Exploring protective factors in a high-risk subsample: the pivotal role of paternal support in preventing depression in a cohort of young adults.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global concern due to its widespread prevalence and morbidity. Identifying protective factors in high-risk individuals, including those with a familial predisposition, maltreatment history, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, is crucial. METHODS: We assessed a high-risk subsample within a young adult population cohort (n = 791; mean age = 31.94 [SD = 2.18]) across three waves. Using multiple regression models to analyse higher education, feeling supported, spirituality, psychotherapy access, higher socioeconomic status, involvement in activities, cohabitation, and family unity in Waves 1 and 2, and their association with MDD resilience at Wave 3. RESULTS: In the high-risk group, MDD incidence was 13.7% (n=24). Paternal support had a protective effect on MDD incidence (OR = 0.366; 95% CI [0.137 to 0.955], p = 0.040) and suicidal attempt risk (OR = 0.380; 95% CI [0.150 to 0.956], p = 0.038). Higher resilience scores were also protective (OR = 0.975; 95% CI [0.953 to 0.997], p = 0.030), correlating with reduced BDI (r = 0.0484; B = -0.2202; 95% CI [-0.3572 to -0.0738]; p = 0.003) and MADRS scores (r = 0.0485; B = -0.2204; 95% CI [-0.3574 to -0.0741]; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our paper emphasizes reorienting the MDD approach, focusing on positive prevention strategies. It highlights fathers' crucial role in family-based interventions and promoting resilience in high-risk populations.

Factors associated with suicide risk in young women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: A population-based study.

PURPOSE: Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are more likely to report suicide ideation and behavior when compared to women without PMDD. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the risk factors for suicide risk in women with PMDD. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the factors associated with suicide risk in young women with PMDD. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including 128 young women with PMDD who were recruited from the community. PMDD and suicide risk were assessed by trained psychologists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-PLUS). Suicide risk evaluation includes six questions that assess suicidal intention, planning and previous attempts. Subjects who answer yes to any of the six questions are classified as having current suicide risk. RESULTS: The prevalence of current suicide risk in women with PMDD was 28.1%. The factors associated with suicide risk in this population were: presenting current panic disorder (OR: 18.71 [95% CI: 1.02 - 343.27], p=0.048), a non-white skin color (OR: 4.18 [CI 95%: 1.28 - 13.61], p=0.018), greater severity of depressive symptoms (OR: 1.22 [95% CI: 1.12 - 1.32], < 0.001), and history of childhood trauma (OR: 1.04 [95% CI: 1.01 - 1.08], 0.010). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that there are key sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with suicide risk in young women with PMDD, enabling clinicians to identify at-risk individuals who could benefit from further screening and interventions.

BDNF Levels According to Variations in the CACNA1C Gene: Sex-Based Disparity.

The CACNA1C gene encodes the pore-forming alpha-1c subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. The calcium influx through these channels regulates the transcription of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Polymorphisms in this gene have been consistently associated with psychiatric disorders, and alterations in BDNF levels are a possible biological mechanism to explain such associations. Here, we sought to investigate the effect of the CACNA1C rs1006737 and rs4765913 polymorphisms and their haplotypes on serum BDNF concentration. We further aim to investigate the regulatory function of these SNPs and the ones linked to them. The study enrolled 641 young adults (362 women and 279 men) in a cross-sectional population-based survey. Linear regression was used to test the effects of polymorphisms and haplotypes on BDNF levels adjusted for potential confounders. Moreover, regulatory putative functional roles were assessed using in silico approach. BDNF levels were not associated with CACNA1C polymorphisms/haplotype in the total sample. When the sample was stratified by sex, checking the effect of polymorphisms on men and women separately, the A-allele of rs4765913 was associated with lower BDNF levels in women compared with the TT genotype (p = 0.010). The AA (rs1006737-rs4765913) haplotype was associated with BDNF levels in opposite directions regarding sex, with lower levels of BDNF in women (p = 0.040) compared to those without this haplotype, while with higher levels in men (p = 0.027). These findings were supported by the presence of regulatory marks only on the male fetal brain. Our results suggest that the BDNF levels regulation may be a potential mechanism underpinning the association between CACNA1C and psychiatric disorders, with a differential role in women and men.

Can caregivers' mental disorders be associated with childhood obesogenic eating behavior? / Os transtornos mentais dos cuidadores podem estar associados a comportamentos alimentares obesogênicos na infância?

Abstract Objective: to assess the association between caregivers' mental disorders and schoolchildren's obesogenic eating behavior. Methods: cross-sectional study used a public school-based sample of children and their primary caregivers. Caregivers had to report depressive episodes or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) during the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Children's obesogenic eating behavior were assessed using food responsiveness (FR) and emotional overeating (EOE) subscales of the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Bivariate analysis was conducted using the t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and adjusted linear regression model was used (including variables caregivers: sex, age, economic indicator, and schooling; schoolchildren: sex and nutritional status). Results: study includes 596 children-caregiver dyads (309 boys and 287 girls). Among caregivers, 24.7% had experienced current depressive episodes, 38.7% had past depressive episodes, and 17.2% had GAD. We observed, after adjusted analysis, that having a caregiver in a current depressive episode, increases schoolchildren's obesogenic behavior of, for FR at 0.235 points (β=0.235; CI95%=0.022-0.449;) and EOE at 0.337 points (β=0.337; CI95%=0.162-0.512). Conclusion: caregivers' current depressive episodes were associated with higher averages of obesogenic eating behavior (caregiver-reported), both in consuming palatable food without feeling hungry (FR) and in increasing food intake in response to negative emotions (EOE).

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar associação entre transtornos mentais do cuidador e comportamento alimentar obesogênico de escolares. Métodos: estudo transversal com amostra de crianças da rede pública de ensino e seu cuidador principal. Episódio depressivo atual e transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (TAG) do cuidador foi avaliado pela Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Comportamentos alimentares obesogênicos das crianças foi avaliado pelas subescalas resposta à comida (FR) e sobreingestão emocional (EOE) Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ). Análise bivariada foi realizada por meio de teste-T, ANOVA e correlação de Pearson. Modelo de regressão linear ajustado (incluiu variáveis cuidadores: sexo, idade, indicador econômico e escolaridade; escolares: sexo e estado nutricional). Resultados: foram avaliadas 596 díades crianças-cuidadores (309 meninos e 287 meninas). Entre os cuidadores, 24,7% apresentaram episódio depressivo atual, 38,7% episódio depressivo passado e 17,2% TAG. Observamos, após análise ajustada, que ter um cuidador em episódio depressivo atual aumenta o comportamento obesogênico dos escolares, em 0,235 pontos para FR (β=0,235; IC95%=0,022-0,449) e em 0,337 pontos para EOE (β=0,337; IC95%=0,162-0,512). Conclusão: episódio depressivo atual do cuidador foi associado a maiores médias de comportamentos alimentares obesogênicos dos escolares, tanto no consumo de alimentos palatáveis mesmo sem fome (FR) quanto aumento da ingestão alimentar em resposta a emoções negativas (EOE).

Investigating biological rhythms disruptions across the menstrual cycle in women with comorbid bipolar disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

We investigated whether women diagnosed with comorbid bipolar disorder (BD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) experience higher disruptions in biological rhythms in two independent study samples. The first study has a population-based sample of 727 women, including 104 women with PMDD only, 43 women with BD only, 24 women with comorbid PMDD and BD, and 556 women without BD or PMDD (controls). Biological rhythm disruptions were cross-sectionally evaluated using the Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN). The second study enrolled 77 outpatient women who completed prospective assessments at two timepoints: during the mid-follicular and the late-luteal phases of their menstrual cycles, using the BRIAN, and included 19 women with PMDD, 16 with BD, 17 with comorbid PMDD and BD, and 25 controls. In the population-based sample, all the diagnostic groups (BD, PMDD, BDPMDD) presented greater biological rhythm disruption than controls. In addition, women with BD presented greater overall biological rhythms disruption, and greater disruption in sleep, activity, and eating patterns, than women with PMDD. In the outpatient sample study, women with BDPMDD showed greater disruption in the social domain than women with PMDD. In the outpatient sample, women with BDPMDD reported significantly higher disruptions in biological rhythms across both the follicular and the luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. The comorbidity between BD and PMDD may affect biological rhythms beyond the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. These results support previous literature on the increased illness burden of women diagnosed with comorbid BD and PMDD.

5-year incidence of suicide-risk in youth: A gradient tree boosting and SHAP study.

BACKGROUND: Machine learning methods for suicidal behavior so far have failed to be implemented as a prediction tool. In order to use the capabilities of machine learning to model complex phenomenon, we assessed the predictors of suicide risk using state-of-the-art model explanation methods. METHODS: Prospective cohort study including a community sample of 1,560 young adults aged between 18 and 24. The first wave took place between 2007 and 2009, and the second wave took place between 2012 and 2014. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were assessed at baseline. Incidence of suicide risk at five-years of follow-up was the main outcome. The outcome was assessed using the Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) at both waves. RESULTS: The risk factors for the incidence of suicide risk at follow-up were: female sex, lower socioeconomic status, older age, not studying, presence of common mental disorder symptoms, and poor quality of life. The interaction between overall health and socioeconomic status in relation to suicide risk was also captured and shows a shift from protection to risk by socioeconomic status as overall health increases. LIMITATIONS: Proximal factors associated with the incidence of suicide risk were not assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that factors related to poor quality of life, not studying, and common mental disorder symptoms of young adults are already in place prior to suicide risk. Most factors present critical non-linear patterns that were identified. These findings are clinically relevant because they can help clinicians to early detect suicide risk.

Risk factors for new-onset bipolar disorder in a community cohort: A five-year follow up study.

The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors for new-onset Bipolar Disorder (BD) in a community sample of young adults. This is a prospective cohort study including a population-based sample of young adults aged between 18-24 years. The baseline took place from 2007 to 2009, and 1560 subjects were included. Five years after, 1244 individuals were re-evaluated (79.7% retention). Substance abuse/dependence was assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and mental disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 (MINI) at both waves. The cumulative incidence of BD in five years was 4.6%. There was no significant association between sociodemographic factors and BD incidence. Tobacco, cannabis, cocaine/crack, other substances abuse/dependence increased the relative risk for BD. Depressive, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders, and the suicide risk increased the relative risk to BD. Depressive episode was the strongest risk factor for BD, followed by other mental disorders and substance abuse/dependence in a probabilistic community sample of young adults. Preventive actions in mental health directed at the non-clinical population are needed for early detection and better management of BD.

Tobacco smoking and body composition in persons living with HIV/AIDS.

This study aimed to assess the association between tobacco smoking and body composition in patients with HIV/AIDS in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). This is a cross-sectional study with people of HIV followed in specialized care service for HIV patients located in the South of Brazil. The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to assess smoking and other psychoactive substance use. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as the ratio of body weight (in kilograms) to squared height (in meters). Patients also had their body composition evaluated with a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance (Bodystat® Quadscan 4000, RU) to estimate skeletal muscle index (SMI). In total, 320 subjects were included in the study. The prevalence of smoking was 54.7%. Tobacco smoking was associated with malnutrition, lower body mass index scores, and lower skeletal muscle mass index. It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of smoking among patients with HIV/AIDS and that this behavior is associated with worse body composition. Thus, it is suggested to implement strategies to support smoking cessation among people with HIV/AIDS.

A closer look at the epidemiology of schizophrenia and common mental disorders in Brazil.

Schizophrenia and common mental disorders are noteworthy social and economic concern worldwide. Epidemiologic studies on the impact of specific mental disorders in emerging countries are scarce. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to characterize the demographic, social, and economic burden of schizophrenia and common mental disorders patients in the health system in Brazil. METHODS: Data on these conditions in Brazil between 2008 and 2019 were collected through the website of the Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System - DATASUS) maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Mean annual hospital admissions were 154,009.67, and cumulative incidence of 77.44 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants. RESULTS: Average annual hospital expenses were US$ 67,216,056.04, with an average admission cost of US$ 432.58. The most affected age groups were older adults albeit younger individuals showed a trend towards increase of occurrences in recent years. There were a higher number of admissions in men compared to women. CONCLUSIONS: We consider the results obtained important to assist in evaluating and guiding public policies regarding the prevention and treatment in health systems.

A esquizofrenia e os transtornos mentais comuns são uma preocupação social e econômica notável em todo o mundo. Estudos epidemiológicos sobre o impacto de transtornos mentais específicos em países emergentes são escassos. OBJETIVOS: Nosso objetivo foi caracterizar a carga demográfica, social e econômica de pacientes com esquizofrenia e transtornos mentais comuns no sistema de saúde no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Os dados sobre essas condições no Brasil entre 2008 e 2019 foram coletados por meio do site do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), mantido pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. As internações hospitalares anuais médias foram de 154.009,67, e a incidência acumulada de 77,44 internações por 100.000 habitantes. RESULTADOS: As despesas hospitalares médias anuais foram de US$ 67.216.056,04, com um custo médio de internação de US$ 432,58. As faixas etárias mais afetadas foram os adultos mais velhos, embora os mais jovens tenham demonstrado tendência a aumento de ocorrências nos últimos anos. Houve um número maior de admissões entre os homens em comparação às mulheres. CONCLUSÕES: Consideramos importantes os resultados obtidos para auxiliar na avaliação e orientação de políticas públicas de prevenção e tratamento nos sistemas de saúde.

A closer look at the epidemiology of schizophrenia and common mental disorders in Brazil / Um olhar mais atento à epidemiologia da esquizofrenia e de transtornos mentais comuns no Brasil

ABSTRACT. Schizophrenia and common mental disorders are noteworthy social and economic concern worldwide. Epidemiologic studies on the impact of specific mental disorders in emerging countries are scarce. Objectives: We aimed to characterize the demographic, social, and economic burden of schizophrenia and common mental disorders patients in the health system in Brazil. Methods: Data on these conditions in Brazil between 2008 and 2019 were collected through the website of the Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (Information Technology Department of the Unified Health System - DATASUS) maintained by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Mean annual hospital admissions were 154,009.67, and cumulative incidence of 77.44 admissions per 100,000 inhabitants. Results: Average annual hospital expenses were US$ 67,216,056.04, with an average admission cost of US$ 432.58. The most affected age groups were older adults albeit younger individuals showed a trend towards increase of occurrences in recent years. There were a higher number of admissions in men compared to women. Conclusions: We consider the results obtained important to assist in evaluating and guiding public policies regarding the prevention and treatment in health systems.

RESUMO. A esquizofrenia e os transtornos mentais comuns são uma preocupação social e econômica notável em todo o mundo. Estudos epidemiológicos sobre o impacto de transtornos mentais específicos em países emergentes são escassos. Objetivos: Nosso objetivo foi caracterizar a carga demográfica, social e econômica de pacientes com esquizofrenia e transtornos mentais comuns no sistema de saúde no Brasil. Métodos: Os dados sobre essas condições no Brasil entre 2008 e 2019 foram coletados por meio do site do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS), mantido pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. As internações hospitalares anuais médias foram de 154.009,67, e a incidência acumulada de 77,44 internações por 100.000 habitantes. Resultados: As despesas hospitalares médias anuais foram de US$ 67.216.056,04, com um custo médio de internação de US$ 432,58. As faixas etárias mais afetadas foram os adultos mais velhos, embora os mais jovens tenham demonstrado tendência a aumento de ocorrências nos últimos anos. Houve um número maior de admissões entre os homens em comparação às mulheres. Conclusões: Consideramos importantes os resultados obtidos para auxiliar na avaliação e orientação de políticas públicas de prevenção e tratamento nos sistemas de saúde.

Job satisfaction and work overload among mental health nurses in the south of Brazil. / Satisfação profissional e sobrecarga de trabalho de enfermeiros da área de saúde mental.

This study assessed job satisfaction and work overload among doctors, nurses, psychologists, and nursing technicians working in community mental health services and conducted a comparison between nurses and other healthcare professionals. Using convenience sampling, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 healthcare professionals working in psychosocial care centers in a municipality located in the South Region of Brazil. Data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, work impact assessment scale (Impacto - Br), and mental health professional satisfaction scale (Satis - Br). Data analysis was performed using the statistical software package SPSS 21.0. The average overall work overload score of nurses was 2.92 ± 0.42 and the average overall job satisfaction score was 3.38 ± 0.51. The level of satisfaction of nurses with the quality of services provided was lower than that of other professionals (3.36 ± 0.77 compared to 3.78 ± 0.56, respectively; p = 0.04). The factor that had the greatest negative influence on work overload among nurses was feeling physically tired (2.99 ± 0.92), while the factor that had the greatest positive influence on job satisfaction was good working relationships (4.06 ± 0.65).

Avaliar a satisfação profissional e a sobrecarga de trabalho dos enfermeiros atuantes em serviços de saúde mental e realizar uma comparação em relação aos demais profissionais do serviço. Estudo transversal, com amostragem por critério de conveniência, realizado em 2016 com 61 profissionais da área de saúde mental dos Centros de atenção psicossocial de um município localizado no extremo sul do Brasil. Para coleta de dados foi aplicado um questionário sociodemográfico e as Escalas de avaliação do impacto do trabalho (Impacto-Br) e de satisfação da equipe (Satis-Br). A análise dos dados foi realizada através do programa SPSS 21.0.O nível de sobrecarga global dos enfermeiros foi de 2,92 ± 0,42 e de satisfação global de 3,38 ± 0,51. Quando avaliado os escores na escala Satis-Br, houve uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa nos níveis de satisfação dos enfermeiros (3,36 ± 0,77) em relação aos demais profissionais atuantes no serviço (3,78 ± 0,56) no escore qualidade dos serviços oferecido (p = 0,04). O fator que promoveu maior nível de sobrecarga de trabalho entre os enfermeiros estão relacionados ao sentimento de se sentir fisicamente cansado (2,99 ± 0,92). Já o fator que promoveu maior satisfação profissional está relacionado ao bom relacionamento com a equipe (4,06 ± 0,65).

Satisfação profissional e sobrecarga de trabalho de enfermeiros da área de saúde mental / Job satisfaction and work overload among mental health nurses in the south of Brazil

Resumo Avaliar a satisfação profissional e a sobrecarga de trabalho dos enfermeiros atuantes em serviços de saúde mental e realizar uma comparação em relação aos demais profissionais do serviço. Estudo transversal, com amostragem por critério de conveniência, realizado em 2016 com 61 profissionais da área de saúde mental dos Centros de atenção psicossocial de um município localizado no extremo sul do Brasil. Para coleta de dados foi aplicado um questionário sociodemográfico e as Escalas de avaliação do impacto do trabalho (Impacto-Br) e de satisfação da equipe (Satis-Br). A análise dos dados foi realizada através do programa SPSS 21.0.O nível de sobrecarga global dos enfermeiros foi de 2,92 ± 0,42 e de satisfação global de 3,38 ± 0,51. Quando avaliado os escores na escala Satis-Br, houve uma diminuição estatisticamente significativa nos níveis de satisfação dos enfermeiros (3,36 ± 0,77) em relação aos demais profissionais atuantes no serviço (3,78 ± 0,56) no escore qualidade dos serviços oferecido (p = 0,04). O fator que promoveu maior nível de sobrecarga de trabalho entre os enfermeiros estão relacionados ao sentimento de se sentir fisicamente cansado (2,99 ± 0,92). Já o fator que promoveu maior satisfação profissional está relacionado ao bom relacionamento com a equipe (4,06 ± 0,65).

Abstract This study assessed job satisfaction and work overload among doctors, nurses, psychologists, and nursing technicians working in community mental health services and conducted a comparison between nurses and other healthcare professionals. Using convenience sampling, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 healthcare professionals working in psychosocial care centers in a municipality located in the South Region of Brazil. Data was collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, work impact assessment scale (Impacto - Br), and mental health professional satisfaction scale (Satis - Br). Data analysis was performed using the statistical software package SPSS 21.0. The average overall work overload score of nurses was 2.92 ± 0.42 and the average overall job satisfaction score was 3.38 ± 0.51. The level of satisfaction of nurses with the quality of services provided was lower than that of other professionals (3.36 ± 0.77 compared to 3.78 ± 0.56, respectively; p = 0.04). The factor that had the greatest negative influence on work overload among nurses was feeling physically tired (2.99 ± 0.92), while the factor that had the greatest positive influence on job satisfaction was good working relationships (4.06 ± 0.65).

Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 in mood disorders: A population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess if cytokines levels (IL-6 and IL-10) are related to major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), in a population-based study. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study population-based, involving 1037 people aged 18-35. MDD, BD, anxiety and suicide risk were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Serum IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by ELISA using a commercial kit. RESULTS: The total sample comprised 1034 young adults, being 14.4% with MDD and 13.7% with BD. MDD and BD groups showed significantly higher serum IL-6 levels (p ≤ 0.001) and IL-10 levels (p ≤ 0.001) when compared to healthy control group. No correlation was found between serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels in health control group (p = 0.830; r = -0.008), non-suicide risk (p = 0.337; r = 0.032) and non-anxiety disorder (p = 0.375; r = 0.031). Covariance analysis showed that mood disorders alone, increase both interleukin levels (IL-6, p = 0.019; and IL-10, p = 0.026), whilst the interaction of mood disorders and suicide risk or anxiety disorders did not. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that inflammatory dysregulation may be involved in the physiopathology of mood disorders and serum IL-6 and IL-10 levels are putative biomarkers for these disorders.

Metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders: a population-based study

Objective: To identify the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders in young adults in southern Brazil. Methods: This population based cross-sectional study involved a total of 1,023 young adults between the ages of 21 and 32 years. Current episodes of psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus version. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). Results: Of the 1,023 participants, 24.3% were identified with MetS, 13.5% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 7.5% with current depression, 3.9% with bipolar disorders and 10.1% were at risk of suicide. MetS was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.022), excess weight (p < 0.001), current anxiety disorders (p < 0.001), current mood disorders (bipolar disorder in mood episode and current depression) (p < 0.001), and suicide risk (p < 0.001). Conclusions: MetS was associated with psychiatric disorders. Awareness of factors associated with MetS can help identify high-risk individuals and stimulate disease prevention and control programs, as well as lifestyle changes.

Biological Rhythm Disruption Associated with Obesity in School Children.

BACKGROUND: Biological rhythm is the daily metabolic cycle of mammals that involves the sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, eating habits and digestion, body temperature, and other important bodily functions that are repeated daily. Thus, greater difficulty in maintaining the circadian rhythms may be involved in the increased risk of obesity. This study assessed the association between biological rhythm disruption and childhood obesity among school children. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 7-8-year-old school children enrolled in a public school in the city of Pelotas-RS. The sample was drawn through multistage sampling. The Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry-Kids (BRIAN-Kids) was used to assess the degree of difficulty maintaining the biological rhythm. BMI was calculated as weight/height2 (kg/m2). RESULTS: A total of 596 children and their caregivers participated in this study. The prevalence of obesity was 24% among school children, 28.9% for girls, and 19.4 for boys (p = 0.009). Obese children had greater difficulties in maintaining the biological rhythm compared to nonobese children (p = 0.007). Some of these difficulties included sleep (p = 0.008), overall activities (p = 0.027), social rhythm (p = 0.033), and eating (p = 0.032) pattern. CONCLUSION: Approximately one-quarter of children were obese. This finding was associated with the caregiver characteristics and some difficulties in maintaining the biological rhythm.

Metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders in young adults in southern Brazil. METHODS: This population based cross-sectional study involved a total of 1,023 young adults between the ages of 21 and 32 years. Current episodes of psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus version. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). RESULTS: Of the 1,023 participants, 24.3% were identified with MetS, 13.5% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 7.5% with current depression, 3.9% with bipolar disorders and 10.1% were at risk of suicide. MetS was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.022), excess weight (p < 0.001), current anxiety disorders (p < 0.001), current mood disorders (bipolar disorder in mood episode and current depression) (p < 0.001), and suicide risk (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MetS was associated with psychiatric disorders. Awareness of factors associated with MetS can help identify high-risk individuals and stimulate disease prevention and control programs, as well as lifestyle changes.

Metabolic syndrome, depression and anhedonia among young adults.

The aim of this study was to assess the association between anhedonia and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a well-characterized community sample of individuals with a current depressive episode. This is a cross-sectional study with young adults aged 24-30 years old. Depressive episode and the presence of anhedonia was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus version (MINI Plus). The MetS was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). The sample included 931 subjects, being 22 had depression without anhedonia, whereas 55 had depression with anhedonia. MetS was more prevalent among subjects with depression and anhedonia (43.6%) when compared to individuals without anhedonia and population control group. Moreover, subjects with depression and anhedonia have a significant increase of levels of glucose, triglycerides, total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, as well as significant decreased in the HDL-cholesterol level. The present study showed that individuals with depression and anhedonia present higher prevalence of MetS. Our study suggests that the use of the concept of anhedonia may contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome.

Salivary cortisol levels and biological rhythm in schoolchildren with sleep bruxism.

OBJECTIVE: Salivary cortisol levels and biological rhythms could be hypothesized as part of the multifactorial framework that explains bruxism etiology. The objective of this study was to examine salivary cortisol levels and biological rhythms in schoolchildren with sleep bruxism (SB). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with a school-based sample. The Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for Kids (BRIAN-K) was used to evaluate biological rhythms. Salivary samples were collected by the spitting method. The salivary cortisol level was measured by electrochemiluminescence. The criteria proposed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) were used to evaluate SB. RESULTS: The SB prevalence was 16%. The SB presence was associated with belonging to families of lower economic status (p = 0.003). In addition, children with SB showed greater difficulty in maintaining biological rhythm (p = 0.002) and had higher levels of salivary cortisol (p = 0.034) compared with children without SB. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of cortisol and disruption of biological rhythm was associated with SB in schoolchildren.

Serum levels of interleukins IL-6 and IL-10 in individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder in a population-based sample.

To evaluate the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 anti-inflammatory interleukins in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a population-based study. This is a paired study nested in a cross-sectional population-based study. All individuals who presented PTSD and did not present major depressive disorder, diagnostic by interview--Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview were selected. From these, 41 healthy controls were matched by sex and age. Serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by the ELISA, using commercial kits. The group of individuals with PTSD showed a significant increase in the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10. Our results suggest that individuals with PTSD may present an activation of the immune system, which may lead to neuroinflammation.