ABSTRACT
We explored the adherence to a home-delivered, computer-based, cognitive remediation protocol in a first-episode psychosis outpatient cohort. Seventeen patients underwent a cognitive training protocol for 6 months using an online platform accessible from their home under the supervision of a qualified neuropsychologist. Neuropsychological, psychopathological, and functional data were collected at baseline and postintervention, whereas qualitative appraisal of the intervention was assessed monthly. Overall, participants' evaluation of the program was positive. This was reflected in a good adherence rate with 12 (70%) of 17 patients completing 80% of the prescribed sessions. Exploratory analysis revealed significant improvements in sustained attention (p = 0.020) and verbal memory (p = 0.018). A decrease in negative symptoms and an improvement on the Clinical Global Impression were also found (p = 0.009). We believe these are encouraging results to further explore the adopted delivery approach, which could facilitate access to cognitive training earlier and to a larger group of patients.
Subject(s)
Cognitive Remediation/methods , Internet-Based Intervention , Internet , Psychotic Disorders/psychology , Psychotic Disorders/therapy , Therapy, Computer-Assisted/methods , Adolescent , Adult , Cognitive Remediation/trends , Female , Humans , Internet/trends , Internet-Based Intervention/trends , Male , Neuropsychological Tests , Pilot Projects , Psychotic Disorders/diagnosis , Therapy, Computer-Assisted/trends , Young AdultABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The aim of this paper was to assess the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempts in Portuguese psychiatry trainees (adult and child and adolescence), and compare the data with the general population and other European countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A structured and anonymous questionnaire was sent by email to 159 portuguese trainees of adult psychiatry and child and adolescence psychiatry with questions about personal history of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, as well as family history of suicide attempts and completed suicides. This is part of the BoSS Study (Burnout Syndrome Study) performed in 21 countries worldwide. Data was analysed in SPSS v.19. RESULTS: From the inquired population, 62 trainees (40,3%) partially responded, and 46 (29%) were complete responders - these entered the final analysis. There was a ratio of 2:1 (female:male) and a mean age of 29 years. The suicidal ideation was present in passive form in 44% and in active form in 33%; also, 4.3% of respondents had previous suicide attempts. In first degree relatives, 22% had attempted suicide and 13% completed suicide. DISCUSSION: The results are worriying and may be associated with some factors to which this population is exposed. CONCLUSION: It is necessary further research to better understand this phenomenon, its causes and potential modifiers.
Introdução: O objectivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a prevalência de ideação suicida e tentativas de suicídio nos médicos internos de psiquiatria de adultos e de psiquiatria da infância e da adolescência em Portugal, e comparar os resultados com a população geral portuguesa e de outros países europeus. Material e Métodos: Enviou-se um questionário estruturado e anónimo, por e-mail, aos 159 internos de psiquiatria de adultos e de psiquiatria da infância e da adolescência do país, questionando antecedentes pessoais de ideação suicida e tentativas de suícidio, bem como antecedentes familiares de tentativas de suicídio falhadas e consumadas. Estas questões fazem parte do Estudo BoSS (Burnout Syndrome Study) realizado em 21 países. A análise dos dados foi feita através do programa informático SPSS v. 19. Resultados: Responderam parcialmente ao questionário 62 internos (40,3%) e 46 (29%) responderam ao questionário na totalidade, constituindo assim a amostra. O ratio feminino:masculino foi de 2:1 e a média de idade de 29 anos. A ideação suicida estava presente na forma passiva em 44% dos inquiridos e na forma activa em 33%; 4,3% referiu tentativas de suicídio prévias. Em relação à história familiar, registou-se 22% de tentativas de suicídio e 13% de suicídio consumado.Discussão: Os resultados obtidos são preocupantes e podem estar associados a factores específicos a que esta população está exposta. Conclusão:ã necessária uma investigação mais aprofundada para se compreender melhor este fenómeno, respectivas causas e potenciais modificadores.
Subject(s)
Psychiatry/education , Students, Medical/psychology , Suicidal Ideation , Suicide, Attempted , Adult , Burnout, Professional , Female , Humans , Male , Prevalence , Risk Factors , SuicideABSTRACT
The objective of the present study was to investigate the relations between levels of mental health of medical students of the Universidade da Beira Interior, from a positive and negative point of view (psychological well-being and psychological distress) with sociodemographic factors, year of course and psychological support from an health professional. The cross-sectional and anonymous study consisted in an online application questionnaire, available between February and March of the year 2009, constituted of three sections: a) Socio-demographic data b) Mental Health Inventory (MHI) c) Psychological support. The results were analyzed on the statistical program SPSS version 17 for Windows and the significant results for p <0,05 had been considered. A total of 272 (49.3%) students answered the questionnaire, of which 215 were female. The basic cycle had significant low differences in psychological well-being. The females and the third-year of course had large independent and significant negative effects on psychological well-being and psychological distress. This study shows that 8.6% of the students with levels of mental health below the mean are followed by health professionals and 6% do pharmaceutical treatment. About 10% of all students already had self-medicated for symptoms related with mental health and these had significantly low scores in global Mental Health Inventory. This research shows that symptoms of distress appear to be particular important in female students and in the 1st and 3rd years and it is necessary to understand the causes and the consequences of this situation. Targeted interventions that promote psychological well-being during the medical formation, teaching students to recognize and deal with symptoms of distress and help them to understand when they need aid may be an effective way of dealing with this problem.
