.001). No correlation was found between hair cortisol and the symptoms we assessed. However, depressive symptoms and anxiety were related to perceived stress, and higher hair cortisol suggests a change in levels in the HPA axis in MS. Nevertheless, future studies will be necessary to further understand how basal hair cortisol is related to MS symptoms.

Subjective and physiological stress measurement in a multiple sclerosis sample and the relation with executive functions performance.

In multiple sclerosis (MS), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning may be dysregulated due to the high cortisol levels involved in the disease activity. HPA axis dysregulation can affect cognitive performance, including executive functions. This study aimed to evaluate hair cortisol concentration and perceived stress as well as verify the association with the performance of executive function in both individuals diagnosed with MS and control individuals. Hair cortisol concentration and perceived stress were evaluated and their association with the performance of healthy individuals (n = 33) and those with MS (n = 64), most of them with remitting-relapsing multiple sclerosis (RRMS) assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Instruments that were employed to measure perceived stress and health aspects included the Behavioral Assessment Dysexecutive Syndrome, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop Test, and Perceived Stress Scale. No significant statistical difference was found in the comparison of means among the groups; however, an association was found when using statistical correlation tests between cortisol and cognitive performance in the clinical group (r = 0.31, p = 0.10). Further, an absence of correlations with perceived stress measure was noted. It was possible to observe interaction between group factors and low level of cortisol and problem-solving/cognitive flexibility in the MS group. The results indicated that stress measures used in the present study seem to influence the performance of inhibitory control and problem-solving/cognitive flexibility, the latter with low levels of cortisol in individuals with MS. We suggest studies that examine different measures of physiological stress and characteristics of the disease such as more time of stress.

Cortisol levels, motor, cognitive and behavioral symptoms in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive and multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. It has been suggested that a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) occurs in PD. Furthermore, this dysregulation may be involved in triggering, exacerbation or progression of disease. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding cortisol levels and their relation with motor, cognitive and behavioral symptoms in patients with PD. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Embase databases, according to PRISMA norms. Twenty-one studies were included, which evaluated baseline levels of cortisol and motor, cognitive, behavioral symptoms, drugs administration or deep brain stimulation to PD treatment. Sample size ranged from 7 to 249 individuals. In 14 studies that assessed cortisol levels in PD patients, seven showed elevation of cortisol levels. In relation to symptomatology, high levels of cortisol were associated with worst functional scores evaluated by UPDRS, depression and behavior in risk preference. Medication interactions showed an influence on the regulation of cortisol release, mainly, conventional drugs used in the PD's treatment, such as levodopa. The results found in this review point to a possible relationship between cortisol levels and symptoms in PD, indicating that an HPA axis dysfunction related to cortisol level occurs in PD.

Markers for Severity of Problems in Interpersonal Relationships of Crack Cocaine Users from a Brazilian Multicenter Study.

Crack cocaine users frequently report difficulties regarding having healthy and rewarding relationships. Factors other than the use of crack cocaine itself may be at play when it comes to being able to develop healthier connections with partners, adult relatives and close friends. To verify which factors, including demographics, substance abuse related factors and psychiatric comorbidities could be markers for a higher severity of problems in interpersonal relationships of crack cocaine users seeking for treatment. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted between April 2011 and November 2012. Participants were 407 crack cocaine users seeking treatment in specialized public facilities of six Brazilian capitals. The relationship of severity of problems in the family/social area and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders, exposure to stressful events, substance use related factors and practice of illicit activities were explored through multivariate analyses. Number of days using crack cocaine in the last 30 days, age of first time using alcohol and feeling its effects, a diagnosis of alcohol abuse, posttraumatic stress disorder, antisocial personality disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were significantly associated with a higher severity of problems in interpersonal relationships with partners, adult relatives and friends. Problems in interpersonal relationships are strongly related to specific psychiatric comorbidities and the frequency of crack cocaine use. Factors identified by this study can make the paths to recovery more challenging. These results support psychosocial interventions that focus in the improvement of interpersonal relationships of crack cocaine users.

Eliciting Negative Affects Using Film Clips and Real-Life Methods.

Although audio-visual stimuli are among the most frequently used methods to elicit emotional reactions in experimental conditions, real-life manipulations have increasingly been used in different countries. However, the applicability of such protocols has not yet been tested in Brazilian Portuguese speakers. Thus, we conducted two experiments to investigate the effectiveness of both methods. In the first experiment, we used film clips to induce negative emotions (i.e., anger, fear, or sadness) or an emotionally neutral condition in 321 undergraduate students. After watching one of the online videos, volunteers completed an emotional assessment. As expected, there were significant differences in all groups. Our results corroborate the relatively discrete patterns in emotion elicitation using films. In the second experiment, anger was elicited in 18 male undergraduates through a hostile social interaction with a confederate and measured by the corrugator muscle activity and cortisol responses. Indeed, there was an increase in corrugator activity in the group exposed to anger induction, even after a few minutes from the end of the experimental manipulation. Implications for experiments on the negative emotions are discussed.

Inhibitory Control and Impulsivity Levels in Women Crack Users.

OBJECTIVE: investigate impulsivity levels and inhibitory control in women crack users and explore the relationships between impulsivity and inhibitory control. METHOD AND DESIGN: 52 healthy women (M = 32.83 years; SD = 9.54) and 46 crack cocaine users (M = 31.02 years; SD = 7.73), in abstinence, performed the assessment protocol included a Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a GO/No-Go Task and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11). It was a quantitative research with cross-sectional design and control group. RESULTS: crack group showed higher levels of impulsivity in all domains when compared to the control group (crack group M = 76.39, SD = 11.39, control group M = 58.53, SD = 10.76, p <.01). Participants from the crack group presented a significantly higher total reaction time in the Go-NoGo task (F(1,93) = 9.93, p =.002; effect size =.09, observed power =.87) and significantly more commission (F(1,93) = 7.20, p =.009; effect size =.07, observed power =.75) and omission errors (F(1,93) = 6.04, p =.01; effect size =.06, observed power =.68), in Go/NoGo Task. Groups did also significantly differ on total standard deviations suggesting that variability in total reaction time was significantly greater in the crack group. Results showed that only in the crack group there were significant correlations between Go-NoGo parameters and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are consistent that impulsivity and inhibitory control are closely linked to crack use in women. Future studies should consider to evaluate crack users in different withdrawal times, controlling the impact of abstinence time in the variables studied.

Assessment of inhibitory control in crack and/or cocaine users: a systematic review / Avaliação do controle inibitório em usuários de cocaína e/ou crack: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Objective Impairments involving inhibitory control have been considered central deficits in drug users, but it appears that dysfunctions may be specific to users' drug of choice. This article aims to review recent findings on inhibitory control impairment in samples of crack and/or cocaine users. Methods Searches were conducted on the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Knowledge databases in two stages according to eligibility criteria. Initially, databases were searched and the titles and abstracts of results were analyzed and then selected articles were read in full. Inclusion criteria were: empirical articles written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, published in the last ten years and involving the assessment of inhibitory control in crack and/or cocaine users. Results The database searches returned a total of 3,796 titles, 56 of them were selected initially and then a further 20 were excluded. Thirty-six articles were included in this review. In 90% of the studies reviewed the presence of inhibitory control deficits was reported, verified by impaired cognitive processing and response monitoring, as well as high levels of impulsiveness, regardless of the pattern of crack and/or cocaine consumption (recreational or chronic). Former users showed high levels of impulsiveness even after long periods of abstinence. Conclusions Crack and/or cocaine users may have inhibitory control deficits, irrespective of different consumption patterns. High levels of impulsiveness can represent a factor of vulnerability to drug use and relapse.

Resumo Objetivo Prejuízos envolvendo o controle inibitório têm sido considerados déficits centrais em usuários de substâncias psicoativas, contudo parece haver disfunções específicas de acordo com a droga de escolha. Este artigo teve por objetivo revisar os achados recentes sobre alterações do controle inibitório em amostras de usuários de cocaína e/ou crack. Método A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, PsycINFO e Web of Knowledge, em duas etapas, de acordo com os critérios de elegibilidade: inicialmente foi feita uma pesquisa nas bases de dados com análise dos títulos e resumos; após, os artigos foram lidos na íntegra. Os critérios de inclusão foram: artigos empíricos publicados em inglês, português ou espanhol, nos últimos 10 anos e que tenham avaliado o controle inibitório em usuários de cocaína e/ou crack. Resultados Do total de 3.796 resultados, 56 títulos foram selecionados, sendo 20 excluídos. Como resultado, 36 artigos foram incluídos na revisão. Em 90% dos estudos revisados, foi relatada a presença de déficits de controle inibitório, verificados através de prejuízos no processamento cognitivo e no monitoramento de respostas, além de níveis elevados de impulsividade, independentemente do padrão de consumo de cocaína e/ou crack (uso recreativo ou crônico). Usuários em abstinência apresentaram níveis elevados de impulsividade, mesmo após longos períodos sem uso da droga. Conclusão Usuários de cocaína e/ou crack podem apresentar prejuízos de controle inibitório apesar dos diferentes padrões de consumo. Níveis elevados de impulsividade podem constituir fator de vulnerabilidade para o uso de drogas e para a recaída.

Assessment of inhibitory control in crack and/or cocaine users: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Impairments involving inhibitory control have been considered central deficits in drug users, but it appears that dysfunctions may be specific to users' drug of choice. This article aims to review recent findings on inhibitory control impairment in samples of crack and/or cocaine users. METHODS: Searches were conducted on the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Knowledge databases in two stages according to eligibility criteria. Initially, databases were searched and the titles and abstracts of results were analyzed and then selected articles were read in full. Inclusion criteria were: empirical articles written in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, published in the last ten years and involving the assessment of inhibitory control in crack and/or cocaine users. RESULTS: The database searches returned a total of 3,796 titles, 56 of them were selected initially and then a further 20 were excluded. Thirty-six articles were included in this review. In 90% of the studies reviewed the presence of inhibitory control deficits was reported, verified by impaired cognitive processing and response monitoring, as well as high levels of impulsiveness, regardless of the pattern of crack and/or cocaine consumption (recreational or chronic). Former users showed high levels of impulsiveness even after long periods of abstinence. CONCLUSIONS: Crack and/or cocaine users may have inhibitory control deficits, irrespective of different consumption patterns. High levels of impulsiveness can represent a factor of vulnerability to drug use and relapse.