NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL PREDICTORS OF TREATMENT RESPONSE TO COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL GROUP THERAPY IN OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER.

BACKGROUND: The available research on the relationship between neuropsychological functioning and the therapeutic outcome of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has yielded inconsistent results. In this study, our aim was twofold. First, we sought to evaluate the effects of cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) on neurocognitive functions in OCD patients. Second, we assessed the viability of neuropsychological test performance as a predictor of treatment response to CBGT. METHODS: One hundred fifty carefully screened OCD patients were randomized to receive either 12-week CBGT (n = 75) or to remain on a waiting list (WL; n = 75) for the corresponding time. Forty-seven participants dropped out of the study, leaving 103 participants that were included in the analysis (CBGT, n = 61; WL, n = 42). Participants had several neuropsychological domains evaluated both at baseline and at end-point. RESULTS: A significant difference in obsessive-compulsive, anxiety, and depression symptoms was observed between treated patients and controls favoring the CBGT group, but no significant differences were found on neuropsychological measures after 3 months of CBGT. In addition, there were no differences between treatment responders and nonresponders on all neuropsychological outcome measures. Employing a conservative alpha, neuropsychological test performance did not predict CBGT treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: Although the CBGT group demonstrated significant improvement in OCD symptoms, no significant difference was found on all neuropsychological domains, and test performance did not predict treatment response.

The efficacy of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, fluoxetine and their combination in the outpatient treatment of depression.

OBJECTIVE: There are few randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) in depression treatment. LTPP was compared with fluoxetine treatment and their combination; METHODS: 272 depressed patients (aged 26-34, 72% with a first episode of depression) were randomized to receive LTPP (one session/week), fluoxetine treatment (20-60 mg/day) or their combination for 24 months. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was the outcome measure. The psychotherapy was not manualized and the treatment took place under real-life conditions in an outpatient psychiatric clinic. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat analyses indicated that all the treatments were associated with significant reductions in the BDI scores (mean reduction of 18.88 BDI points). Furthermore, LTPP and combination therapy were more effective in reducing BDI scores than fluoxetine alone (22.08 and 22.04 vs. 12.53 BDI points). CONCLUSIONS: LTPP, pharmacological treatment with fluoxetine and their combination are effective in reducing symptoms of patients with moderate depression. LTPP and combined treatment were more effective compared to fluoxetine alone. These findings have implications for patients with depression who may benefit from long-term psychotherapy or combined treatment, or for depressed patients who do not wish to take medications such as fluoxetine.

Determinants of quality of life in elderly patients of a psychosocial care center in Brazil.

The purpose of the present study was to identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and functional determinants of quality of life in elderly (older than 60 years) patients from a Psychosocial Care Center. The sample was randomly selected patients undergoing treatment at the center during the study period. Quality of life was assessed using the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-BREF) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment for older adults (WHOQOL-OLD). A total of 50 elderly individuals with a mean age of 67.5 (SD = 5.72) years were included in the study. A hierarchical linear regression showed that clinical characteristics, such as severe symptoms of depression and a higher number of comorbidities, were related to lower quality of life. Better functional capacity and more frequent visits to the center were determinants of higher quality of life. These findings underscore the importance of assessing quality of life and of taking this variable into account when planning health interventions for elderly patients at a Psychosocial Care Center.

Subjective perception of health in elderly inpatients.

There is evidence that subjective health is an important variable in general health outcomes. It can be an indicator of the individual's overall health status, creating a reliable and valid estimate about health. Quality of life (QoL) assessment can be associated with the individuals' subjective assessment of their own health status. The aim of the present study was to investigate variables associated with subjective perception of health in older inpatients. Ninety elderly inpatients over 60 years old were interviewed. The perception of health assessment (healthy/unhealthy) allocated elders in either of two groups. All the elders answered sociodemographic questions, the WHOQOL-100 and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Comparing the group that considered themselves unhealthy to the other group, the former showed a tendency of worse QoL assessments in five out of six domains investigated. Significant differences were found for the physical and level of independence domains, as well as overall QoL. There was a significant association between health perception and lower intensity of depressive symptoms, as well as better QoL perception in the level of independence domain. This study shows the existence of an association between depressive symptoms and health assessment. It also suggests that the independence dimension is important in the elders' perception of their health status. These findings can help identify cause-effect relations between variables in aging studies involving health indicators and bring new intervention proposals for the elderly.

Cognitive estimation abilities in healthy and clinical populations: the use of the Cognitive Estimation Test.

Estimation abilities are a group of processes that involve functions such as planning, attention, abstract reasoning, and also mnemonic processes, like semantic and working memory. They are allocated in order to solve problems for which the answers are not readily available. Estimation abilities can be measured using the Cognitive Estimation Test (CET). The aim of this article was to review the use of the CET and other tests of cognitive estimation in healthy and pathological populations. We discussed studies examining correlations between the CET and other measures of executive functions and the importance of the standardization of measures that assess estimation abilities.

Assessment of executive functions in a Brazilian sample of bipolar subjects.

Research has demonstrated impairments in executive functions in Bipolar Mood Disorder patients. Evidence shows that this impairment is present in both periods of active symptoms of the disorder, as well as euthymic stages, and is compounded by mood episodes, especially manic phases. The purpose of this study was to compare the executive performance of a sample of Brazilian bipolar patients in depressive episodes, (44 participants), euthymia (37 participants), and in controls (43 participants). The main instrument for evaluation was the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Significant differences were found in performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test between Bipolar subjects (Type I) (both in depression and euthymia) and the controls. No significant correlations were found between the number of manic episodes and the performance on execute measurement variables. The findings suggest that the executive dysfunctions in Bipolar Disorder may be related to both transitory and permanent deficits.

Covid-19 and the impacts on mental health: a sample from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. / COVID-19 e os impactos na saúde mental: uma amostra do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

Pandemics such as that of COVID-19 affect a relatively large number of people and impose new rules and social habits on the world population. Information about the pandemic is constant in the media. Moreover, social distancing has been adopted in Brazil to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which may have economic and psychosocial consequences. This study aimed to verify the factors associated with indicators of mental disorders symptoms in residents of Rio Grande do Sul during the initial period of the social distancing policy. The study was approved by CONEP. There were 799 participants, aged between 18 and 75 years (M = 36.56; SD = 12.88); 82.7% were women, who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire of social distancing and the Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20). The results indicated that having decreased income in the period, being part of the risk group and being more exposed to information about deaths and infected, are factors that can significantly harm mental health in this pandemic period. Investigating social determinants that contribute to greater vulnerability to the mental illness of the population is vital in the field of collective health for the planning of public actions and policies.

Age, Education and Intellectual Quotient Influences: Structural Equation Modeling on the study of Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT).

This study searched for sociodemographic influences on visual memory and visuoconstructive ability in healthy and clinical samples evaluated with Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) in two studies. In Study 1, we searched for changes related to age in children, adolescents, adults and elderly on the performance of the BVRT. In Study 2, we investigated the relations among age, years of education and intellectual quotient (IQ) on the performance of the BVRT using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Participants were 624 individuals aged between six and 89 years old (M = 25.40; SD = 22.34) from the normatization and evidence validity studies at Brazil. We used a sociodemographic questionnaire, BVRT and IQ measure was estimated. Study 1 has shown a performance similar to the developmental graphics with a U-inverted pattern in relation to age: An increase of the visual memory ability in the children and adolescent groups as age increases, a tendency of a decrease in the performance in the adult group that intensifies in the elderly group. Study 2 found that the model for the BVRT performance tested by SEM denoted satisfactory goodness-of-fit indexes, χ2/gl = 2.67, p < .001; CFI = .92; TLI = .93; RMSEA = .004, 90% CI = [.03, .05];WLSMV = 1.79, and corroborated the theoretical assumption. The SEM model confirmed in this study highlight the strong role of years of education in the prediction of BVRT scores.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene val66met polymorphism and executive functioning in patients with bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we investigate the association between the val66met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) and the performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test in a sample of Caucasian Brazilian patients with bipolar disorder. METHOD: Sixty-four patients with bipolar disorder were assessed and their performance on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test was compared with the allele frequency and genotype of the val66met polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor. RESULTS: The percentage of non-perseverative errors was significantly higher among patients with the val/val genotype. There was no association between (BNDF) genotype frequency and other Wisconsin Card Sorting Test domains. CONCLUSION: Our results did not replicate previous descriptions of an association between a worse cognitive performance and the presence of the met allele of the val66met brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene polymorphism.

Development and validation of the Brazilian version of the Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire (AAQ): An example of merging classical psychometric theory and the Rasch measurement model.

BACKGROUND: Aging has determined a demographic shift in the world, which is considered a major societal achievement, and a challenge. Aging is primarily a subjective experience, shaped by factors such as gender and culture. There is a lack of instruments to assess attitudes to aging adequately. In addition, there is no instrument developed or validated in developing region contexts, so that the particularities of ageing in these areas are not included in the measures available. This paper aims to develop and validate a reliable attitude to aging instrument by combining classical psychometric approach and Rasch analysis. METHODS: Pilot study and field trial are described in details. Statistical analysis included classic psychometric theory (EFA and CFA) and Rasch measurement model. The latter was applied to examine unidimensionality, response scale and item fit. RESULTS: Sample was composed of 424 Brazilian old adults, which was compared to an international sample (n = 5238). The final instrument shows excellent psychometric performance (discriminant validity, confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch fit statistics). Rasch analysis indicated that modifications in the response scale and item deletions improved the initial solution derived from the classic approach. CONCLUSION: The combination of classic and modern psychometric theories in a complementary way is fruitful for development and validation of instruments. The construction of a reliable Brazilian Attitudes to Aging Questionnaire is important for assessing cultural specificities of aging in a transcultural perspective and can be applied in international cross-cultural investigations running less risk of cultural bias.

Brazilian WHOQOL-OLD Module version: a Rasch analysis of a new instrument.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Brazilian version of WHOQOL-OLD Module and to test potential changes to the instrument to increase its psychometric adequacy. METHODS: A total of 424 older adults living in a city in Southern Brazil completed the WHOQOL-OLD instrument, in 2005. Rasch analysis was used to explore the psychometric performance of the scale, as implemented by the RUMM2020 software. Item-trait interaction, threshold disorders, presence of differential item functioning and item fit, were analyzed. RESULTS: Two ("death and dying" and "sensory abilities") out of six domains showed inadequate item-trait interactions. Rescoring the response scale and deleting the most misperforming items led to scale improvement. The evaluation of domains and items individually showed that the "intimacy" domain does perform well in contrast to the findings using the classical approach. In addition, the "sensory abilities" domain does not derive an interval measure in its current format. CONCLUSIONS: Unidimensionality and local independence were seen in all domains. Changes in the response scale and deletion of problematic items improved the scale's performance.

Impacts of social distancing on marital life during Covid-19 pandemic / COVID-19 e vida conjugal: impactos do distanciamento social na vida a dois / COVID-19 y vida conyugal: impactos del distanciamiento social en la vida juntos

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of social distancing on different areas of marital life during the Covid-19 pandemic. 1121 Brazilians, who were living with romantic partners, answered an online survey about their social distancing practices during the pandemic and aspects of their relationship. Most participants did not report impairment in marital behavior and 68% did not report experiencing willingness to divorce during pandemic. However, binary logistic regressions showed that the Odds Ratio of reporting willingness to divorce was lower for individuals with longer cohabitation (OR = 0.998), while higher when there was a decrease in positive marital behaviors (OR = 1.8 - 3.13), and also reported an increase in the conflicts, arguments and fights (OR = 6.12 - 6.43). Indicators of higher confinement at home during the pandemic were associated with higher chances of reporting willingness to divorce. (AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi compreender o impacto do distanciamento social durante a pandemia de Covid-19 sobre diversas áreas da vida conjugal. Foi realizado um levantamento online com 1121 brasileiros que residiam com parceiros amorosos e responderam sobre suas práticas de distanciamento social durante a pandemia e aspectos da relação conjugal. A maioria dos participantes não relatou prejuízos nos comportamentos conjugais e 68% não relataram vontade de separação neste período. Porém, regressões logísticas binárias demonstraram que as chances (Odds Ratio) de relatar vontade de separação foram menores para indivíduos com maior tempo de coabitação (OR = 0,998) e maiores quando houve diminuição de comportamentos conjugais positivos (OR = 1,8 - 3,13) e aumento de conflitos e brigas (OR = 6,12 - 6,43). Indicadores de maior confinamento em casa durante a pandemia estiveram associados a chances maiores de relatar vontade de separação. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto del distanciamiento social en diferentes áreas de la vida conyugal durante la pandemia de Covid-19. 1121 brasileños que vivían con parejas románticas respondieron una encuesta on-line sobre sus prácticas de distanciamiento social durante la pandemia y aspectos de su relación. La mayoría de los participantes no informaron deterioro en el comportamiento marital y el 68% no informó un deseo de separarse durante la pandemia. Sin embargo, las regresiones logísticas binarias mostraron que la razón de probabilidades (Odds Ratio) de informar la voluntad de separarse fue menor para las personas con una cohabitación más prolongada (OR = 0,998) y mayor cuando hubo una disminución en los comportamientos maritales positivos (OR = 1,8 - 3,13) y un aumento en el conflictos y peleas (OR = 6,12 - 6,43). Los indicadores de mayor confinamiento en el hogar durante la pandemia se asociaron con mayores posibilidades de informar un deseo de separarse. (AU)

Predictors of response in the treatment of moderate depression.

OBJECTIVE:: To identify neurocognitive and sociodemographic variables that could be associated with clinical response to three modalities of treatment for depression, as well as variables that predicted superior response to one treatment over the others. METHOD:: The present study derives from a research project in which depressed patients (n=272) received one of three treatments - long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (n=90), fluoxetine therapy (n=91), or a combination thereof (n=91) - over a 24-month period. RESULTS:: Sociodemographic variables were not found to be predictive. Six predictive neurocognitive variables were identified: three prognostic variables related to working memory and abstract reasoning; one prescriptive variable related to working memory; and two variables found to be moderators. CONCLUSIONS:: The results of this study indicate subgroups of patients who might benefit from specific therapeutic strategies and subgroups that seem to respond well to long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy and combined therapy. The moderators found suggest that abstract reasoning and processing speed may influence the magnitude and/or direction of clinical improvement.

Personality characteristics and bariatric surgery outcomes: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION:: Numerous studies have focused on psychological assessment of bariatric surgery candidates, aiming to identify which psychological variables, including personality characteristics, are related to successful surgical prognosis. OBJECTIVE:: To analyze, by means of a systematic literature review, longitudinal studies that investigated personality traits and disorders as possible predictors of outcomes in bariatric surgery. METHOD:: PsycInfo, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for studies published between 2005 and 2015, using the keywords "bariatric" AND "personality." Quantitative longitudinal studies in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were selected for review if they assessed personality as an outcome predictor of BS in people aged 18 years or older. RESULTS:: Sixteen articles were analyzed. The results of this review suggest that externalizing dysfunctions might be associated with less weight reduction, while internalizing dysfunctions appear to be associated with somatic concerns and psychological distress. The persistence dimension (of temperament in Cloninger's model) was positively associated with greater weight loss, while neuroticism (Five Factor Model) and the occurrence of personality disorders were not predictive of weight loss. Furthermore, the results indicate a tendency towards a reduction in personality disorders and neuroticism scores, and an increase in extroversion scores, after BS. CONCLUSIONS:: Assessment of personality characteristics, whether to identify their predictive power or to detect changes during the BS process, is important since it can provide grounds for estimating surgical prognosis and for development of interventions targeting this population.

Development and validation of the Portuguese version of the WHOQOL-OLD module.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing proportion of older adults in the general population and the specific characteristics of this age group show the need for the development of specific instruments to measure quality of life in older adults. The study aimed at describing the development and validation of the Portuguese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life for Older Persons (WHOQOL-OLD) module. METHODS: The WHOQOL-OLD instrument was administered in a sample of 424 older adults in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, in 2005. The questionnaire comprises 24 items divided into six facets: sensory abilities; autonomy; past, present and future activities; social participation; death and dying; and intimacy. Besides the WHOQOL-OLD module, the WHOQOL-BREF, BDI and BHS instruments were also applied. The instrument's internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The instrument showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's coefficients ranging from 0.71 to 0.88), discriminant validity (p<0.01), concurrent validity (correlation coefficients ranging from -0.61 to -0.50) and test-retest reliability (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.58 to 0.82). Findings concerning criterion validity need further studies. CONCLUSIONS: The WHOQOL-OLD module is a useful alternative with good psychometric performance in the investigation of quality of life in older adults.

Avaliações psicossociais no trabalho no Brasil: Estudo de levantamento sobre variáveis, modelos teóricos, instrumentos e critérios adotados / Psychosocial assessment at work in Brazil: a survey study of variables, theoretical models, instruments and adopted criteria / Evaluaciones psicosociales en el trabajo en Brasil: estudio de encuesta sobre variables, modelos teóricos, instrumentos y criterios adoptados

O Brasil adotou avaliações psicossociais no trabalho (APT) compulsório para trabalhadores que atuam em altura e em espaços confinados. Entretanto, há pouca orientação sobre como realizá-las com destreza e segurança. Diante disso, realizou-se estudo metodológico de levantamento quantitativo-qualitativo com os médicos e psicólogos que praticam APT. Objetivou-se descrever e comparar características da prática profissional quanto às variáveis investigadas a partir de modelos teóricos, instrumentos e critérios adotados. Participaram 63 psicólogos e 17 médicos, a maioria do sexo feminino, provenientes das regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil. A APT foi compreendida a partir do rastreamento de transtornos mentais pela grande maioria dos participantes. Há ênfase de ambos os profissionais para avaliação de uso de álcool e outras drogas (N = 96%), fobias, acidentes de trabalho, sono e estresse (N = 87,9-81,8%). Poucos profissionais utilizam instrumentos voltados para aspectos do trabalho ou utilizam modelos teóricos para embasar sua APT. Psicólogos usam com maior frequência testes de atenção, ferramentas expressivas de personalidade e raciocínio. Discute-se acerca da necessidade de ampliar a APT, investindo tanto na formação destes profissionais quanto na aproximação de uma abordagem psicossocial, considerando fatores laborais em detrimento do uso do modelo biológico.

Brazil adopted mandatory psychosocial risk assessment at work (PRaT) for workers who work at heights and in confined spaces, offering little guidance on how to perform them. This study is a qualitative-quantitative survey applied to occupational physicians and psychologists who practice PRaT. This study aims to describe and compare professional characteristics regarding the variables investigated, theoretical models, instruments, and adopted criteria. Sixty-three psychologists and 17 doctors participated, mostly female, from the South and Southeast of Brazil. The PRaT was understood as screening of mental disorders by most participants. There is an emphasis on both professionals to assess the use of alcohol and other drugs (N = 96%), phobias, work accidents, stress, and sleep (N = 87.9-81.8%). Few professionals use instruments for assessing occupational hazards or use theoretical models in their PRaT. Psychologists often use attention tests, expressive personality tests, and rational thinking instruments. We discuss the need to expand the PRaT by investing in undergraduate education as well as using a psychosocial approach to the detriment of the biological model, considering work factors.

Brasil ha adoptado evaluaciones psicosociales obligatorias en el trabajo (APT, em português) para trabajadores que laboran en altura y en espacios confinados. Sin embargo, con poca orientación sobre cómo realizarlos con destreza y seguranza. Por lo tanto, se realizó un estudio metodológico cuantitativo y cualitativo con médicos y psicólogos que practican APT. El objetivo fue describir y comparar las características de la práctica profesional cuanto las variables investigadas a través de modelos teóricos, instrumentos y criterios adoptados. Participaron 63 psicólogos y 17 médicos, la mayoría mujeres, provenientes de las regiones del Sur y Sudeste de Brasil. La APT fue entendida a través de un rastreo de trastornos mentales por la gran mayoría de los participantes. Ambos profesionales hacen énfasis en la evaluación de uso del alcohol y otras drogas (N = 96%), fobias, accidentes laborales, trastornos del sueño y estrés (N = 87.9-81.8%). Pocos profesionales usan instrumentos enfocados en aspectos del trabajo o utilizan modelos teóricos para apoyar su APT. Los psicólogos usan con mayor frecuencia testes de atención, herramientas expresivas de personalidad y raciocinio. Se discute la necesidad de expandir la APT, invirtiendo tanto en capacitación de estos profesionales cuanto en la aproximación de un abordaje psicosocial, considerando los factores en detrimento de la utilización del modelo biológico.

Crescimento pós-traumático no câncer de mama: centralidade de evento e coping / Post-traumatic growth in breast cancer: event centrality and coping / Crecimiento post-traumático em cáncer de mama: centralidad de evento y coping

Crescimento pós-traumático (CPT) refere-se à mudança positiva em algum aspecto da experiência humana como resultado do enfrentamento de adversidades. Investigou-se a relação entre CPT, estilos de enfrentamento e centralidade de evento. Participaram do estudo 65 mulheres que concluíram os tratamentos recomendados para o câncer de mama. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa cujos instrumentos foram respondidos on-line. Identificou-se correlações altas entre CPT e centralidade de evento e moderadas entre CPT e os estilos de enfrentamento: estratégia focada no problema, busca de suporte social e práticas religiosas. A centralidade de evento e as estratégias focadas no problema mostraram-se melhores preditoras de CPT. Os resultados sugerem que quanto maior a adversidade percebida, maior a possibilidade de crescimento, sendo as estratégias de enfrentamento focadas no problema um componente importante para a sua ocorrência. Este estudo apontou a possibilidade de crescimento pessoal relacionado ao enfrentamento do CA de mama e indicou estratégias relevantes para desenvolvê-lo. (AU)

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to a positive change in some aspect of the human experience as a result of coping with adversity. This study investigated the relationship between PTG, coping styles, and event centrality, using a cross-sectional research design. The sample consisted of 65 women who had completed the recommended treatments for breast cancer (BC) and answered an online survey. High correlations were identified between PTG and event centrality, and moderate correlations between PTG and the coping styles 'problem-focused strategy', 'social support seeking', and 'religious practices'. Event centrality and problem-focused coping strategies were the best predictors of PTG. The results suggest that the greater the perceived adversity, the greater the possibility of growth, and that problem-focused coping strategies are important for the occurrence of growth in the context of BC. This study pointed to the possibility of personal growth from coping with BC and indicated effective strategies to develop it. (AU)

El crecimiento postraumático (CPT) se refiere al cambio positivo en algún aspecto de la experiencia humana como resultado del enfrentamiento de adversidades. Se investigó la relación entre CPT, estilos de enfrentamiento y centralidad de eventos. Participaron del estudio 65 mujeres que completaron los tratamientos recomendados para el cáncer de mama. Se trató de una investigación cuantitativa respondida on-line. Se identificaron altas correlaciones entre CPT y centralidad de eventos; y moderadas entre CPT y los estilos de enfrentamiento: estrategia centrada en el problema, búsqueda de apoyo social y prácticas religiosas. La centralidad de eventos y las estrategias centradas en el problema demostraron mejores predictores del CPT. Los resultados sugieren que cuanto mayor es la adversidad percibida, mayor es la posibilidad de crecimiento, siendo las estrategias de afrontamientos centradas en el problema un componente importante para su ocurrencia. Este estudio señaló la posibilidad de crecimiento personal frente a la lucha contra el cáncer de mama. (AU)

Avaliação de aspectos emocionais e comportamentais de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista / Evaluation of emotional and behavioral aspects in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

RESUMO O Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) tem início precoce e é caracterizado predominantemente por prejuízos persistentes na comunicação social recíproca/interação social e por padrões restritos e repetitivos de comportamento, interesses ou atividades. Pesquisas apontam que indivíduos com TEA apresentam altas taxas de problemas emocionais e de comportamento. O objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar os aspectos emocionais e comportamentais através do Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) em crianças que preencheram critérios para o diagnóstico de TEA. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo e retrospectivo. No CBCL/1½-5, contatou-se que a escala Problemas do Espectro Autista apresentou escore clínico. Quanto ao CBCL/6-18, as escalas Retraimento, Problemas de Pensamento, Problemas de Atenção e Problemas de Estresse (DSM) apresentaram sintomatologia clínica. Os achados desse estudo estão de acordo com outras pesquisas da área. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que o CBCL é útil para a identificação de sinais de alerta de TEA.

ABSTRACT Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction/communication and stereotyped behavior. The literature suggests that individuals with ASD often presents emotional and behavioral problems. The aim of this study was to examine emotional and behavioral aspects in patients who have been diagnosed with ASD after a psychological evaluation. The tool used for investigation was the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), in both versions (1½-5 and 6-18). This is a quantitative, descriptive and retrospective study. The CBCL/1½-5 profiles showed elevated scores in Withdrawn, Internalizing Problems and Autism Spectrum Problems scales. The CBCL/6-18 showed clinical scores for Withdrawn/Depressed, Thougt Problems, Attention Problems And Stress Problems. The pattern of elevations found in this study is consistent with prior studies. Although CBCL is not a diagnostic tool, it can be considered an useful instrument for detecting alarm signs of ASD.

Bem-estar como fator moderador de transtornos mentais na pandemia / Well-being as a moderating factor of mental desorders in the pandemic

Em março de 2020 a Organização Mundial da Saúde declarou a pandemia do novo coronavírus. Além do adoecimento pelo vírus, sabe-se que epidemias e pandemias podem provocar também adoecimento psíquico das populações, devido às mudanças necessárias no perído. O Brasil tem sido vastamente criticado pela gestão ineficiente da pandemia. Atualmente, figura entre os países com maiores índices de infecções e óbitos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a presença de riscos à saúde mental da população brasileira durante o período da pandemia do coronavírus e qual possível fator mediador para o desenvolvimento de transtornos mentais. Participaram deste estudo 738 pessoas com idade entre 18 e 80 anos (M = 32,9, DP = 10,9), 71,4% mulheres. Foi um estudo transversal e os instrumentos utilizados foram um questionário sociodemográfico, o Self Report Questionnaire-20 e a Personal Wellbeing Index. Para as análises de moderação foi utilizado o pacote PROCESS para SPSS. Os resultados encontrados indicam que o bem-estar tem papel moderador no adoecimento mental, independentemente da presença ou não de diagnóstico prévio de transtorno mental. O bem-estar reduziu significativamente os sinais e sintomas de transtornos mentais nessa amostra, mostrando-se um importante fator de promoção de saúde mental. As limitações do estudo dizem respeito às diferenças culturais entre as regiões do país e à predominância de respondentes gaúchos na amostra. Discute-se a necessidade de investir em intervenções de promoção do bem-estar durante a pandemia para mitigar os riscos de adoecimento mental da população.(AU)

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared a New Coronavirus pandemic. Besides getting sick from the virus, it is known that epidemics and pandemics can also cause psychological illness in the population, due to the necessary changes during the period. Brazil has been widely criticized for its inefficient management of the pandemic. Currently, it ranks among the countries with the highest rates of infections and deaths. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of mental health risks of the Brazilian population during the period of the coronavirus pandemic and what possible mediating factor of mental illness. Participated in this study 738 people aged between 18 and 80 years (M = 32.9, SD = 10.9), 71.4% women. It was a cross-sectional study and the instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Self Report Questionnaire-20 and Personal Wellbeing Index. The PROCESS package for SPSS was used for the moderation analyses. The results found indicate that well-being has a moderating role in mental illness, regardless of the presence or absence of a previous diagnosis of mental disorder. Well-being significantly reduced the signs and symptoms of mental illness in this sample, proving to be an important factor in promoting mental health. The limitations of the study concern the cultural differences between the regions of the country and the predominance of respondents from Rio Grande do Sul in the sample. The need to invest in wellness promotion interventions during the pandemic to mitigate the risks of mental illness in the population is discussed.(AU)

En marzo de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró una Nueva Pandemia de Coronavirus. Además de la enfermedad por el virus, se sabe que las epidemias y pandemias también pueden causar enfermedades psicológicas en las poblaciones, debido a los cambios necesarios en el periodo de la epidemia. Brasil ha sido ampliamente criticado por su ineficiente gestión de la pandemia. En la actualidad, se encuentra entre los países con mayores tasas de infecciones y muertes. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la presencia de riesgos para la salud mental de la población brasileña durante el período de la pandemia de coronavirus y cuál es el posible factor mediador de la enfermedad mental. Participaron en este estudio 738 personas con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 80 años (M = 32,9, DT = 10,9), 71,4% mujeres. Fue un estudio transversal y los instrumentos utilizados fueron un cuestionario sociodemográfico, el Self Report Questionnaire-20 y Personal Wellbeing Index. Para los análisis de moderación se utilizó el paquete PROCESS para SPSS. Los resultados encontrados indican que el bienestar tiene un papel moderador en el deterioro mental, independientemente de la presencia o no de un diagnóstico previo de trastorno mental. El bienestar redujo significativamente los signos y síntomas de la enfermedad mental en esta muestra, demostrando ser un factor importante para la promoción de la salud mental. Las limitaciones del estudio se refieren a las diferencias culturales entre las regiones del país y al predominio de encuestados de Rio Grande do Sul en la muestra. Se discute la necesidad de invertir en intervenciones para promover el bienestar durante la pandemia para mitigar los riesgos de enfermedad mental de la población.(AU)

COVID-19 and Brazilian's mental health: risk factors and related symptoms / COVID-19 e saúde mental de brasileiros: fatores de risco e sintomas associados / COVID-19 y salud mental de brasileños: factores de riesgo y síntomas asociados

In a pandemic, it is necessary to understand who is at higher risk for psychological difficulties. Thus, we aim to investigate psychological symptoms in a Brazilian sample during the COVID-19 pandemic and their associations with sociodemographic, health, and pandemic-related variables. We included 1358 individuals assessed via an online survey through a questionnaire that included sociodemographic and other questions related to the pandemic and the SRQ-20. The results showed that younger adults and women were at a higher risk for minor mental disorders. An investigation about subgroups revealed three clusters representing symptom's severity. The cluster with most symptoms was younger people, had their income most impacted by the pandemic, and had more frequent diagnoses of mental disorders. The subgroups were discriminated mostly due to cognitive-emotional symptoms. We discussed the determinants that can contribute to mental health vulnerability and highlighted the need for state actions for those more vulnerable.

Em uma pandemia, é necessário entender quem possui maior risco de dificuldades psicológicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar os sintomas psicológicos mais prevalentes em uma amostra brasileira, durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e associações com variáveis sociodemográficas, de saúde e pandêmicas. 1.358 indivíduos responderam a um survey online por meio de questionário, que incluiu questões sociodemográficas e relacionadas à pandemia, e o SRQ-20. Os resultados mostraram que mais jovens e mulheres estão em maior risco de transtornos mentais menores (MMD). Uma investigação sobre subgrupos revelou três grupos que representam a gravidade dos sintomas. O cluster com mais sintomas era mais jovem, teve sua renda mais impactada pela pandemia e tinha diagnósticos de transtornos mentais mais frequentemente. Os subgrupos foram discriminados principalmente devido a sintomas cognitivo-emocionais. Discutimos os determinantes que podem contribuir para a vulnerabilidade em saúde mental e destacamos a necessidade de ações estatais para os mais vulneráveis.

En una pandemia, es necesario comprender quién está en mayor riesgo de tener dificultades psicológicas. El objetivo fue investigar los síntomas psicológicos más prevalentes en una muestra brasileña, durante la pandemia de COVID-19, y las asociaciones con variables sociodemográficas, de salud y pandémicas. 1358 personas que fueron evaluadas a través de un cuestionario que incluía aspectos sociodemográficos y relacionados con la pandemia y el SRQ-20. Los resultados mostraron que más jóvenes y mujeres tienen un mayor riesgo de trastornos mentales menores. Una investigación en subgrupos reveló tres grupos que representan la gravedad de los síntomas. El grupo con más síntomas era más joven, sus ingresos se vieron más afectados por la pandemia y tenían más diagnósticos de trastornos mentales. Los subgrupos fueron discriminados principalmente por síntomas cognitivo-emocionales. Discutimos los determinantes que pueden contribuir a la vulnerabilidad en salud mental y resaltamos la necesidad de acciones estatales para los más vulnerables.