The Multi-Component Smoking Cessation Support Programme (McSCSP) is effective in patients with severe mental disorder without gender differences. / El programa multicomponente de apoyo para el cese del tabaquismo (McSCSP) es efectivo en pacientes con trastorno mental grave sin diferencias de género.

High prevalence of smoking in people with severe mental disorders (SMD) contributes to their medical morbidity and reduced life expectancy. Despite the evidence of gender differences in smoking cessation, few studies have tested those differences among people with SMD. This is a non-randomized, open-label, prospective, 9-month follow-up multicentre trial to examine gender differences in the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a Multi-Component Smoking Cessation Support Programme (McSCSP). The results showed that there were no significant differences in short- (males 44.9% vs females 57.7%, chi-square = 1.112, p = 0.292) or long-term efficacy (week 24: males 40.8%, females 42.3%, chi-square = 0.016, p = 0.901; week 36: males 36.7%, females 38.5%, chi-square = 0.022, p = 0.883) between gender, neither controlled by diagnosis or treatment. Regarding safety and tolerability, there was significant increase in abdominal perimeter in males [from 105.98 (SD 13.28) to 108.52 (SD 14.01), t = -3.436, p = 0.002)], but not in females. However, there were no significant gender differences in adverse events (constipation, abnormal/vivid dreams, nausea/vomiting or skin rash/redness around patch site). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that is effective and safe to help either male or female patients with stabilized SMD to quit smoking. However, it might be a tendency in females to respond better to varenicline treatment in the short-term. Future research with larger samples is required to more clearly determine whether or not the there are differences, in addition to their reliability and robustness.

La elevada prevalencia del tabaquismo en personas con trastorno mental grave (TMG) contribuye a su morbilidad médica y reduce su esperanza de vida. A pesar de la existencia de diferencias de género en el cese del tabaquismo, pocos estudios han evaluado esas diferencias en personas con TMG. Este es un ensayo multicéntrico de seguimiento prospectivo, no aleatorizado, abierto de 9 meses para examinar las diferencias de género en la eficacia, seguridad y tolerabilidad de un programa multicomponente de apoyo para el cese del tabaquismo (McSCSP). Los resultados mostraron que no hubo diferencias de género significativas en la eficacia a corto (hombres 44,9% vs mujeres 57,7%, chi cuadrado = 1,112, p = ,292) ni a largo plazo (semana 24: hombres 40,8%, mujeres 42,0.3%, chi cuadrado = 0.016, p = ,901; semana 36: hombres 36,7%, mujeres 38,5%, chi cuadrado = 0,022, p = ,883), incluso controlando por diagnóstico o tratamiento.  Con respecto a la seguridad y la tolerabilidad, hubo un aumento significativo en el perímetro abdominal en los hombres [de 105,98 (DT 13,28) a 108,52 (DT 14,01), t = -3,436, p = ,002)], pero no en las mujeres. Sin embargo, no hubo diferencias de género significativas en los eventos adversos (estreñimiento, sueños anormales/vívidos, náuseas/vómitos o erupción cutánea/enrojecimiento alrededor de la zona del parche). En conclusión, hemos demostrado que es efectivo y seguro ayudar a los hombres y mujeres con TMG estabilizados a dejar de fumar.  Sin embargo, podría haber una tendencia en las mujeres a responder mejor al tratamiento con vareniclina a corto plazo. Se requiere investigación futura con muestras más amplias para determinar con más claridad la existencia de diferencias, además de la fiabilidad y robustez.

Alcohol use and risk factors for self-harm behavior in Spanish adolescents. / Consumo de alcohol y factores de riesgo de conductas autolesivas en adolescentes españoles.

Self-harm behaviors in children and adolescents constitute an important public health problem with prevalence figures in the clinical population between 40 and 80%. The objectives of the study were to analyze and compare the Spanish sub-samples of two studies, SEYLE and WE-STAY to determine prevalence, self-harm patterns and factors associated with self-harm behaviors, notably the use of alcohol or drugs. The questionnaires used in both studies were the Global School Health Survey (GSHS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The self-harm behaviors were evaluated with a modified 6-item version of s the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI). The independence of the study's categorical variables was assessed using the Chi-square test. The change in the relative risk of self-harm between the SEYLE study and WE-STAY was evaluated through the odds ratio (OR) calculation. Two different logistic regression models were calculated in order to establish the factors associated with self-harm behaviors in each study. In the present study, the rates of DSH vary according to study and sex, ranging from 0.58% to 2.08%, and different patterns of self-harm are evidenced by sex, with males self-injuring more frequently by self-inflicted blows and burns, while young women more often cut themselves. The presence of depressive symptoms and alcohol use were the factors most strongly associated with an increased risk of DSH.

Las conductas autolesivas en niños y adolescentes constituyen un importante problema de salud pública con cifras de prevalencia en la población clínica entre el 40 y 80%. Los objetivos del estudio son analizar y comparar las submuestras españolas de dos trabajos, SEYLE y WE-STAY, para conocer la prevalencia, los patrones de autolesión y los factores asociados a las conductas autolesivas, en particular el consumo de alcohol o drogas. Los cuestionarios utilizados en ambos estudios fueron la Encuesta Global de Salud Escolar (GSHS), el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI-II), el Cuestionario de Fortalezas y Dificultades (SDQ). Los comportamientos autolesivos fueron evaluados con una versión modificada de 6 ítems basada en el Inventario de Autolesiones Deliberadas (DSHI). La independencia de las variables categóricas del estudio se evaluó mediante la prueba Ji-Cuadrado. El cambio en el riesgo relativo de autolesión entre el estudio SEYLE y WE-STAY, se evaluó a través del cálculo de odds ratio (OR). Se calcularon dos modelos de regresión logística diferentes con el fin de establecer los factores asociados con comportamientos autolesivos en cada estudio. En el presente estudio las tasas de DSH varían en función del estudio y del sexo en un rango entre 0,58% y 2,08%, presentando patrones de autolesiones diferentes según el sexo, los hombres se autolesionaron más frecuentemente mediante golpes autoinfligidos y quemaduras, mientras que las mujeres se hicieron más frecuentemente cortes. La presencia de síntomas depresivos y el consumo de alcohol fueron los factores asociados de forma más robusta a un mayor riesgo de DSH.

[Perceived emotional intelligence and consumption of psychoactive substances in scholarshiped adolescents of Montería, Colombia]. / Inteligencia emocional percibida y consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en adolescentes escolarizados de Montería, Colombia.

It was compared the level of perceived emotional intelligence (PEI) with prevalence or not prevalence of life of use of psychoactive substances (PLU-PS or n-PLU-PS) in 559 school adolescents in the city of Monteria, Colombia [men 49.69%, women 50.4%, average age 15 and range 12-18 years]. In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, an ad hoc questionnaire was applied to obtain socio-demographic and clinical data that evaluate the PLU-PS and the TMMS-24 questionnaire for the PEI. It appears with a higher prevalence of life of use alcohol, followed by cannabis and tobacco. When the groups were compared according to their PLU-PS or n-PLU-PS, in relation to the dimensions of the PEI, it was found that those who never used alcohol presented a better emotional clarity. The women with not prevalence of life of use of alcohol, perceived their emotions more clearly and those of others, but no significant differences were found in the groups and the other substances against the PEI. This would be a protective factor for the drug use, particularly alcohol and avoid the early appearance of PLU-PS. A low PEI can lead to consumption of alcohol, but its consumption would also affect the abilities of PEI. It is recommended the development of investigations the measuring the skills of emotional intelligence (EI), transcending only its perception. Likewise, the design of psychoeducational programs in EI for the prevention of psychoactive substances use.

[RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BULLYING AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS IN ADOLESCENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW]. / Relación entre bullying y conductas suicidas en adolescentes: una revisión sistemática.

Introduction: The relationship between bullying and adolescent suicidal behavior (SB) is manifested by high rates of attempted or committed suicide in victims of abuse. In spite of the importance of the topic, there are few studies that explain the details of the relationship between these variables, which makes it difficult to create effective interventions. The objective of this study was to provide a more detailed view about the relationship between bullying and SB. Method: Systematic review of literature including publications of bibliographic indexes, ScienceDirect and Pubmed using the terms "bullying" AND "suicidal behavior" AND "ado-lescents" AND "school harassment" AND "school mistreatment" and their corresponding in Spanish published from 2012 to 2018. Results: 21 articles of 272 initials that show the details of the relationship between bullying and suicidal behavior were included: age, gender, types and frequencies of victimization (verbal, physical, relational, cyberbullying, sexual and poly-victimization) and their relationship with variables of SB (ideation, planning, attempts and consummate suicide). Conclusions: Communicate that only receiving bullying results in SB minimizes the existence of other modulating factors and worsens the understanding of the relationship between phenomena leading to negligence in potential actions that could be carried out in intervention.

Predictive factors of alcohol consumption in adolescents: data from 1-year follow-up prospective study. / Factores predictores del consumo de alcohol en adolescentes: datos de un estudio prospectivo de 1 año de seguimiento.

Alcohol use/abuse is a health problem in adolescents. The last Survey on use of drugs in Secondary Schoolers carried out in Spain (ESTUDES 2014-2015), reveals that 76.8% of adolescents aged 14 to 18 years consumed alcohol in the previous year and 68.2% in the last month. The aim of this study is to determine the medium-term factors associated with alcohol consumption in a sample of Spanish adolescents. The present study was carried out as a part of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives project in Europe (SEYLE) project. The final sample was composed of 708 students, assessed at two times [basal (T0) and one year later (T1)] [males: 51.98%, basal mean age (SD)=4.43 (0.67)]. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to investigate relationships between possible predictive variables found at time T0 and alcohol consumption at time T1. At basal time (T0) the prevalence of alcohol abuse was 25.56%, whereas the prevalence one year later was 49.72% (T1). Variables that significantly predict alcohol abuse within a year are: previous alcohol abuse at T0 (p<0.001), previous abuse of drugs (p=0.011), parents attending their sporting events (p=0.005), peer problems (p=0.019), and lack of prosocial behaviour (p=0.043). In the light of our results, it can be concluded that, in adolescents, externalizing disorders seem to be determining factors of medium-term alcohol consumption.

El uso/abuso de alcohol es un problema de salud en los adolescentes. La última Encuesta sobre uso de drogas en Enseñanzas Secundarias realizada en España (ESTUDES 2014-2015), pone de manifiesto que 76,8% de los adolescentes entre 14 y 18 años consumieron alcohol en el último año y 68,2% en el último mes. El principal objetivo es determinar los factores que se asocian con el consumo de alcohol a medio plazo en una muestra de adolescentes españoles. El estudio forma parte del proyecto Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE). La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 708 estudiantes, evaluados en dos momentos temporales [basal (T0) y al año (T1)] [varones: 51,98%, edad media basal (DE)=4,43 (0,67)]. Se realizaron análisis de regresión univariante y multivariante, con el fin de investigar las relaciones entre posibles variables predictoras descritas en el momento temporal T0 y el consumo de alcohol en el momento T1.En el momento basal (T0) la prevalencia de abuso de alcohol fue del 25,56%, mientras que la prevalencia al año fue del 49,72% (T1). Las variables que predicen de forma significativa el abuso de alcohol al cabo de un año son: abuso previo del alcohol en el momento T0 (p< 0,001), abuso previo de drogas (p=0,011), padres que asisten a sus competiciones deportivas (p=0,005), problemas de relación con compañeros (p=0,019) y ausencia de comportamiento prosocial (p=0,043). A la vista de nuestros resultados se puede concluir que, en adolescentes, los trastornos externalizantes parecen ser factores determinantes de consumo de alcohol a medio plazo.

[Impulsivity and gender in adolescents who use psychoactive substances of higher prevalence (alcohol, tobacco and cannabis)]. / Impulsividad y género en adolescentes usuarios de sustancias psicoactivas de mayor prevalencia (alcohol, tabaco y cannabis).

The purpose of the study was to describe the relationship between substance use and impulsivity according to gender as a moderating variable in a sample of Argentine students. Three hundred ninety students were evaluated using a sociodemographic and clinical ad hoc questionnaire; the ASSIST test and the Barratt scale were used to detect substance use and impulsiveness levels respectively. Equal percentages of men and women use alcohol and tobacco; a greater proportion of men use cannabis. Impulsivity levels are higher among teenagers who use substances. Women who use substances (alcohol, tobacco and cannabis) are more impulsive than male users, specifically from the motor point of view. The relationship between impulsivity and substance use is confirmed, gender issues could mediate this relationship and underlying biological mechanisms; these findings will allow a differential gender approach to be established regarding drug prevention and treatment.

[Validation of Q-PAD: Questionnaire for the assessment of psychopathology in adolescent colombian sample]. / Validación del Q-PAD: cuestionario para la evaluación de psicopatología en adolescentes.

The main objective of this study was to contribute to the validation of the Questionnaire for the Evaluation of Psychopathology in Adolescents (Q-PAD) in a nonclinical sample of Colombian adolescents. The sample consisted of 559 students of a center of public secondary education. Correlations between 9 Q-PAD subscales were significant and positive, except for the self-esteem subscale. The internal structure of each scale showed an essentially unidimensional structure, except for the Psychosocial Risk subscale. The internal consistency for the subscales ranged between 0.78 and 0.91 (McDonald's omega). The exploratory factor analysis yielded a solution of 6 factors. A good external validity between the Q-PAD Family Problems subscale and the three subscales of Interpersonal Relations Scale (ERI) was observed. The results indicate that scores of Q-PAD have an appropriate psychometric support and this instrument would allow screening for psychosocial and mental health problems in Colombian adolescents in an efficient, easy, fast and non-invasive way.

Substance use or abuse, internet use, psychopathology and suicidal ideation in adolescents. / Uso y abuso de sustancias psicotrópicas e internet, psicopatología e ideación suicida en adolescentes.

Substance and Internet use or abuse, psychopathology and suicidal ideation appear to be related. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between use of psychotropic substances, inadequate Internet use, suicidal ideation and other psychopathological symptoms within the adolescent population. The present study was carried out as part of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) project, funded by the European Union. The sample is composed of 1026 adolescents aged between 14 and 16 years from 12 state schools in Asturias (530 men and 496 women). This study adds to the possibility of knowing whether the SEYLE data is confirmed in a relatively isolated and recession hit province of Spain. In the present study the following consumption rates were obtained: a) alcohol 11.89% in males and 7.86% in females; b) tobacco: 4.15% and 5.44 % in males and females respectively; c) other drugs: 6.98% in males and 4.44% in females; d) maladaptive or pathological Internet use: 14.53% and 20.77% in males and females respectively. The variables that predict suicide ideation in the logistic regression model were: previous suicide attempts, depression, maladaptive or pathological Internet use, peer problems and alcohol consumption.

El uso o abuso de sustancias o internet, la psicopatología y la ideación suicida parecen estar relacionadas. El objetivo del presente estudio es investigar la asociación en población adolescente entre consumo de sustancias potencialmente adictivas, uso inadecuado de internet, psicopatología e ideación suicida. El estudio forma parte del proyecto europeo Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE). La muestra está compuesta por 1026 adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre 14 y 16 años procedentes de 12 centros escolares públicos del Principado de Asturias (530 varones y 496 mujeres). El presente trabajo aporta la posibilidad de conocer si los datos generales del proyecto SEYLE varían en una zona relativamente aislada y socioeconómicamente en recesión. Las tasas obtenidas de consumo de las distintas sustancias y de uso de internet fueron: a) alcohol: 11,89% en varones y 7,86% en mujeres; b) tabaco: 4,15% y 5,44% en varones y mujeres respectivamente; c) otras drogas: 6,98% en varones y un 4,44% en mujeres; d) uso de internet desadaptativo o patológico: 14,53% y 20,77% en varones y mujeres respectivamente. Se ha observado que las variables con capacidad predictiva sobre las conductas suicidas fueron: tentativas suicidas previas, síntomas depresivos, uso desadaptativo o patológico de internet, problemas con los compañeros y consumo de alcohol.

[Belief system regarding Cannabis, its use and consequences: Users versus non-users in colombian university students]. / Sistema de creencias en relación al cannabis, su uso y consecuencias: consumidores versus no consumidores de una población de universitarios colombianos.

Descriptive and comparative study of cross-sectional that had as objective to evaluate and compare the beliefs about cannabis, its use and potential consequences between two groups of Colombian university students, matched by gender and age. The frst group consisted of ordinary consumers of cannabis (n=35) the second group consisted of students that have never tried cannabis (n=35). The results showed that the group of consumers presents a moderate risk of abuse and only the 20% fulflled dependence criteria. Furthermore, the non-consumers group was mostly agree about that the marijuana use: damages the memory, deteriorates the cognitive functions, creates dependency, can affect the neurons and mental health. Also, it can lead to legal problems, it is a harmful drug for the health, it affects the academic performance, it creates problems with the family, friends, couple and the like, it reduces the driving ability, and, that the marijuana that is sold in the street is always pure. The consumer group, instead, agreed that smoking tobacco affects the lungs more than smoking marijuana. Marijuana has a positive in?uence on the brain, it increases the creativity, and it is less damaging than alcohol and tobacco. Smart people smoke marijuana and it has medicinal effects. In conclusion, according to the kind of beliefs that they have about this drug, the cannabis consumers would have a decreased perception of risk in relation to the potential risk that the consumption brings from two points of view: a. They minimize the real risks of consuming and, b. They attribute some benefts and virtues to the cannabis. The kind of beliefs that the consumer have are maybe in?uenced, at least, in part, for experiences of family and other consumers and, furthermore, the reinforcement of the same consume.

[CANNABIS: ALTERNATIVE REALITIES (CRA)]. / Cannabis: realidades alternativas (CRA).

In this cross sectional and descriptive study, secondary school students trom the city of Santa Rosa were questioned about their beliefs about cannabis and their risk perception derived from it. The sample consisted in 83 male and 71 female 17 year-old teenagers. On the one hand, it was found that the highest risk perceptions were related to the legal issues that might arise due to cannabis consumption, and to its effects on neurons. On the other hand, the lowest risk perceptions were associated with the belief/ idea that smoking tobacco affects the lungs more than smoking cannabis, which might create dependence, and its use can cause mental disorders. Several significant differences were found as regards gender, since the female students noticed more risk than male students in that the consumption of cannabis can develop mental disorders, amotivational syndrome, lack of enthusiasm and less satisfaction with life. The teenager's risk perception about cannabis is variable.

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Body Weight, Image and Self-Esteem Evaluation Questionnaire in patients with severe mental disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Clinicians need brief and valid instruments to monitor the psychosocial impact of weight gain in persons with psychiatric disorders. We examined the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Body Weight, Image and Self-Esteem Evaluation (B-WISE) questionnaire in patients with severe mental disorders. METHOD: The data come from a naturalistic, cross-sectional, validation study conducted at 6 centres in Spain. A total of 211 outpatients with severe mental disorders, 118 with schizophrenia and 93 with bipolar disorder, were evaluated using the B-WISE, the Visual Analogue Scale for Weight and Body Image, and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S). The body mass index was also obtained. RESULTS: The principal component analysis confirms 3 components explaining 50.93% of the variance. The Cronbach α values for B-WISE scales ranged between .55 and .73. Significant Pearson correlations were found between B-WISE total score and CGI-S (r = -0.25; P < .001) and Visual Analogue Scale for Weight and Body Image (r = 0.47; P < .001). The B-WISE discriminates among patients with mild, moderate, and severe mental disorders according to CGI-S scores (F = 6.52; P < .005). Body mass index categorization significantly influenced total B-WISE scores (F = 3.586, P < .050). The B-WISE score corresponding to the 5th and 10th percentiles was 22. CONCLUSIONS: We were able to demonstrate that the Spanish version of the B-WISE is a valid instrument for assessing psychosocial impact of weight gain in patients with severe mental disorders in daily clinical practice.

[Bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care unit]. / Infecciones bacterianas en pacientes internados por COVID-19 en Unidad de Paciente Crítico.

In this brief communication, we retrospectively describe COVID-19 severe patient's characteristics in ICU, and report 37,6% of secondary bacterial infections, mainly with nosocomial respiratory infections and rarely from community source.

Infecciones bacterianas en pacientes internados por COVID-19 en Unidad de Paciente Crítico / Bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care unit

Resumen En esta comunicación breve, describimos retrospectivamente las características de los pacientes internados graves con COVID-19 en UCI. Reportamos 37,6 % de infecciones bacterianas secundarias, principalmente de origen nosocomial respiratorio y muy infrecuente comunitario.

Abstract In this brief communication, we retrospectively describe COVID-19 severe patient's characteristics in ICU, and report 37,6% of secondary bacterial infections, mainly with nosocomial respiratory infections and rarely from community source.

[Cannabis: A Cognitive Illusion]. / Cannabis: una ilusión cognitiva.

INTRODUCTION: The vision of cannabis as a soft drug is due to the low risk perception that young and old people have of the drug. This perception is based on erroneous beliefs that people have about the drug. OBJECTIVE: To compare the beliefs of cannabis use and consequences among adolescents with a lifetime prevalence of cannabis use and those without a lifetime prevalence of cannabis use. METHOD: Quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study with a probability sample of 156 high school students who completed an ad-hoc questionnaire that included sociodemographic data and 22 questions about the beliefs that young people had about cannabis use and its consequences. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of cannabis use was 13.5%. The prevalence group consisted mostly of males. Statistically significant differences between different groups and different beliefs were found. The group with no lifetime prevalence of cannabis use perceived higher risk as regards the damage that cannabis can cause to memory, other cognitive functions, neurons, mental health, and general health. The group with a lifetime prevalence of cannabis use perceived a lower risk as regards the use of cannabis, and think that intelligent people smoke cannabis, and that cannabis has positive effects on the brain, increasing creativity. and is used to cure mental diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Those who used cannabis once in their life perceive the use of the substance as less harmful or less potential danger to health compared to those who never consumed. In fact those who consumed at some time even have beliefs that suggest positive effects in those people that consume it.

Caracterización de la conducta agresiva y de variables psicosociales en una muestra de adolescentes de la ciudad de Bucaramanga y su área metropolitana / Characterization of aggressive behaviour and psychosocial variables in a sample of adolescents from the city of Bucaramanga and its metropolitan área

Resumen Introducción: La agresividad es una variable que se ha venido asociando a problemas sociales y clínicos; a su vez, se ha estimado un incremento de la misma denotando un riesgo mayor en población infanto-juvenil. Objetivo: Describir las características de la conducta agresiva y variables psicosociales asociadas (tipo de relaciones familiares y antecedentes personales), en una muestra de 351 adolescentes ente 12 y 17 años de edad de la ciudad de Bucaramanga y su área metropolitana. Método: Es una investigación cuantitativa de alcance descriptivo transversal. Se empleó un Cuestionario "Ad hoc" y el Cuestionario de Agresividad Premeditada e Impulsiva en Adolescentes (Andreu, 2010), los cuales se aplicaron de forma autoadministrada desde un muestreo no probabilístico. Los resultados se obtuvieron a través del programa estadístico SPSS, realizando un análisis estadístico de medidas de tendencia central y Chi cuadrado. Resultados: Se identificó que la agresividad es frecuente en los adolescentes, especialmente de tipo impulsiva (33 %), y predominando en las mujeres (premeditada= 25,4 %; impulsiva= 37,3 %). Los adolescentes con agresividad impulsiva alta se caracterizaban por menor edad (12 años= 7,7 %) y menor nivel académico (séptimo grado o menos= 14,8 %). De forma genérica, quienes tenían agresividad alta, tenían relación distante desde lo afectivo y físico con el padre, y antecedentes de haber tenido problemas con otros por ejercer la agresión. Conclusión: Los hallazgos comprueban la frecuencia de la agresividad en la adolescencia, y llevan a reflexionar sobre posibles cambios en los roles sociales sobre la expresión de las emociones. Es fundamental estudiar la relación de la agresividad con la impulsividad, la edad, la dinámica relacional con los padres, con el fin de brindar mayores aportes en el desarrollo de estrategias de prevención de la conducta disfuncional asociada a la agresividad.

Abstract Introduction: Aggression is a variable that has been associated with social and clinical problems; at the same time, an increase in it has been estimated, denoting a higher risk in the child-adolescent population. Objective: To describe the characteristics of aggressive behavior and associated psychosocial variables (type of family relationships and personal history), in a sample of 351 adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age from the city of Bucaramanga and its metropolitan area. Method: It is a quantitative investigation of transversal descriptive scope. An "Ad hoc" Questionnaire and the Premeditated and Impulsive Aggression Questionnaire in Adolescents (Andreu, 2010) were used, which were self-administered from a non-probabilistic sampling. The results were obtained through the SPSS statistical program, performing a statistical analysis of measures of central tendency and Chi square. Results: It was identified that aggressiveness is frequent in adolescents, especially of the impulsive type (33 %), and predominantly in women (premeditated = 25,4 %; impulsive = 37,3 %). Adolescents with high impulsive aggressiveness were characterized by younger age (12 years = 7,7 %) and lower academic level (seventh grade or less = 14,8 %). In a generic way, those who had high aggressiveness, had a distant emotional and physical relationship with the father, and a history of having had problems with others for exerting aggression. Conclusion: The findings verify the frequency of aggressiveness in adolescence, and lead to reflect on possible changes in social roles on the expression of emotions. It is essential to study the relationship of aggressiveness with impulsivity, age, and relationship dynamics with parents, in order to provide greater contributions in the development of strategies for the prevention of dysfunctional behavior associated with aggressiveness

It is feasible and effective to help patients with severe mental disorders to quit smoking: An ecological pragmatic clinical trial with transdermal nicotine patches and varenicline.

Despite the proven association between smoking and high rates of medical morbidity and reduced life expectancy in people with severe mental disorders (SMD), their smoking rates do not decline as they do in the general population. We carried out a non-randomized, open-label, prospective, 9-month follow-up multicentre trial to investigate the clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of a 12-week smoking cessation programme for patients with SMD in the community under real-world clinical conditions. Eighty-two adult outpatients with schizophrenic/bipolar disorder smoking ≥15 cigarettes/day were assigned by shared decision between doctors and patients to transdermal nicotine patches (TNP) [36(46.2%)] or varenicline [39(50%)]. Short-term efficacy: The 12-week 7-day smoking cessation (self-reported cigarettes/day=0 and breath carbon monoxide levels≤9ppm) prevalence was 49.3%, without statistically significant differences between medications (TNP 50.0% vs varenicline 48.6%, chi-square=0.015, p=1.000). Long-term efficacy: At weeks 24 and 36, 41.3 and 37.3% of patients were abstinent, with no statistically significant differences between treatments. Safety and Tolerability: no patients made suicide attempts/required hospitalization. There was no worsening on the psychometric scales. Patients significantly increased weight [TNP 1.1(2.8) vs varenicline 2.5(3.3), p=0.063], without significant changes in vital signs/laboratory results, except significant decreases in alkaline phosphatase and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in the varenicline group. Patients under varenicline more frequently presented nausea/vomiting (p<0.0005), patients under TNP experienced skin reactions more frequently (p=0.002). Three patients under varenicline had elevated liver enzymes. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that in real-world clinical settings it is feasible and safe to help patients with stabilized severe mental disorders to quit smoking.

Psychometric properties of a Spanish-version of the Schizophrenia Objective Functioning Instrument (Sp-SOFI).

The Schizophrenia Objective Functioning Instrument (SOFI) is an interviewer-administered scale designed to objectively assess the actual level of patient functioning and to measure community functioning related to cognitive impairment and psychopathology. The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the SOFI (Sp-SOFI) in a sample of 155 Spanish outpatients with schizophrenia disorder. The instruments applied were Sp-SOFI, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia Scale (CGI-SCH), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF). The discrimination indexes of the Sp-SOFI items range from .21 to .77. Exploratory factor analysis showed an essentially one-dimensional structure. Cronbach's alpha was .93. Test-retest reliability for the Sp-SOFI total score was .87 (p < .001). The canonical correlation between SP-SOFI domains and PSP dimensions was .83. The multiple correlation coefficient between Sp-SOFI domains and GAF score was .84. Sp-SOFI scores were significantly different between high and low scores on the PANSS scales (p < .001). Sp-SOFI measures discriminated among patients with doubtful, mild, moderate, and severe schizophrenia disorder according to CGI-SCH scales (p < .001). New evidence about the validity of the SOFI was provided. The Sp-SOFI is a reliable and valid tool for using in clinical practice.

El Instrumento de Funcionamiento Objetivo para la Esquizofrenia (SOFI) es una entrevista para evaluar el nivel de funcionamiento comunitario en relación con el daño cognitivo y los síntomas psicopatológicos. El objetivo del estudio consistió en examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la SOFI (Sp-SOFI) en una muestra de 155 pacientes ambulatorios con esquizofrenia. Los índices de discriminación de la Sp-SOFI oscilaron entre 0,21 y 0,77. El análisis factorial exploratorio mostró una estructura esencialmente unidimensional. El alfa de Cronbach fue 0,93. El coeficiente de fiabilidad test-retest fue 0,87 (p < 0,001). La correlación canónica entre la Sp-SOFI y la Escala de Funcionamiento Personal y Social (PSP) fue 0,83. El coeficiente de correlación múltiple entre la Sp-SOFI y la Escala de Evaluación de la Actividad Global (EEAG) fue 0,44. Las puntuaciones en la Sp-SOFI fueron significativamente diferentes entre los pacientes con puntuaciones altas y bajas en la Escala del Síndrome Positivo y Negativo (PANSS) (p < 0,001). La Sp-SOFI discriminó entre pacientes con trastorno de esquizofrenia dudoso, leve, moderado y grave de acuerdo con la Escala de Impresión Clínica Global de Esquizofrenia (CGI-SCH) (p < 0,001). La Sp-SOFI es un instrumento fiable y válido para la práctica clínica.

Validación de un instrumento para medir el desarrollo moral en el contexto de situaciones relacionadas con la corrupción / Validation of an instrument for measuring moral development in the context of situations related to corruption

Resumen Objetivo: Este artículo presenta la validación de una adaptación del Defining Issues Test, versión corta (DIT-SF) para medir el desarrollo moral en torno a la corrupción. Método: La muestra fue de 232 estudiantes universitarios de varias profesiones y niveles con edades comprendidas entre los 15 y 33 años de ambos géneros. El instrumento validado (DIT-C) tiene 3 subescalas donde cada una corresponde con un dilema y unos ítems asociados de la cual se obtiene una puntuación. Resultados: 1. Existen correlaciones significativas entre las 3 subescalas del DIT-C. 2. Todas las subescalas explican un porcentaje de la varianza y, 3. La validación externa con otro instrumento de desarrollo moral presentó correlaciones estadísticamente significativas. El alfa de Cronbach fue de 0.809. Conclusiones: el DIT-C es un instrumento para medir la expectativa individual propia de la corrupción que cumple con varias de las condiciones mínimas de confiabilidad y validez para medir el desarrollo moral en torno a la corrupción.

Abstract Objective: This paper presents the validation of an adaptation of the Defining Issues Test, short version (DIT-SF), to measure the moral development around corruption. Method: The sample was 232 university students of various professions and levels between the ages of 15 and 33 of both genders. The validated instrument (DIT-C) has 3 subscales where each one corresponds with a dilemma and associated items from which a score is obtained. Results: The results indicate that: 1There are significant correlations between the 3 subscales of the DIT-C, 2All subscales explain a percentage of the variance and, 3External validation with another instrument of moral development presented statistically significant correlations. Cronbach's alpha was 0.809. Conclusions: The DIT-C is an instrument to measure the individual expectation of corruption that meets several of the minimum conditions of reliability and validity to measure the moral development around corruption.

Effectiveness of a multi-component Smoking Cessation Support Programme (McSCSP) for patients with severe mental disorders: study design.

Only a few studies have examined the efficacy and safety of smoking cessation programmes in patients with mental disorders. The aim of this paper is to describe in detail the methodology used in the study as well as the Multi-component Smoking Cessation Support Programme in terms of pharmacological treatments and psychological interventions. An open-label 9-month follow-up study was conducted in Spain. A total of 82 clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective or bipolar disorder were enrolled. Treatment consisted of a programme specifically developed by the research team for individuals with severe mental disorders. The programme consisted of two phases: (1) weekly individual motivational therapy for 4-12 weeks, and (2) a 12-week active treatment phase. During this phase, at each study visit patients received a one- or two-week supply of medication (transdermal nicotine patches, varenicline or bupropion) with instructions on how to take it, in addition to group psychotherapy for smoking cessation. Evaluations were performed: (1) at the time of enrollment in the study, (2) during the 12-week active treatment phase of the study (weekly for the first 4 weeks and then biweekly), and (3) after the end of this phase (two follow-up assessments at weeks 12 and 24). Evaluations included: (1) smoking history, (2) substance use, (3) psychopathology, (4) adverse events, and (5) laboratory tests. The importance of this study lies in addressing a topical issue often ignored by psychiatrists: the unacceptably high rates of tobacco use in patients with severe mental disorders.

Efficacy of functional remediation in bipolar disorder: a multicenter randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE The authors sought to assess the efficacy of functional remediation, a novel intervention program, on functional improvement in a sample of euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. METHOD In a multicenter, randomized, rater-blind clinical trial involving 239 outpatients with DSM-IV bipolar disorder, functional remediation (N=77) was compared with psychoeducation (N=82) and treatment as usual (N=80) over 21 weeks. Pharmacological treatment was kept stable in all three groups. The primary outcome measure was improvement in global psychosocial functioning, measured blindly as the mean change in score on the Functioning Assessment Short Test from baseline to endpoint. RESULTS At the end of the study, 183 patients completed the treatment phase. Repeated-measures analysis revealed significant functional improvement from baseline to endpoint over the 21 weeks of treatment (last observation carried forward), suggesting an interaction between treatment assignment and time. Tukey's post hoc tests revealed that functional remediation differed significantly from treatment as usual, but not from psychoeducation. CONCLUSIONS Functional remediation, a novel group intervention, showed efficacy in improving the functional outcome of a sample of euthymic bipolar patients as compared with treatment as usual.