Assessment of the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. / Evaluación de la calidad de vida de los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

INTRODUCTION: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are diseases that cause a significant impact on patients' quality of life. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, carried out at Torrecárdenas Hospital (Almería). Patients over 14 years of age diagnosed with CD or UC were included. For the assessment of HRQoL, the reduced 9-item IBDQ-9 questionnaire was used. RESULTS: 106 patients with a mean age of 44 years were included, with a female predominance. Forty-five percent of the patients in the sample had UC compared to 55% with CD. Of the patients, 69.8% were in clinical remission. The median questionnaire score was 60.8 points out of 100. Statistically significant differences were observed between sexes, with worse HRQoL for females. No differences were observed between patients with UC and CD. Differences were also detected between patients who underwent surgery and those who did not. A negative association was observed between the number of flares and the questionnaire score. CONCLUSIONS: In our study population, there is an acceptable HRQoL, with no differences observed between CD and UC. Female sex, absence of clinical remission, number of previous outbreaks, and surgery have a negative association with HRQoL.

Fostering quality of life in young adults living with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study of a co-created integrated intervention.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is generally diagnosed at an early age, making the acceptance of this chronic disease challenging. Research dedicated to young adults with MS (YawMS) is still limited. A biopsychosocial co-created intervention for YawMS integrating social, physical and psychological activities was developed (ESPRIMO intervention) in order to improve the quality of life (QoL) and well-being. This pre-post intervention assessment study examines the feasibility of the ESPRIMO intervention and its signal of efficacy. Methods: Inclusion criteria were: age 18-45 years, MS diagnosis, Expanded Disability Status Scale score < 3.5. After giving informed consent, YawMS completed a battery of questionnaires, which was repeated after the intervention. The battery included a bespoke feasibility scale, the COOP/WONCA charts, and the Short Form-12 Health Survey (SF-12). Results: Fifty-three YAwMS were enrolled and 43 (81.1%) completed the intervention. The majority of the sample positively rated the pleasantness, usefulness and feasibility of the intervention. A significant change in the COOP/WONCA "general QoL" chart (t = 3.65; p < 0.01) and SF-12 mental wellbeing component (t = -3.17; p < 0.01) was found. Discussion: ESPRIMO is an innovative intervention that is feasible; preliminary results show an improvement in QoL and mental wellbeing. Further studies are needed to test its efficacy and evaluate future implementation in health services.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04431323.

The clinical complexity among patients with systemic, chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the clinical complexity of patients with chronic systemic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] and ANCA-associated vasculitis [AAV]) using the INTERMED Self-Assessment questionnaire (IMSA) to determine the most important factors responsible for this phenomenon in these patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study. Questionnaires were used to evaluate biopsychosocial complexity (IMSA), quality of life (Short Form Survey [SF-36]), mental state (General Health Questionnaire - 28 [GHQ-28] and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]), and acceptance of illness (Acceptance of Illness Scale [AIS]). RESULTS: The final analysis included 81 patients. There was a moderate correlation between clinical complexity (total IMSA score) and quality of life related to mental health (SF-36) and mental state (GHQ-28) in patients with SLE. However, in patients with AAV, clinical complexity had a strong relationship with physical health-related quality of life and a moderate relationship with mental health-related quality of life. Stepwise regression analysis showed that low mental health-related quality of life is a predictor of higher complexity in SLE. The predictors of high clinical complexity in AAV were low physical and mental health-related quality of life and aggravated depressive symptoms (HADS). Other principal factors of clinical complexity were employment status, place of residence, social functioning, and illness duration. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the importance of holistic attitudes and complex healthcare among patients with chronic diseases.

Biological Reductionism as an Obstacle to the Advancement of the Biopsychosocial Concept of Mental Disorders.

The substantial progress in neurobiological technologies has narrowed the horizons of many psychiatrists, ultimately leading them to focus exclusively on biomedical research, primarily aimed at studying the biological basis of mental illnesses. This has led to an unjustified dominance of the biomedical paradigm in understanding the nature of mental disorders, while virtually ignoring the study of other components of the disease related to the psychosocial maladjustment of patients. This trend, largely associated with advancements in neuroscience employing neuroimaging techniques to study the brain's activity as a biophysical object, has contributed to the development of such innovative field as evidence-based medicine. The methods of evidence-based medicine are seen as adequate in terms of determining the effectiveness of therapy for predominantly biologically determined components of mental illness (including the selection of medications) and only partially for psychological interventions. However, it seems that the predominant use of evidence-based medicine principles is insufficient for a holistic diagnostic approach, which includes a multilevel (diversified) representation of the criteria of effectiveness for pharmacological and psychological interventions. In this regard, it is promising to establish a scientifically and clinically productive combination of, on the one hand, the evidence-based concept of effectiveness assessments based on high-quality randomized scientific studies, and on the other, expert opinions of highly qualified scientific specialists, as well as practicing physicians with their personal professional experience in individualized therapy. This makes it reasonable to develop a personality-oriented personalized psychiatry, based on a biopsychosocial understanding of the nature of mental disorders, their holistic assessment, and the development of comprehensive therapeutic measures.

Estigma de peso, dieta mediterránea y obesidad / Weight stigma, Mediterranean diet and obesity

Introducción: la obesidad es una enfermedad que afecta a un alto porcentaje de la población mundial. Pese a que su origen es multicausal y multifactorial, menos atención se ha puesto en las variables psicológicas y conductuales. Objetivo: determinar si las variables psicológicas (estigma de peso, estrés y sintomatología depresiva) y la variable conductual (índice de dieta mediterránea) predicen la obesidad según el índice de masa corporal (IMC), controlando el efecto de variables fisiológicas (colesterol HDL, triglicéridos, glucosa y presión arterial) y sociodemográficas (sexo, ingresos, nivel de estudios). Método: diseño no experimental, transversal, correlacional. Por medio de un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, se seleccionó a 344 personas de población general chilena de la región de la Araucanía (Medad = 55,7 años; DE = 5,1 años; 55,8 % de mujeres). Se obtuvo una muestra de sangre, medición antropométrica de peso y talla, y medidas de autorreporte de variables psicológicas y conductuales. Resultados: se realizó un análisis de regresión múltiple jerárquica de 5 bloques. Las covariables sociodemográficas no predijeron significativamente el IMC; sin embargo, las fisiológicas, la variable conductual y el estigma de peso, se asociaron significativamente con el IMC, siendo el estigma de peso el predictor que explicó mayor varianza. Conclusiones: los hallazgos permiten comprobar el rol de las variables psicológicas y conductuales en la etiología multifactorial de la obesidad. Se discute los hallazgos a la luz del enfoque biopsicosocial, y se sugiere un abordaje multidisciplinario de la obesidad (AU)

Balckground: obesity is a disease that affects a high percentage of the world's population. Although its origin is multicausal and multifactorial, less attention has been paid to psychological and behavioral variables. Aim: to determine whether psychological variables (weight stigma, stress and depressive symptomatology) and behavioral variable (Mediterranean diet index) predict obesity according to body mass index (BMI), controlling for the effect of physiological variables (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and blood pressure) and sociodemographic variables (sex, income, educational level). Method: non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational design. By means of a non-probabilistic convenience sampling, 344 persons were selected from the general Chilean population from the Araucanía region (Mage = 55.7 years; SD = 5.1 years; 55.8 % women). A blood sample, anthropometric measurement of weight and height, and self-report measures of psychological and behavioral variables were obtained. Results: a 5-block hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. Sociodemographic covariates did not significantly predict BMI, however physiological covariates, the behavioral variable and weight stigma, were significantly associated with BMI, with weight stigma being the predictor that explained the most variance. Conclusions: the findings allow us to verify the role of psychological and behavioral variables in the multifactorial etiology of obesity. The findings are discussed in the light of the biopsychosocial approach, and a multidisciplinary approach to obesity is suggested (AU)

Necrotizing fasciitis in a patient with Chiari malformation Type II - A family case analysis / The Health Sciences Journal

@#The biopsychosocial approach to healthcare is fundamental to Family and Community Medicine specialists. Using the patient-centered, family-focused, community-oriented (PFC) matrix, the interplay of a myriad of biomedical and psychosocial factors is assessed in order to provide a thorough medical management that is custom-made to meet the needs and inherent values of a patient and his/her family. Family assessment tools are also utilized to better understand the family dynamics of a patient that may impact on the prescribed management plan. In addition, social determinants of health are evaluated to ascertain which ones may facilitate or hamper proper utilization of community resources. This family case analysis documented the medical ordeal of a young professional who had been diagnosed with two rare medical conditions: necrotizing fasciitis and Chiari malformation Type II. Employing the PFC matrix, the Family and Community Medicine specialist was able to provide inter-disciplinary care for the patient and his family in a holistic manner by recognizing patient needs, creating an enabling family support environment, and helping the family unit navigate various community resources.

Left out - persistent pediatric depression in Panhypopituitarism: A case report

@#This is a case of a 15-year-old Filipino male with a history of craniopharyngioma who underwent trans-sphenoidal surgery with panhypopituitarism as its sequelae. The biological factors of the patient's disease contributed to his persistent depression and were perpetuated by psychosocial and cognitive factors. A biopsychosocial approach was used in understanding this case to arrive at individualized treatment and management.

The Patient-centered, Family-focused and Communityoriented (PFC) Matrix: A toolkit for biopsychosocial approach in primary care

@#Biopsychosocial (BPS) approach to care is essential in family practice. Teaching this approach in family medicine is usually highlighted in family case presentations and counseling sessions. Little is done in showing how the biopsychosocial approach can be used in the day to day family practice. This article discusses the development of a learning tool called the PFC matrix which is a patient-centered, family-focused and community-oriented approach to care for individual patients and their families. The patient-centered care utilizes understanding of the interplay of biomedical psychosocial factors disease in order to implement management that is tailor-fitted to the needs and values of the patient. The family-focused component of the matrix utilizes family assessment to generate assumptions on how the family dynamics affect or facilitate the prescribed management of the patient’s disease. Lastly, the community-oriented component enables the family physician to use social determinants of health and health systems as a lens to understand how larger systems support or hinder the provision of care. Through the use of this matrix, the family physician is able to manage the patient in a holistic manner by recognizing patient needs, creating an enabling family support environment and helping the patient and family navigate various community resources. This results not only in optimal health for the patient but impacts to create a more responsive health system. In the future, further documentation of the use of the PFC matrix particularly in primary care in the light of universal health care and how it impacts on outcomes and how it connects patients and families at the correct tiers of the health system.

Psicosis, Discapacidad intelectual y trastornos conductuales: enfoque biopsicosocial / Psychosis, intellectual disability and behavioral disorders: biopsychosocial approach

Caso Clínico: Mujer, 23 años. Discapacidad intelectual. Asiste a colegio especial (no lee ni escribe). Institucionalizada. Motivo de ingreso: Paciente ingresa en octubre del 2017 traída por carabineros por ser encontrada en la calle bajo el efecto de múltiples sustancias, con ideación suicida. Días antes fue expulsada del hogar por agresión a cuidadoras. Diagnósticos de ingreso: Discapacidad intelectual moderado. Síndrome suicidal, Trastorno por dependencia a drogas. ¿Esquizofrenia hebefrénica? Evolución: Mantiene desajustes conductuales severos fluctuantes, con serias dificultades para manejar la rabia, lo que la lleva a tener conductas hetero y autoagresivas. Plan de tratamiento: Farmacológico (clozapina), Psicológico (TCC), Social (dispositivo adecuado post-alta). Clozapina para trastornos psicóticos en adultos con discapacidad intelectual. El principal riesgo de atribuir alguno de estos comportamientos a una supuesta "psicosis", es el de "medicalizar" y tratar de forma poco acertada. Es importante descartar factores ambientales y del aprendizaje (hábitos y conductas aprendidas, institucionalización, reacciones ante el estrés agudo.) La prevalencia de abuso y dependencia de sustancias en población con DI va desde el 0,5% al 2,6%. Lo cual es menor que la población general. Pacientes con DI y dependencia a drogas se asocia a otras enfermedades psiquiátricas (42-54%). Se ha informado que las personas con discapacidad intelectual en América Latina a menudo están institucionalizadas y escondidas de la sociedad en instalaciones deficientes y superpobladas.

Clinical Case: Female, 23 years old. Intellectual disability. He attends a special school (she does not read or write). Institutionalized. Reason for admission: Patient enters in October 2017 brought by police officers to be found in the street under the effect of multiple substances, with suicidal ideation. Days before she was expelled from the home because of assaulting caregivers. Admission diagnoses: Moderate intellectual disability. Suicidal syndrome, Disorder due to drug dependence. Hebephrenic schizophrenia? Evolution: Maintains fluctuating severe behavioral imbalances, with serious difficulties in managing rage, which leads to hetero and self-aggressive behaviors. Treatment plan: pharmacological (clozapine), Psychological (CBT), Social (adequate post-hospitalization discharge device). Clozapine for psychotic disorders in adults with intellectual disabilities. The main risk of attributing some of these behaviors to a supposed "psychosis" is that of "medicalizing" and dealing inappropriately. It is important to rule out environmental and learning factors (habits and behaviors learned, institutionalization, reactions to acute stress. The prevalence of substance abuse and dependence in the population with ID ranges from 0.5% to 2.6%. Which is less than the general population. Patients with ID and drug dependence are associated with other psychiatric illnesses (42-54%). It is reported that people with intellectual disabilty in Latin America are often institutionalized and hidden from society in poor and overcrowded facilities.

La Medicina General Integral una especialidad clínica con un verdadero enfoque biopsicosocial de la salud de la población / General Integral Medicine, a clinical specialty with a real biopsychosocial approach to the population´s health

Introducción: a partir del año 1984 se desarrolla en Cuba el Programa del Médico y Enfermera de la Familia, a partir del cual surge la especialidad de Medicina General Integral como especialidad efectora de la Atención Primaria de Salud, lo que ha propiciado el desarrollo de un potencial científico para el abordaje integral de la salud de la población. Objetivo: reflexionar sobre los antecedentes de la especialidad de Medicina General Integral en Cuba, a partir de una revisión bibliográfica y la experiencia en la práctica de los autores. Desarrollo: el especialista en Medicina General Integral caracteriza de manera detallada y particular a la población que atiende, identifica sus problemas de salud y establece una estrecha relación no solo médico-paciente, sino también médico-familia y médico-comunidad. Considera a los individuos de una manera integral, pertenecientes a una familia e insertados en una comunidad. Conclusiones: la Medicina General Integral como disciplina científica, determina la adquisición de las competencias necesarias para la solución de problemas sociales de nuestra población...

Introduction: since 1984, the Program of the Family Physician and Nurse emerged in Cuba and gave rise to the General Integral Medicine specialty as performing specialty of the primary health care. The aforementioned has encouraged the development of the scientific potential to comprehensively approach the population´s health.Objective: to thoroughly think about the antecedents of this specialty in Cuba from a literature review and the practical experiences of the authors.Discussion: the General Integral Medicine specialist characterizes in detail the population that he/she cares of, identifies their health problems and establishes a close relationship with the patient, the families and the community. He/she regards the individuals in a comprehensive way, as part of a family and inserted into the community.Conclusions: general Integral Medicine as a scientific discipline determines the learning of necessary competencies to solve social problems of our population...