The UPPS model of impulsivity in the abuse of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). / El modelo UPPS de impulsividad en el abuso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC).

The UPPS model of impulsivity has recently been proposed, has been widely applied to substance abuse and is one of those recommended in the context of Research Domain Criteria, RDoC. However, its application to the abuse of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has been very limited. In the present work, a sample of n = 748 (67% females) was recruited through the Internet, and the reduced version of the UPPS-P was administered, in addition to the MULTICAGE-TIC and the Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI-20). The psychometric properties of UPPS-P were satisfactory in terms of internal consistency (0.87 > ω > 0.75) and structural validity. Impulsivity measured by UPPS-P correlated with all MULTICAGE-TIC scales, although with a very small effect size, and with greater magnitude with prefrontal dysfunction symptoms. The impulsivity dimension most related to ICT abuse was Urgency (0.3 > r > 0.2). A structural analysis of all the variables was carried out, with impulsivity appearing as a product of the prefrontal malfunction that predicted, through Positive Urgency, the abuse of ICTs. Impulsivity does not seem to be the central nucleus of ICT abuse, but rather failures in the superior control of behavior, of which impulsivity would be a consequence, but not the most important. This makes it advisable to design cognitive rehabilitation interventions that improve the functioning of superior behavior control mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of ICT abuse.

El modelo UPPS de impulsividad se ha propuesto recientemente, ha sido ampliamente aplicado al abuso de sustancias y es uno de los recomendados en el contexto de investigación Research Domain Criteria, RDoC. Sin embargo, su aplicación al abuso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) ha sido muy limitado. En el presente trabajo se reclutó a través de Internet una muestra de n = 748 (67% mujeres) y se administró la versión reducida de la UPPS-P, además del MULTICAGE-TIC y el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales (ISP-20). Las propiedades psicométricas de la UPPS-P resultaron satisfactorias en consistencia interna (0,87 > ω >0,75) y validez estructural. La impulsividad medida por la UPPS-P correlacionó con todas las escalas del MULTICAGE-TIC, aunque con un tamaño del efecto muy pequeño, y con mayor magnitud con las de síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal. Las dimensiones de impulsividad más relacionadas con el abuso de las TIC fueron las de Urgencia (0,3 > r > 0,2). Se realizó un análisis estructural de todas las variables apareciendo la impulsividad como un producto del mal funcionamiento prefrontal que predecía, a través de la Urgencia Positiva, el abuso de las TIC. La impulsividad no parece ser el núcleo central del abuso de las TIC, sino los fallos en el control superior de la conducta, de los que la impulsividad sería una consecuencia, pero no la más importante. Ello hace recomendable el diseño de intervenciones de rehabilitación cognitiva que mejoren el funcionamiento de los mecanismos de control superior de la conducta en la prevención y tratamiento del abuso de las TIC.

El modelo UPPS de impulsividad en el abuso de lasTecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) / The UPPS model of impulsivity in the abuse of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

El modelo UPPS de impulsividad se ha propuesto recientemente, hasido ampliamente aplicado al abuso de sustancias y es uno de los recomendados en el contexto de investigación Research Domain Criteria,RDoC. Sin embargo, su aplicación al abuso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) ha sido muy limitado. En el presentetrabajo se reclutó a través de Internet una muestra de n=748 (67%mujeres) y se administró la versión reducida de la UPPS-P, además delMULTICAGE-TIC y el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales (ISP-20).Las propiedades psicométricas de la UPPS-P resultaron satisfactoriasen consistencia interna (0,87>ω>0,75) y validez estructural. La impulsividad medida por la UPPS-P correlacionó con todas las escalas delMULTICAGE-TIC, aunque con un tamaño del efecto muy pequeño,y con mayor magnitud con las de síntomas de mal funcionamientoprefrontal. Las dimensiones de impulsividad más relacionadas con elabuso de las TIC fueron las de Urgencia (0,3>r>0,2). Se realizó unanálisis estructural de todas las variables apareciendo la impulsividadcomo un producto del mal funcionamiento prefrontal que predecía,a través de la Urgencia Positiva, el abuso de las TIC. La impulsividadno parece ser el núcleo central del abuso de las TIC, sino los fallos enel control superior de la conducta, de los que la impulsividad seríauna consecuencia, pero no la más importante. Ello hace recomendable el diseño de intervenciones de rehabilitación cognitiva que mejoren el funcionamiento de los mecanismos de control superior de laconducta en la prevención y tratamiento del abuso de las TIC. (AU)

The UPPS model of impulsivity has recently been proposed, has beenwidely applied to substance abuse and is one of those recommendedin the context of Research Domain Criteria, RDoC. However, its application to the abuse of information and communication technologies (ICTs) has been very limited. In the present work, a sample ofn=748 (67% females) was recruited through the Internet, and thereduced version of the UPPS-P was administered, in addition to theMULTICAGE-TIC and the Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI-20).The psychometric properties of UPPS-P were satisfactory in terms ofinternal consistency (0.87 > ω > 0.75) and structural validity. Impulsivity measured by UPPS-P correlated with all MULTICAGE-TIC scales,although with a very small effect size, and with greater magnitudewith prefrontal dysfunction symptoms. The impulsivity dimensionmost related to ICT abuse was Urgency (0.3 > r > 0.2). A structuralanalysis of all the variables was carried out, with impulsivity appearingas a product of the prefrontal malfunction that predicted, throughPositive Urgency, the abuse of ICTs. Impulsivity does not seem to bethe central nucleus of ICT abuse, but rather failures in the superiorcontrol of behavior, of which impulsivity would be a consequence, butnot the most important. This makes it advisable to design cognitiverehabilitation interventions that improve the functioning of superiorbehavior control mechanisms in the prevention and treatment of ICTabuse. (AU)

MADRID+90 study on factors associated with longevity: Study design and preliminary data.

The progressive aging of the population represents a challenge for society. In particular, a strong increase in the number of people over 90 is expected in the next two decades. As this phenomenon will lead to an increase in illness and age-related dependency, the study of long-lived people represents an opportunity to explore which lifestyle factors are associated with healthy aging and which with the emergence of age-related diseases, especially Alzheimer's type dementia. The project "Factors associated with healthy and pathologically aging in a sample of elderly people over 90 in the city of Madrid" (MADRID+90) brings together a multidisciplinary research team in neurodegenerative diseases that includes experts in epidemiology, neurology, neuropsychology, neuroimaging and computational neuroscience. In the first phase of the project, a stratified random sampling was carried out according to the census of the city of Madrid followed by a survey conducted on 191 people aged 90 and over. This survey gathered information on demographics, clinical data, lifestyles and cognitive status. Here, the main results of that survey are showed. The second phase of the project aims to characterize individual trajectories in the course of either healthy and pathological aging, from a group of 50 subjects over 90 who will undergo a comprehensive clinical examination comprised of neurological and cognitive testing, MRI and EEG. The ultimate goal of the project is to characterize the biophysical and clinical profiles of a population that tends to receive little attention in the literature. A better understanding of the rapidly increasing group of nonagenarians will also help to design new policies that minimize the impact and future social and economic consequences of rapidly aging societies.

Impulsivity-Compulsivity Axis: Evidence of Its Clinical Validity to Individually Classify Subjects on the Use/Abuse of Information and Communication Technologies.

The compulsive habit model proposed by Everitt and Robbins has accumulated important empirical evidence. One of their proposals is the existence of an axis, on which each a person with a particular addiction can be located depending on the evolutionary moment of his/her addictive process. The objective of the present study is to contribute in addressing the identification of such axis, as few studies related to it have been published to date. To do so, the use/abuse of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) was quantified on an initial sample of 807 subjects. Questionnaires were also delivered to measure impulsivity, compulsivity and symptoms of prefrontal dysfunction. Evidence of the existence of the proposed axis was obtained by means of Machine Learning techniques, thus allowing the classification of each subject along the continuum. The present study provides preliminary evidence of the existence of the Impulsivity-Compulsivity axis, as well as an IT tool so that each patient that starts getting treatment for an addiction can be statistically classified as "impulsive" or "compulsive." This would allow the matching of each person with the most appropriate treatment depending on his/her moment in the addiction/abuse process, thus facilitating the individualized design of each therapeutic process and a possible improvement of the results of the treatment.

Reliability and Validity of the Spanish Version of the Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) in Assessing People in Treatment for Substance Addiction.

IMPORTANCE: Assessing people's executive function (EF) during addiction treatment makes it possible to design individualized occupational goals. OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) in the occupational assessment of people being treated for substance addiction. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study to determine the EFPT's internal consistency as well as its convergent and discriminant validity with complementary tests. SETTING: A public, free addiction treatment center operated by Madrid Salud (Madrid City Council, Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two people referred to an occupational therapy department for evaluation and intervention. Inclusion was based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision) criteria for substance abuse or dependence; the exclusion criterion consisted of any circumstances that made it difficult for a person to understand or perform the test. OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The EFPT, other occupational tests (Allen Cognitive Level Screen-5, Lowenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment), and a battery of neuropsychological EF tests. RESULTS: The EFPT had an unequivocal unifactorial structure and showed strong correlations between its components and adequate consistency with the scales and the complete test. As expected, the EFPT correlated with the neuropsychological tests with a considerable effect size (-.40 < r < -.60). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The EFPT's psychometric properties are adequate to assess the EF of people being treated for substance addiction from an occupational perspective using real activities of daily living (ADLs). WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS: The results show that the EFPT can be used to assess performance of ADLs without needing to use tests from disciplines other than occupational therapy. Further studies in different sociocultural settings are needed to generalize the results.

Obsession and compulsion in mobile phone use/abuse: OCDUS-ICT. / Obsesión y compulsión en el uso/abuso del móvil: el OCDUS-TIC.

Compulsiveness has been considered one of the core characteristics of addictive behaviours. One of the abusive behaviours that has acquired importance in recent times involves the use of mobile phones. The aim of this study is to obtain a version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Drug-Use Scale (OCDUS) to study the compulsivity associated with mobile phone abuse, its basic psychometric properties and the results of its application. The OCDUS-ICT was created and administered over the Internet, through instant messaging programs, social networks and e-mail, and anonymous and voluntary participation was requested. Additionally, MULTICAGE-ICT and the Inventory of Prefrontal Symptoms were administered. A sample of n=748 subjects, 33% males and 94% born and resident in Spain was obtained. The test obtained adequate values of internal consistency, applying different estimators. Confirmatory factor analysis of the theoretical scales yielded adequate fit indices. Obsessive-compulsive components were observed to become stronger as mobile phone use increased and approached abuse levels. OCDUS-ICT scales showed large correlations with prefrontal malfunction symptoms, especially Thoughts-Interference (r>0.80). In conclusion, OCDUS-ICT explores with psychometric accuracy the obsessive-compulsive components of mobile use/abuse, which are closely related to malfunctions in daily life attributable to the prefrontal cortex. If impulsivity has so far been the focus in the study of mobile phone abuse, the data from the present study suggest that greater attention should be paid to compulsivity as a factor in maintaining abuse.

La compulsividad ha sido considerada una de las características nucleares de las conductas adictivas. Uno de los comportamientos abusivos que ha adquirido importancia en tiempos recientes es el uso del teléfono móvil. El objetivo del presente trabajo es obtener una versión de la Escala de Uso Obsesivo-Compulsivo de Drogas (OCDUS) para estudiar la compulsividad asociada al abuso del móvil, conocer sus propiedades psicométricas básicas y resultados de su aplicación. Se creó y administró el OCDUS-TIC por Internet, mediante mensajería instantánea, redes sociales y correo electrónico, solicitándose la participación anónima y voluntaria. Adicionalmente se administraron el MULTICAGE-TIC y el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales (ISP). Se obtuvo una muestra de n=748 sujetos, 33% varones y 94% nacidos y residentes en España. El test obtuvo adecuados valores de consistencia interna, aplicando diferentes estimadores. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio sobre las escalas teóricas, alcanzando adecuados estimadores de ajuste. Se observó que los componentes obsesivo-compulsivos son de mayor magnitud a medida que se incrementa la implicación en el uso y su progresión al abuso del móvil. Las escalas del OCDUS-TIC mostraron correlaciones de gran magnitud con los síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal, especialmente la de Pensamiento-Interferencia (r>0,80). En conclusión, el OCDUS-TIC explora con garantías psicométricas los componentes obsesivo-compulsivos del uso/abuso del móvil, que se relacionan estrechamente con fallos cotidianos de origen prefrontal. Si la impulsividad ha centrado el interés en el estudio del abuso del móvil, los datos del presente estudio aconsejan prestar mayor atención a la compulsividad como factor de mantenimiento del abuso.

Opiate drug use in the city of Madrid: Associated health and sociodemographic factors. / Consumo de fármacos opiáceos en la ciudad de Madrid: Factores sanitarios y sociodemográficos asociados.

The use of opiate analgesics has led to a health and social emergency in the United States. In Spain, according to official data, the prescription of these drugs has risen dramatically in the last decade. This study explores the prevalence of the use of these drugs and the health and socio-demographic characteristics of their consumers in the city of Madrid. A telephone survey was carried on a stratified, randomised sample, asking about the use of these drugs and whether or not they were medically prescribed. The sample consisted of n=8,845 subjects aged between 15 and 98 years. Sixteen percent stated that they had used these drugs in the last year and 9.1% had taken them in the last two weeks. Consumption was more frequent among women, lower social class and lower level of education. Among the youngest group (15-29 years old) 12.5% had already used it. Those who use opioids report worse perceived health, lower quality of life, more mental health problems, more loneliness, more use of other psychoactive drugs, more frequent daily use of tobacco and less problematic consumption of alcohol. Ten percent of those who use them do so without a doctor's prescription. Combining these data with the prescription data offered by the Ministry of Health, it is necessary to pay attention to a problem that may become apparent in the coming years, and the adoption of urgent measures to tackle it before it brings the Spanish situation closer to that already well known in countries of our socio-political environment is advised.

El consumo de analgésicos opiáceos ha provocado una situación de emergencia sanitaria y social en Estados Unidos. En España, según datos oficiales, la prescripción de estos fármacos ha experimentado un espectacular ascenso en la última década. Este estudio explora la prevalencia del uso de estos fármacos y las características sanitarias y sociodemográficas de sus consumidores en la ciudad de Madrid. Se realizó una encuesta telefónica aplicando un muestreo estratificado y aleatorizado, en la que se preguntó por el uso de estos fármacos y si fueron médicamente prescritos o no. La muestra estuvo compuesta por n= 8.845 sujetos de edades entre 15 y 98 años. Un 16,0% declara haber usado estos fármacos en el último año y un 9,1 los toma en las dos últimas semanas. El consumo es más frecuente en mujeres, clase social baja y menor nivel de estudios. El grupo más joven (15-29 años) ya lo usa en el 12,5%. Quienes usan opioides refieren peor salud percibida, menor calidad de vida, más problemas de salud mental, más soledad no deseada, más uso de otros psicofármacos, más frecuente uso diario de tabaco y menos consumo problemático de alcohol. Un 10% de quienes los usan lo hacen sin prescripción médica. Combinando estos datos con los de prescripción ofrecidos por el Ministerio de Sanidad, resulta necesario prestar atención a un problema que puede hacerse patente en los próximos años, aconsejando la adopción de medidas urgentes para atajarlo antes de que aproxime la situación española a la ya bien conocida en otros países.

Eje impulsividad-compulsividad en el abuso de tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) desde la perspectiva del Proyecto de criterios de dominio de investigación (RDoC) / Impulsivity-compulsivity axis in the abuse of information and communication technologies (ICT) from the perspective of the Research Domain Criteria Project (RDoC)

El modelo de formación de hábitos de la adicción implica la transición desde una fase inicial en la que la corteza prefrontal deja de controlar el comportamiento, a una fase en la que el control se transfiere al estriado dorsal, pasando al consumo compulsivo. Este modelo ampliamente apoyado por la evidencia empírica, implica que cada sujeto se encuentra en un determinado punto del continuo de impulsividad-compulsividad. Mediante dos cuestionarios recomendados en el marco del Proyecto de criterios de dominio de investigación (RDoC), que miden la impulsividad y la compulsividad, se ratificar la existencia de ese eje bipolar, aplicado al abuso de las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones (TIC). Los resultados de este estudio encuentran apoyo empírico para la existencia de este eje. El abuso de las TIC parece tener muchos más componentes compulsivos que impulsivos, excepto en el caso de los videojuegos, poco relacionados con ambos conceptos. Estos resultados tienen importantes implicaciones clínicas, en la medida en que existen enfoques terapéuticos muy diferentes para la impulsividad que para la conducta compulsiva (AU)

The habit formation model to explain addiction involves the transition from an initial phase in which the prefrontal cortex ceases to control the behavior, to a phase in which control is transferred to the dorsal striatum, progressing towards compulsive consumption. This model, widely supported by empirical evidence, implies that each subject is at a certain point in the impulsivity-compulsivity continuum. Using two questionnaires recommended within the framework of the Research Domain Criteria Project which measure impulsivity and compulsivity, an attempt was made to confirm the existence of such a bipolar axis, applied to the abuse of information and communication technologies (ICT). The results of this study provide empirical support for the existence of this axis. The abuse of ICT seems to have many more compulsive components than impulsive ones, except in the case of video games, which are little related to both concepts. These results have important clinical implications, since there are very different therapeutic approaches for impulsivity and compulsive behavior (AU)

Obsesión y compulsión en el uso/abuso del móvil: el OCDUS-TIC / Obsession and compulsion in mobile phone use/abuse: OCDUS-ICT

La compulsividad ha sido considerada una de las características nucleares de las conductas adictivas. Uno de los comportamientos abusivos que ha adquirido importancia en tiempos recientes es el uso del teléfono móvil. El objetivo del presente trabajo es obtener una versión de la Escala de Uso Obsesivo-Compulsivo de Drogas (OCDUS) para estudiar la compulsividad asociada al abuso del móvil, conocer sus propiedades psicométricas básicas y resultados de su aplicación. Se creó y administró el OCDUS-TIC por Internet, mediante mensajería instantánea, redes sociales y correo electrónico, solicitándose la participación anónima y voluntaria. Adicionalmente se administraron el MULTICAGE-TIC y el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales (ISP). Se obtuvo una muestra de n=748 sujetos, 33% varones y 94% nacidos y residentes en España. El test obtuvo adecuados valores de consistencia interna, aplicando diferentes estimadores. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio sobre las escalas teóricas, alcanzando adecuados estimadores de ajuste. Se observó que los componentes obsesivo-compulsivos son de mayor magnitud a medida que se incrementa la implicación en el uso y su progresión al abuso del móvil. Las escalas del OCDUS-TIC mostraron correlaciones de gran magnitud con los síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal, especialmente la de Pensamiento-Interferencia (r > 0,80). En conclusión, el OCDUS-TIC explora con garantías psicométricas los componentes obsesivo-compulsivos del uso/abuso del móvil, que se relacionan estrechamente con fallos cotidianos de origen prefrontal. Si la impulsividad ha centrado el interés en el estudio del abuso del móvil, los datos del presente estudio aconsejan prestar mayor atención a la compulsividad como factor de mantenimiento del abuso

Compulsiveness has been considered one of the core characteristics of addictive behaviours. One of the abusive behaviours that has acquired importance in recent times involves the use of mobile phones. The aim of this study is to obtain a version of the Obsessive-Compulsive Drug-Use Scale (OCDUS) to study the compulsivity associated with mobile phone abuse, its basic psychometric properties and the results of its application. The OCDUS-ICT was created and administered over the Internet, through instant messaging programs, social networks and e-mail, and anonymous and voluntary participation was requested. Additionally, MULTICAGE-ICT and the Inventory of Prefrontal Symptoms were administered. A sample of n=748 subjects, 33% males and 94% born and resident in Spain was obtained. The test obtained adequate values of internal consistency, applying different estimators. Confirmatory factor analysis of the theoretical scales yielded adequate fit indices. Obsessive-compulsive components were observed to become stronger as mobile phone use increased and approached abuse levels. OCDUS-ICT scales showed large correlations with prefrontal malfunction symptoms, especially Thoughts-Interference (r>0.80). In conclusion, OCDUS-ICT explores with psychometric accuracy the obsessive-compulsive components of mobile use/abuse, which are closely related to malfunctions in daily life attributable to the prefrontal cortex. If impulsivity has so far been the focus in the study of mobile phone abuse, the data from the present study suggest that greater attention should be paid to compulsivity as a factor in maintaining abuse

Consumo de fármacos opiáceos en la ciudad de Madrid: Factores sanitarios y sociodemográficos asociados / Opiate drug use in the city of Madrid: Associated health and sociodemographic factors

El consumo de analgésicos opiáceos ha provocado una situación deemergencia sanitaria y social en Estados Unidos. En España, segúndatos oficiales, la prescripción de estos fármacos ha experimentadoun espectacular ascenso en la última década. Este estudio explora laprevalencia del uso de estos fármacos y las características sanitarias ysociodemográficas de sus consumidores en la ciudad de Madrid. Serealizó una encuesta telefónica aplicando un muestreo estratificadoy aleatorizado, en la que se preguntó por el uso de estos fármacos ysi fueron médicamente prescritos o no. La muestra estuvo compuestapor n= 8.845 sujetos de edades entre 15 y 98 años. Un 16,0% declara haber usado estos fármacos en el último año y un 9,1 los tomaen las dos últimas semanas. El consumo es más frecuente en mujeres, clase social baja y menor nivel de estudios. El grupo más joven(15-29 años) ya lo usa en el 12,5%. Quienes usan opioides refierenpeor salud percibida, menor calidad de vida, más problemas de saludmental, más soledad no deseada, más uso de otros psicofármacos, másfrecuente uso diario de tabaco y menos consumo problemático dealcohol. Un 10% de quienes los usan lo hacen sin prescripción médica. Combinando estos datos con los de prescripción ofrecidos por elMinisterio de Sanidad, resulta necesario prestar atención a un problema que puede hacerse patente en los próximos años, aconsejando laadopción de medidas urgentes para atajarlo antes de que aproxime lasituación española a la ya bien conocida en otros países. (AU)

The use of opiate analgesics has led to a health and social emergencyin the United States. In Spain, according to official data, the prescription of these drugs has risen dramatically in the last decade. This studyexplores the prevalence of the use of these drugs and the health andsocio-demographic characteristics of their consumers in the city ofMadrid. A telephone survey was carried on a stratified, randomisedsample, asking about the use of these drugs and whether or not theywere medically prescribed. The sample consisted of n=8,845 subjectsaged between 15 and 98 years. Sixteen percent stated that they hadused these drugs in the last year and 9.1% had taken them in the lasttwo weeks. Consumption was more frequent among women, lower social class and lower level of education. Among the youngest group (15-29 years old) 12.5% had already used it. Those who use opioids reportworse perceived health, lower quality of life, more mental health problems, more loneliness, more use of other psychoactive drugs, morefrequent daily use of tobacco and less problematic consumption ofalcohol. Ten percent of those who use them do so without a doctor’sprescription. Combining these data with the prescription data offeredby the Ministry of Health, it is necessary to pay attention to a problem that may become apparent in the coming years, and the adoptionof urgent measures to tackle it before it brings the Spanish situationcloser to that already well known in countries of our socio-politicalenvironment is advised (AU)

Smartphone Nonusers: Associated Sociodemographic and Health Variables.

Smartphone abuse and the associated consequences have been intensely studied. However, little attention has been given to the group of people who have a smartphone and yet barely use it. One might think that they are at the opposite end of abuse, both behaviorally and in relation to the consequences. This study aims to establish sociodemographic variables and health indicators for smartphone nonusers. A population survey through random stratified sampling in a large city (Madrid, Spain) obtained 6,820 people between 15 and 65 years who own a smartphone. About 7.5 percent (n = 511) stated they do not use their smartphone regularly. This group comprised more of men than of women with a higher mean age, underprivileged social class, residence in less-developed districts, and a lower education level. They showed worse mental health indicators, lower perceived quality of life relating to their health, more sedentarism, and greater tendency toward being overweight/obese and a higher feeling of loneliness. When looking at all these variables together, the regression model showed that in addition to sex, age, social class, and education level, the only significantly associated health indicator was a feeling of loneliness. Mobile phone abuse is associated with health problems, but nonregular use does not reflect the opposite. It is important to study the group of nonusers and explore the reasons and related consequences, particularly the role of perceived loneliness, which is paradoxical as a smartphone is a tool that can foster interpersonal contact.

Information and Communications Technologies (ICT): Problematic use of Internet, video games, mobile phones, instant messaging and social networks using MULTICAGE-TIC. / Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC): abuso de Internet, videojuegos, teléfonos móviles, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales mediante el MULTICAGE-TIC.

Use/abuse of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has in recent years become a topic of great interest. Current discussion addresses whether it must be considered addictive behaviour and if it is a problem that primarily affects adolescents and youth. This study aims to understand the problems that affect people of all ages in controlling the use of these ICTs and whether they are related to mental health problems, stress and difficulties in executive control of behaviour. A survey was administered through social networks and email, using the MULTICAGE-ICT, a questionnaire that explores problems in the use of Internet, mobile phones, video games, instant messaging and social networks. Additionally, the Prefrontal Symptom Inventory, General Health Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale were administered. The sample was comprised of 1,276 individuals of all ages from different Spanish-speaking countries. The results indicate that about 50% of the sample, regardless of age or other variables, presents significant problems with the use of these technologies, and that these problems are directly related to symptoms of poor prefrontal functioning, stress and mental health problems. The results reveal the need for reconsidering whether we are facing an addictive behaviour or a new problem demanding environmental, psychological, sociological and sociopolitical explanations; therefore, it is necessary to reformulate actions to be implemented to address and refocus our understanding of the problem.

El uso/abuso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) es un tema que suscita enorme interés en los últimos años. Está en discusión si debe recibir la consideración de conducta adictiva y si es un problema que afecte prioritariamente a adolescentes y jóvenes. El presente estudio pretende conocer los problemas que afectan a las personas de todas las edades en el control del uso de estas TICs y si están relacionados con problemas de salud mental, estrés y dificultades en el control superior del comportamiento. Se realiza una encuesta a través de redes sociales y correo electrónico, en el que se administra el cuestionario MULTICAGE-TIC, que explora problemas en el uso de Internet, teléfono móvil, videojuegos, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales. Adicionalmente se administra el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales, el Cuestionario de Salud General y la Escala de Estrés Percibido. Se obtiene una muestra de 1.276 sujetos de todas las edades y diferentes países de habla hispana. Los resultados apuntan a que alrededor del 50% de la muestra presenta importantes problemas en el uso de estas tecnologías, y que esos problemas se relacionan directamente con síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal, estrés y problemas de salud mental, independientemente de la edad u otras variables. Estos resultados sugieren reconsiderar si se trata de una patología adictiva o si estamos ante un problema novedoso que requiere de explicaciones de índole ambiental, psicológica, sociológica y sociopolítica, debiendo reformular las acciones a emprender para reorientar la comprensión y el abordaje del problema.

Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC): abuso de Internet, videojuegos, teléfonos móviles, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales mediante el MULTICAGE-TIC / Information and Communications Technologies (ICT): Problematic use of Internet, video games, mobile phones, instant messaging and social networks using MULTICAGE-TIC

El uso/abuso de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) es un tema que suscita enorme interés en los últimos años. Está en discusión si debe recibir la consideración de conducta adictiva y si es un problema que afecte prioritariamente a adolescentes y jóvenes. El presente estudio pretende conocer los problemas que afectan a las personas de todas las edades en el control del uso de estas TICs y si están relacionados con problemas de salud mental, estrés y dificultades en el control superior del comportamiento. Se realiza una encuesta a través de redes sociales y correo electrónico, en el que se administra el cuestionario MULTICAGE-TIC, que explora problemas en el uso de Internet, teléfono móvil, videojuegos, mensajería instantánea y redes sociales. Adicionalmente se administra el Inventario de Síntomas Prefrontales, el Cuestionario de Salud General y la Escala de Estrés Percibido. Se obtiene una muestra de 1.276 sujetos de todas las edades y diferentes países de habla hispana. Los resultados apuntan a que alrededor del 50% de la muestra presenta importantes problemas en el uso de estas tecnologías, y que esos problemas se relacionan directamente con síntomas de mal funcionamiento prefrontal, estrés y problemas de salud mental, independientemente de la edad u otras variables. Estos resultados sugieren reconsiderar si se trata de una patología adictiva o si estamos ante un problema novedoso que requiere de explicaciones de índole ambiental, psicológica, sociológica y sociopolítica, debiendo reformular las acciones a emprender para reorientar la comprensión y el abordaje del problema

Use/abuse of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has in recent years become a topic of great interest. Current discussion addresses whether it must be considered addictive behaviour and if it is a problem that primarily affects adolescents and youth. This study aims to understand the problems that affect people of all ages in controlling the use of these ICTs and whether they are related to mental health problems, stress and difficulties in executive control of behaviour. A survey was administered through social networks and email, using the MULTICAGE-ICT, a questionnaire that explores problems in the use of Internet, mobile phones, video games, instant messaging and social networks. Additionally, the Prefrontal Symptom Inventory, General Health Questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale were administered. The sample was comprised of 1,276 individuals of all ages from different Spanish-speaking countries. The results indicate that about 50% of the sample, regardless of age or other variables, presents significant problems with the use of these technologies, and that these problems are directly related to symptoms of poor prefrontal functioning, stress and mental health problems. The results reveal the need for reconsidering whether we are facing an addictive behaviour or a new problem demanding environmental, psychological, sociological and sociopolitical explanations; therefore, it is necessary to reformulate actions to be implemented to address and refocus our understanding of the problem

Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment to Evaluate People with Addictions.

BACKGROUND: The LOTCA (Loewenstein Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment) battery is a cognitive screening test which is widely used in occupational health. However, no work has been found that explores its use in addiction treatment. OBJECTIVES OF STUDY: To explore the convergent validity of LOTCA with neuropsychological tests that assess related cerebral functional areas. METHODS: The LOTCA, along with a battery of neuropsychological tests, was administered to a sample of 48 subjects who start a treatment by substance or gambling addictions. FINDINGS: A correlational pattern was observed of a considerable magnitude between the effects of the LOTCA scales and those of some neuropsychological tests, but not with others. There is barely any convergence in measures with memory and executive function tests. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: There is a lack of research applying test of occupational assessment to populations of patients treated by addictive behaviors. The LOTCA seems to be a reliable and valid test for preliminary screening of function in certain cognitive areas, easy, and quick to use (around 30 minutes). However, it must be supplemented with other tests for a full and ecological assessment of patients. LIMITATIONS: An incident, small-size sample. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: New studies are needed to explore the applicability, diagnostic validity, and whole psychometric quality of the test in addiction-related treatment.

Inventario de síntomas prefrontales (ISP): validez ecológica y convergencia con medidas neuropsicológicas / Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI): ecological validity and convergence with neuropsychological measures

Introducción. El inventario de síntomas prefrontales (ISP) es un cuestionario autoinformado creado en España que interroga sobre alteraciones cognitivas, emocionales y comportamentales en las actividades de la vida diaria y que resulta aplicable tanto en población general como en múltiples poblaciones clínicas. Existe una versión abreviada de 20 ítems (ISP-20) con excelentes propiedades psicométricas para el cribado. Objetivo. Estudiar la validez convergente y divergente del ISP e ISP-20, analizando cómo sus escalas reflejan las consecuencias cotidianas de déficits reales hallados en evaluación neuropsicológica mediante pruebas de ejecución. Pacientes y métodos. Se estudiaron 52 personas con adicción a sustancias en tratamiento (31 varones y 21 mujeres) a las que se administró el ISP junto con una batería de exploración neuropsicológica abreviada centrada en describir procesos atencionales, mnémicos y ejecutivos. Resultados. Ambas versiones del ISP presentan óptimas propiedades psicométricas (0,78 > alfa > 0,94 para la versión completa de 46 ítems y 0,7 > alfa > 0,89 para la versión abreviada de 20 ítems). Los resultados confirman las hipótesis sobre su validez: la escala de problemas en la ejecución se relaciona con la capacidad para resolver tests que presumiblemente valoran funciones ejecutivas de origen prefrontal (validez convergente), mientras que las escalas de problemas en el control emocional y problemas en la conducta social no se relacionan con dichas capacidades cognitivas (validez discriminante). Conclusiones. El ISP es una prueba clínicamente útil, psicométricamente válida y aplicable en múltiples poblaciones clínicas (AU)

Introduction. The Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI) is a self-reported questionnaire, created in Spain, which asks about cognitive, emotional and behavioural alterations in activities of daily living and which can be applied in both the general population and in multiple clinical populations. There is a shorter 20-item version (PSI-20) with excellent psychomotor properties for screening. Aim. To study the convergent and divergent validity of the PSI and PSI-20, by analysing how their scales reflect the day-today consequences of real deficits found in neurological assessment performed by means of performance tests. Patients and methods. A sample of 52 persons undergoing treatment for substance addiction (31 males and 21 females) were administered the PSI together with an abbreviated neuropsychological examination battery focused on describing attentional, mnemonic and executive processes. Results. Both versions of the PSI present optimal psychometric properties (0.78 > alpha > 0.94 for the complete 46-item version and 0.7 > alpha > 0.89 for the abbreviated 20-item version). The results confirm the hypotheses regarding their validity: the performance problems scale is related with the capacity to resolve tests that supposedly rate the executive functions of a prefrontal origin (convergent validity), whereas the scales of problems in emotional control and problems with social behaviour are not related with those cognitive capabilities (discriminant validity). Conclusions. The PSI is a test that is clinically useful, psychometrically valid and applicable in multiple clinical populations (AU)

Sintomatología prefrontal en la vida diaria: evaluación de cribado mediante el inventario de síntomas prefrontales abreviado (ISP-20) / Prefrontal clinical symptoms in daily living: screening assessment by means of the short Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI-20)

Introducción. La estimación de síntomas cotidianos de disfunción frontal se considera imprescindible para aportar validez ecológica a las evaluaciones neuropsicológicas. Los cuestionarios disponibles se construyeron para estimar problemas ejecutivos en la vida diaria en poblaciones con daño neurológico. Se requieren instrumentos enfocados a medir estos comportamientos en la población general o en poblaciones clínicas con fallos leves o moderados. Objetivo. Estudiar la validez factorial y encontrar indicios de validez concurrente de la versión abreviada del inventario de síntomas prefrontales. Sujetos y métodos. Se obtuvieron tres muestras: la primera, a través de Internet (n = 504); la segunda, en población no clínica mediante lápiz y papel (n = 1.257), y la tercera, de pacientes en tratamiento por adicción a sustancias (n = 602). Se utilizó un método de análisis factorial sin restricciones sobre la primera muestra y los resultados se sometieron a análisis factorial confirmatorio sobre las otras dos muestras. Resultados. La estructura de tres factores encontrada se confirmó con excelentes indicadores de ajuste en las otras dos muestras. Se hallaron indicios de validez concurrente con pruebas de calidad de vida y salud mental. Conclusiones. Se propone un cuestionario breve para la detección de fallos de origen prefrontal en la vida diaria, que mejora las cualidades psicométricas de tests similares, pero orientados a patologías neurológicas graves. La estabilidad estructural de la prueba garantiza la utilidad en la población general, para la detección precoz del deterioro cognitivo, y en poblaciones clínicas con deterioro leve o moderado. Se proponen baremos para la interpretación de resultados (AU)

Introduction. Estimation of daily symptoms of frontal dysfunction is considered to be essential in order to endow neuropsychological assessments with ecological validity. The questionnaires available today were constructed to estimate executive problems in daily life in populations with neurological damage. There is a need for instruments focused on measuring these behaviours in the general population or in clinical populations with mild or moderate impairment. Aim. To examine the factorial validity and to find evidence of concurrent validity of the short version of the Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory. Subjects and methods. Three samples were obtained: the first, from the Internet (n = 504); the second, in a non-clinical population by means of paper and pencil (n = 1,257); and the third, from patients being treated for substance addiction (n = 602). A factorial analysis without restraints was used on the first sample and the results were submitted to confirmatory factorial analysis on the other two samples. Results. The three-factor structure that was found was confirmed with excellent indicators of fit in the other two samples. Evidence of concurrent validity was found with quality of life and mental health tests. Conclusions. We propose a short questionnaire for detecting failures of a prefrontal origin in daily living, which improves on the psychometric qualities of similar tests, but is oriented towards severe neurological pathologies. The structural stability of the test ensures it can be used in the general population, for the early detection of cognitive impairment, and in clinical populations with mild or moderate deterioration. A set of criteria are proposed for use in interpreting the results (AU)

[Prefrontal clinical symptoms in daily living: screening assessment by means of the short Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI-20)]. / Sintomatologia prefrontal en la vida diaria: evaluacion de cribado mediante el inventario de sintomas prefrontales abreviado (ISP-20).

INTRODUCTION: Estimation of daily symptoms of frontal dysfunction is considered to be essential in order to endow neuro-psychological assessments with ecological validity. The questionnaires available today were constructed to estimate executive problems in daily life in populations with neurological damage. There is a need for instruments focused on measuring these behaviours in the general population or in clinical populations with mild or moderate impairment. AIM: To examine the factorial validity and to find evidence of concurrent validity of the short version of the Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three samples were obtained: the first, from the Internet (n = 504); the second, in a non-clinical population by means of paper and pencil (n = 1,257); and the third, from patients being treated for substance addiction (n = 602). A factorial analysis without restraints was used on the first sample and the results were submitted to confirmatory factorial analysis on the other two samples. RESULTS: The three-factor structure that was found was confirmed with excellent indicators of fit in the other two samples. Evidence of concurrent validity was found with quality of life and mental health tests. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a short questionnaire for detecting failures of a prefrontal origin in daily living, which improves on the psychometric qualities of similar tests, but is oriented towards severe neurological pathologies. The structural stability of the test ensures it can be used in the general population, for the early detection of cognitive impairment, and in clinical populations with mild or moderate deterioration. A set of criteria are proposed for use in interpreting the results.

TITLE: Sintomatologia prefrontal en la vida diaria: evaluacion de cribado mediante el inventario de sintomas prefrontales abreviado (ISP-20).Introduccion. La estimacion de sintomas cotidianos de disfuncion frontal se considera imprescindible para aportar validez ecologica a las evaluaciones neuropsicologicas. Los cuestionarios disponibles se construyeron para estimar problemas ejecutivos en la vida diaria en poblaciones con daño neurologico. Se requieren instrumentos enfocados a medir estos comportamientos en la poblacion general o en poblaciones clinicas con fallos leves o moderados. Objetivo. Estudiar la validez factorial y encontrar indicios de validez concurrente de la version abreviada del inventario de sintomas prefrontales. Sujetos y metodos. Se obtuvieron tres muestras: la primera, a traves de Internet (n = 504); la segunda, en poblacion no clinica mediante lapiz y papel (n = 1.257), y la tercera, de pacientes en tratamiento por adiccion a sustancias (n = 602). Se utilizo un metodo de analisis factorial sin restricciones sobre la primera muestra y los resultados se sometieron a analisis factorial confirmatorio sobre las otras dos muestras. Resultados. La estructura de tres factores encontrada se confirmo con excelentes indicadores de ajuste en las otras dos muestras. Se hallaron indicios de validez concurrente con pruebas de calidad de vida y salud mental. Conclusiones. Se propone un cuestionario breve para la deteccion de fallos de origen prefrontal en la vida diaria, que mejora las cualidades psicometricas de tests similares, pero orientados a patologias neurologicas graves. La estabilidad estructural de la prueba garantiza la utilidad en la poblacion general, para la deteccion precoz del deterioro cognitivo, y en poblaciones clinicas con deterioro leve o moderado. Se proponen baremos para la interpretacion de resultados.

Reserva cognitiva en adictos a sustancias en tratamiento: relación con el rendimiento cognitivo y las actividades cotidianas / Cognitive reserve in substance addicts in treatment: relation to cognitive performance and activities of daily living

Introducción. El concepto de reserva cognitiva ha ido ganando interés en la medida en que se ha acumulado evidencia sobre su relación con la resistencia del cerebro a declinar en su funcionamiento ante amenazas o alteraciones neurológicas. Aunque se ha estudiado en un gran número de alteraciones (degenerativas, traumáticas, psicopatológicas), pocos trabajos relacionan la reserva cognitiva con la adicción a sustancias, un proceso multidimensional con clara base neurológica. Objetivo. Explorar la reserva cognitiva de pacientes en tratamiento por adicción a drogas, relacionándolo con su rendimiento cognitivo en pruebas neuropsicológicas y en actividades de la vida diaria. Pacientes y métodos. Muestra de 57 pacientes en tratamiento por adicción a sustancias en un centro específico. Se administraron el cuestionario de reserva cognitiva, la evaluación cognitiva de Montreal y el inventario de síntomas prefrontales, y se recogieron variables relacionadas con la adicción. Resultados. Se encontró una relación positiva entre la reserva cognitiva y el tiempo de abstinencia, y negativa con la gravedad de la adicción. Aparecieron diferencias significativas según la reserva cognitiva en rendimiento neuropsicológico (especialmente en ciertos dominios cognitivos) y en actividades cotidianas. Conclusiones. La reserva cognitiva aparece como una variable relacionada con la adicción y los déficits cognitivos que la acompañan; resulta ser una potencial diana de las actividades rehabilitadoras, vinculada al paradigma de enriquecimiento ambiental, como estrategia para potenciar la resistencia frente al deterioro cognitivo que favorece y mantiene la adicción y para disminuir el potencial reforzador de la conducta de consumo (AU)

Introduction. The concept of cognitive reserve has gradually attracted more interest as a greater body of evidence has been collected on its relationship with the resistance of the brain to decline in its functioning when faced with neurological threats or disorders. Although a large amount of research has been conducted on (degenerative, traumatic, psychopathological) conditions, very few studies relate cognitive reserve with substance addiction, a multidimensional process with a clear neurological base. Aims. To explore the cognitive reserve of patients undergoing treatment for addiction to drugs of abuse by relating it with their cognitive performance in neuropsychological tests and in activities of daily living. Patients and methods. The study involved a sample of 57 patients being treated for substance abuse at a centre set up for this specific purpose. The cognitive reserve questionnaire, the Montreal cognitive assessment and the prefrontal symptoms inventory were administered, and variables related with the addiction were collected. Results. A positive relation was found between the cognitive reserve and the time of abstinence, and a negative one was seen with the severity of the addiction. Significant differences were observed according to the cognitive reserve in neuropsychological performance (especially in certain cognitive domains) and in daily activities. Conclusions. The cognitive reserve appears as a variable related to addiction and the cognitive deficits that accompany it. It is thus a potential target for rehabilitation activities and is linked to the environmental enrichment paradigm, as a strategy for enhancing resistance against the cognitive impairment that favours and maintains the addiction, and for lowering the reinforcing potential of the behaviour of consuming (AU)

[Cognitive reserve in substance addicts in treatment: relation to cognitive performance and activities of daily living]. / Reserva cognitiva en adictos a sustancias en tratamiento: relacion con el rendimiento cognitivo y las actividades cotidianas.

INTRODUCTION: The concept of cognitive reserve has gradually attracted more interest as a greater body of evidence has been collected on its relationship with the resistance of the brain to decline in its functioning when faced with neurological threats or disorders. Although a large amount of research has been conducted on (degenerative, traumatic, psychopathological) conditions, very few studies relate cognitive reserve with substance addiction, a multidimensional process with a clear neurological base. AIMS: To explore the cognitive reserve of patients undergoing treatment for addiction to drugs of abuse by relating it with their cognitive performance in neuropsychological tests and in activities of daily living. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved a sample of 57 patients being treated for substance abuse at a centre set up for this specific purpose. The cognitive reserve questionnaire, the Montreal cognitive assessment and the prefrontal symptoms inventory were administered, and variables related with the addiction were collected. RESULTS: A positive relation was found between the cognitive reserve and the time of abstinence, and a negative one was seen with the severity of the addiction. Significant differences were observed according to the cognitive reserve in neuropsychological performance (especially in certain cognitive domains) and in daily activities. CONCLUSIONS: The cognitive reserve appears as a variable related to addiction and the cognitive deficits that accompany it. It is thus a potential target for rehabilitation activities and is linked to the environmental enrichment paradigm, as a strategy for enhancing resistance against the cognitive impairment that favours and maintains the addiction, and for lowering the reinforcing potential of the behaviour of consuming.

TITLE: Reserva cognitiva en adictos a sustancias en tratamiento: relacion con el rendimiento cognitivo y las actividades cotidianas.Introduccion. El concepto de reserva cognitiva ha ido ganando interes en la medida en que se ha acumulado evidencia sobre su relacion con la resistencia del cerebro a declinar en su funcionamiento ante amenazas o alteraciones neurologicas. Aunque se ha estudiado en un gran numero de alteraciones (degenerativas, traumaticas, psicopatologicas), pocos trabajos relacionan la reserva cognitiva con la adiccion a sustancias, un proceso multidimensional con clara base neurologica. Objetivo. Explorar la reserva cognitiva de pacientes en tratamiento por adiccion a drogas, relacionandolo con su rendimiento cognitivo en pruebas neuropsicologicas y en actividades de la vida diaria. Pacientes y metodos. Muestra de 57 pacientes en tratamiento por adiccion a sustancias en un centro especifico. Se administraron el cuestionario de reserva cognitiva, la evaluacion cognitiva de Montreal y el inventario de sintomas prefrontales, y se recogieron variables relacionadas con la adiccion. Resultados. Se encontro una relacion positiva entre la reserva cognitiva y el tiempo de abstinencia, y negativa con la gravedad de la adiccion. Aparecieron diferencias significativas segun la reserva cognitiva en rendimiento neuropsicologico (especialmente en ciertos dominios cognitivos) y en actividades cotidianas. Conclusiones. La reserva cognitiva aparece como una variable relacionada con la adiccion y los deficits cognitivos que la acompañan; resulta ser una potencial diana de las actividades rehabilitadoras, vinculada al paradigma de enriquecimiento ambiental, como estrategia para potenciar la resistencia frente al deterioro cognitivo que favorece y mantiene la adiccion y para disminuir el potencial reforzador de la conducta de consumo.