Physical activity and depressive symptoms among adolescents in a school-based sample

Objective: To explore associations between self-reported weekly physical activity and depressive symptomatology among adolescents in a school-based sample from Brazil. Methods: We surveyed 7,405 adolescents aged 14 to 16 years in 101 public schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil. We assessed physical activity using an adapted version of the Patient-Centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise Plus Nutrition - Adolescent Physical Activity Measure (PACE+), and depressive symptoms using the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire - Adolescent Version. We compared the depressive symptom scores among adolescents with varying levels of physical activity. Results: Of the overall sample, 84.4% exercised less than the recommended frequency of 60 minutes/day, at least 5 days/week, of moderate to intense physical activity (PACE+ score ≥ 5). Adolescents whose physical activity levels fell below that threshold had higher median depression scores (8 [IQR = 10] vs. 7 [IQR = 9], W = 4060461, p < 0.001). A similar pattern was observed for depression scores in those with PACE+ < 1 (median of 10 [IQR = 11]) and ≥ 1 (7 [IQR = 9], W = 7457608, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this large sample of Brazilian adolescents, those who exercised less frequently and vigorously than their peers reported more depressive symptoms.

Sleep disturbances, circadian activity, and nocturnal light exposure characterize high risk for and current depression in adolescence.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescence is associated with irregularities in circadian rhythms and sleep. The characterization of such impairment may be critical to design effective interventions to prevent development of depression among adolescents. This study aimed to examine self-reported and actimetry-based circadian rhythms and sleep-wake behavior associated with current MDD and high risk (HR) for MDD among adolescents. METHODS: Ninety-six adolescents who took part in the IDEA-RiSCo study were recruited using an empirically developed depression-risk stratification method: 26 classified as low risk (LR), 31 as HR, and 39 as a current depressive episode (MDD). We collected self-report data on insomnia, chronotype, sleep schedule, sleep hygiene as well as objective data on sleep, rest-activity, and light exposure rhythms using actimetry for 10 days. RESULTS: Adolescents with MDD exhibited more severe insomnia, shorter sleep duration, higher social jetlag (SJL), lower relative amplitude (RA) of activity, and higher exposure to artificial light at night (ALAN) compared with the other groups. They also presented poorer sleep hygiene compared with the LR group. The HR group also showed higher insomnia, lower RA, higher exposure to ALAN, and higher SJL compared with the LR group. CONCLUSIONS: HR adolescents shared sleep and rhythm alterations with the MDD group, which may constitute early signs of depression, suggesting that preventive strategies targeting sleep should be examined in future studies. Furthermore, we highlight that actimetry-based parameters of motor activity (particularly RA) and light exposure are promising constructs to be explored as tools for assessment of depression in adolescence.

Physical activity and depressive symptoms among adolescents in a school-based sample.

OBJECTIVE: To explore associations between self-reported weekly physical activity and depressive symptomatology among adolescents in a school-based sample from Brazil. METHODS: We surveyed 7,405 adolescents aged 14 to 16 years in 101 public schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil. We assessed physical activity using an adapted version of the Patient-Centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise Plus Nutrition - Adolescent Physical Activity Measure (PACE+), and depressive symptoms using the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire - Adolescent Version. We compared the depressive symptom scores among adolescents with varying levels of physical activity. RESULTS: Of the overall sample, 84.4% exercised less than the recommended frequency of 60 minutes/day, at least 5 days/week, of moderate to intense physical activity (PACE+ score ≥ 5). Adolescents whose physical activity levels fell below that threshold had higher median depression scores (8 [IQR = 10] vs. 7 [IQR = 9], W = 4060461, p < 0.001). A similar pattern was observed for depression scores in those with PACE+ < 1 (median of 10 [IQR = 11]) and ≥ 1 (7 [IQR = 9], W = 7457608, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this large sample of Brazilian adolescents, those who exercised less frequently and vigorously than their peers reported more depressive symptoms.

The experience of receiving a diagnosis of depression in adolescence: A pilot qualitative study in Brazil.

Receiving a diagnosis of depression can have an important impact on the lives of adolescents. However, there is limited information about how youth tackle, attribute meaning to and understand mental health diagnoses. The aim of this study was to explore adolescents' initial reactions after receiving a clinical diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder in the context of a neurobiological study of depression in Brazil. Using a qualitative design, eight Brazilian adolescents were interviewed twice: immediately after a psychiatric assessment and neuroimaging study, in which they were given a diagnosis of depression, and in a follow-up visit 2 weeks later. Interviews were designed to explore the subjective experience of receiving the diagnosis and the impacts of depression on adolescents' lives. Framework Analysis was used to analyze the accounts. Diagnosis was perceived as a reification of an abnormal status, highlighting the role of stigma and the process of disclosing the diagnosis to others. Adolescents reported the multiple sensemaking processes that occurred when they received a diagnosis of depression, and most struggled with the idea that negative emotions would equate their experience with a disorder. The results show that future efforts could enhance clinical assessment processes with adolescents by exploring adolescents' reactions to diagnosis, as well as the support networks available to them, resulting in increased help-seeking behaviors, and diminished social and personal stigma.

The Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence Risk Stratified Cohort (IDEA-RiSCo): Rationale, Methods, and Baseline Characteristics.

Background: The characterization of adolescents at high risk for developing depression has traditionally relied on the presence or absence of single risk factors. More recently, the use of composite risk scores combining information from multiple variables has gained attention in prognostic research in the field of mental health. We previously developed a sociodemographic composite score to estimate the individual level probability of depression occurrence in adolescence, the Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence Risk Score (IDEA-RS). Objectives: In this report, we present the rationale, methods, and baseline characteristics of the Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence Risk Stratified Cohort (IDEA-RiSCo), a study designed for in-depth examination of multiple neurobiological, psychological, and environmental measures associated with the risk of developing and with the presence of depression in adolescence, with a focus on immune/inflammatory and neuroimaging markers. Methods: Using the IDEA-RS as a tool for risk stratification, we recruited a new sample of adolescents enriched for low (LR) and high (HR) depression risk, as well as a group of adolescents with a currently untreated major depressive episode (MDD). Methods for phenotypic, peripheral biological samples, and neuroimaging assessments are described, as well as baseline clinical characteristics of the IDEA-RiSCo sample. Results: A total of 7,720 adolescents aged 14-16 years were screened in public state schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil. We were able to identify individuals at low and high risk for developing depression in adolescence: in each group, 50 participants (25 boys, 25 girls) were included and successfully completed the detailed phenotypic assessment with ascertainment of risk/MDD status, blood and saliva collections, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Across a variety of measures of psychopathology and exposure to negative events, there was a clear pattern in which either the MDD group or both the HR and the MDD groups exhibited worse indicators in comparison to the LR group. Conclusion: The use of an empirically-derived composite score to stratify risk for developing depression represents a promising strategy to establish a risk-enriched cohort that will contribute to the understanding of the neurobiological correlates of risk and onset of depression in adolescence.

Psychiatric disorders in children with enuresis at 6 and 11 years old in a birth cohort / Transtornos psiquiátricos em crianças com enurese aos 6 e 11 anos numa coorte de nascimentos

Abstract Objective: Enuresis may have a negative impact on the self-image in childhood and adolescence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between enuresis and psychiatric disorders at 6 and 11 years of age. Method: 3,356 children of a birth cohort were evaluated. A standard questionnaire on urinary habits and mental health (Development and Well-Being Assessment [DAWBA]), was used. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders pursuant to the existence of enuresis and its subtypes (monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic), stratified by sex, was described. A logistic regression was used for adjusted analysis. Results: The prevalence of enuresis at age 6 years was of 10.2% (9% non-monosymptomatic) and, at 11 years old, of 5.4% (4.5% non-monosymptomatic). At age 6 years, boys with non-monosymptomatic enuresis showed more hyperactivity disorders than those without enuresis (6.2% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.017). At 11 years old, after adjustment, among the boys with non-monosymptomatic enuresis, the prevalence of any psychiatric disorder, hyperactivity disorders, and oppositional disorders was, respectively, 3.2, 3.4, and 2.6 times higher than in boys without enuresis; and, among the girls with non-monosymptomatic enuresis, the prevalence of any psychiatric disorder and oppositional disorders was, respectively, 4 and 5.5 times higher than among girls without enuresis. Conclusion: There is a strong association between non-monosymptomatic enuresis and psychiatric disorders at 6 and 11 years old.

Resumo Objetivo: A enurese pode ter grande impacto negativo na autoimagem na infância e adolescência. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a associação entre enurese e transtornos psiquiátricos aos 6 e 11 anos de idade. Métodos: Foram avaliadas 3.356 crianças de uma coorte de nascimentos. Foi usado questionário padronizado sobre hábitos urinários e saúde mental (Development and Well-Being Assesment - DAWBA). Foi descrita a prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos conforme a presença de enurese e seus subtipos (monossintomática e não monossintomática), estratificados por sexo. Para análise ajustada usou-se regressão logística. Resultados: A prevalência de enurese aos 6 anos foi 10,2% (9% não monossintomática) e aos 11 anos, 5,4% (4,5% não monossintomática). Aos 6 anos, meninos com enurese não monossintomática apresentaram mais transtornos de hiperatividade, em comparação com os não enuréticos (6,2% x 2,7%, p = 0,017). Aos 11 anos, após ajuste, entre os meninos com enurese não monossintomática, a prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos, de hiperatividade e de oposição foi, respectivamente, 3,2, 3,4 e 2,6 vezes maior do que nos meninos não enuréticos; e entre as meninas com enurese não monossintomática, a prevalência de transtornos psiquiátricos e de oposição foi, respectivamente, 4 e 5,5 vezes maior do que entre meninas não enuréticas. Conclusões: Há uma forte associação entre enurese não-monossintomática e transtornos psiquiátricos aos 6 e 11 anos de idade.

Relative Age and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Data From Three Epidemiological Cohorts and a Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of relatively younger age on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and diagnosis through three population-based cohorts and a meta-analysis. METHOD: This study included participants of three community-based cohorts in Brazil: 1993 Pelotas Cohort (N = 5,249), 2004 Pelotas Cohort (N = 4,231), and Brazilian High-Risk Study for Psychiatric Disorders (HRC study) (N = 2,511). We analyzed the effect of relatively younger age on ADHD symptoms and diagnosis. For the meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from inception through December 25, 2018. We selected studies that reported measures of association between relative immaturity and an ADHD diagnosis. We followed the Meta-analysis Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. The protocol for meta-analysis is available on PROSPERO (CRD42018099966). RESULTS: In the meta-analysis, we identified 1,799 potentially eligible records, from which 25 studies including 8,076,570 subjects (164,049 ADHD cases) were analyzed with their effect estimates. The summarized relative risk of an ADHD diagnosis was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.26-1.43, p < .001) for children born in the first 4 months of the school year (relatively younger). Heterogeneity was high (I2 = 96.7%). Relative younger age was associated with higher levels of ADHD symptoms in the 1993 Pelotas Cohort (p = .003), 2004 Pelotas Cohort (p = .046), and HRC study (p = .010). CONCLUSION: Children and adolescents who are relatively younger compared with their classmates have a higher risk of receiving an ADHD diagnosis. Clinicians should consider the developmental level of young children when evaluating ADHD symptoms.

Psychiatric disorders in children with enuresis at 6 and 11 years old in a birth cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Enuresis may have a negative impact on the self-image in childhood and adolescence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between enuresis and psychiatric disorders at 6 and 11 years of age. METHOD: 3,356 children of a birth cohort were evaluated. A standard questionnaire on urinary habits and mental health (Development and Well-Being Assessment [DAWBA]), was used. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders pursuant to the existence of enuresis and its subtypes (monosymptomatic and non-monosymptomatic), stratified by sex, was described. A logistic regression was used for adjusted analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of enuresis at age 6 years was of 10.2% (9% non-monosymptomatic) and, at 11 years old, of 5.4% (4.5% non-monosymptomatic). At age 6 years, boys with non-monosymptomatic enuresis showed more hyperactivity disorders than those without enuresis (6.2% vs. 2.7%, p=0.017). At 11 years old, after adjustment, among the boys with non-monosymptomatic enuresis, the prevalence of any psychiatric disorder, hyperactivity disorders, and oppositional disorders was, respectively, 3.2, 3.4, and 2.6 times higher than in boys without enuresis; and, among the girls with non-monosymptomatic enuresis, the prevalence of any psychiatric disorder and oppositional disorders was, respectively, 4 and 5.5 times higher than among girls without enuresis. CONCLUSION: There is a strong association between non-monosymptomatic enuresis and psychiatric disorders at 6 and 11 years old.

Achados comportamentais e cognitivos em crianças de 5 a 11 anos nascidas com baixo peso / Behavioral and cognitive fi ndings in 5-11-year-old children born underweight

Introdução: O número de nascimentos prematuros cresceu nos últimos anos, aumentando a morbimortalidade infantil. Sabe-se que estes estão mais sujeitos a problemas futuros, devido à pouca maturidade de órgãos e ao baixo peso ao nascer. Contudo, a interação do indivíduo com o ambiente familiar e social também influencia no desenvolvimento e comportamento. O estudo avaliou crianças entre cinco e 11 anos de idade em acompanhamento no ambulatório de Pediatria da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal de Pelotas nascidas prematuras ou com baixo peso ao nascer e avaliou o perfil cognitivo e comportamental. Método: Participaram do estudo 47 crianças, sendo 11 prematuras e 36 nascidas a termo. Os instrumentos de avaliação utilizados foram: uma escala de Avaliação de Sintomas de Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade, o MTA SNAP-IV e o Questionário de Habilidades e Dificuldades (SDQ). Para avaliação econômica, utilizou-se o Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil ­ ABEP. Utilizou-se ainda o teste das matrizes progressivas de Raven para estimar o quociente intelectual e um questionário com dados do histórico da criança, gestação e antecedentes dos pais. Resultados: Foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre crianças a termo e prematuras, no sintoma impulsividade e e nos sintomas de transtorno de conduta, além de uma maior pontuação nos sintomas psiquiátricos em geral. Conclusão: Os achados sugerem que crianças prematuras apresentam maior prevalência de problemas de comportamento do que as nascidas a termo (AU)

Introduction: The number of preterm births has grown in recent years, increasing infant morbidity and mortality rates. It is known that preterm infants are more prone to future problems due to low maturity of organs and low birth weight. However, the interaction of the individual with the family and social environment also influences the development and behavior. This study assessed the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of children with low weight between 5 and 11 years as pediatric outpatients cared for in the School of Medicine, Federal University of Pelotas. Method: The study included 47 children, 11 preterm and 36 term born. The assessment instruments used were the MTA SNAP-IV ­ Assessment Scale of Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the Skills and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). For socioeconomic evaluation, we followed the Economic Classification Criterion Brazil ­ ABEP. We also used Raven's Progressive Matrices and a questionnaire with the child's historical data, gestation, and parental background. Results: A statistical difference between preterm and full-term children was observed in the symptom impulsivity and conduct disorders as well as a higher score in psychiatric symptoms in general. Conclusion: The findings suggest that preterm infants have a higher prevalence of behavior problems than those born at term (AU)

Prevalence and comorbidity of psychiatric disorders among 6-year-old children: 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort.

PURPOSE: Most studies published on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children were conducted in high-income countries despite the fact that nearly 90 % of the world's population aged under 18 live in low- and middle-income countries. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children of 6 years of age, to examine the distribution of psychiatric disorders by gender and socioeconomic status and to evaluate the occurrence of psychiatric comorbidities. METHODS: The 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort originally comprised 4,231 live births from Pelotas, southern Brazil. A total of 3,585 (84.7 % of 4,231 births) children aged 6 years were assessed using the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA). RESULTS: Nearly 13 % of the children presented a psychiatric diagnosis according to DSM-IV, being more prevalent among males than females (14.7 and 11.7 %, respectively, p = 0.009). Anxiety disorders were the most prevalent of all disorders (8.8 %) and specific phobias (5.4 %) and separation anxiety disorder (3.2 %) were the most common subtypes. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (2.6 %), oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder (2.6 %), and depression (1.3 %) were also diagnosed. More than one psychiatric disorder was presented by 17 % of children. Socioeconomically disadvantaged children had a higher prevalence of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION: Our findings underline the early onset of psychiatric disorders among children and the frequent occurrence of psychiatric comorbidity. Early prevention is needed in the field of mental health in Brazil and should start during infancy.

[Body dissatisfaction among adolescents: a population-based study]. / Insatisfação corporal em adolescentes: um estudo de base populacional.

The scope of this study was to evaluate body dissatisfaction among adolescents, and to explore differences according to sex, socioeconomic status and body mass index. 4325 individuals aged 14-15 years old from Pelotas, Brazil, were studied. Body dissatisfaction was evaluated comparing the desired image with the perceived image, according to the Tiggemann & Wilson-Barret silhouette scale. The nutritional status was categorized in accordance with World Health Organization criteria, whereas socioeconomic status was evaluated using classifications of the Brazilian Association of Research Institutes. It was found that 27.6% of teens were overweight. Body dissatisfaction, appraised by the silhouette scale, affected 51% of boys and 65.6% of girls. The economic and nutritional status was associated with the outcome. Most overweight adolescents wished to have a slimmer silhouette than the perceived one. The economic level modified the effect of nutritional status on body dissatisfaction. Adolescents from the wealthier economic classes who were not in the ideal weight range manifested greater body dissatisfaction than the less affluent individuals and, irrespective of economic status, girls are more dissatisfied with excess body weight and boys with slimness.

Insatisfação corporal em adolescentes: um estudo de base populacional / Body dissatisfaction among adolescents: a population-based study

O propósito deste estudo foi avaliar a insatisfação corporal em adolescentes e explorar diferenças conforme sexo, nível econômico e índice de massa corporal. Foram estudados 4.325 indivíduos de 14 a 15 anos da cidade de Pelotas, Brasil. A insatisfação corporal foi avaliada comparando a imagem desejada com a imagem percebida, de acordo com escala de silhuetas de Tiggemann e Wilson-Barret. O estado nutricional foi categorizado conforme proposto pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, enquanto o nível socioeconômico foi avaliado segundo classificação da Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisas. Verificou-se que 27,6% dos adolescentes estavam acima do peso. A insatisfação corporal, avaliada pela escala de silhuetas, atingiu 51,0% dos meninos e 65,6% das meninas. O nível econômico e o estado nutricional estiveram associados com o desfecho. A maioria dos adolescentes com excesso de peso desejava ter uma silhueta menor do que a percebida. O nível econômico modificou o efeito do estado nutricional sobre a insatisfação corporal. Adolescentes das classes econômicas mais altas fora do peso ideal mostraram maior insatisfação corporal do que os mais pobres e, independente do nível econômico, as meninas estão mais insatisfeitas com o excesso de peso e os meninos com a magreza.

The scope of this study was to evaluate body dissatisfaction among adolescents, and to explore differences according to sex, socioeconomic status and body mass index. 4325 individuals aged 14-15 years old from Pelotas, Brazil, were studied. Body dissatisfaction was evaluated comparing the desired image with the perceived image, according to the Tiggemann & Wilson-Barret silhouette scale. The nutritional status was categorized in accordance with World Health Organization criteria, whereas socioeconomic status was evaluated using classifications of the Brazilian Association of Research Institutes. It was found that 27.6% of teens were overweight. Body dissatisfaction, appraised by the silhouette scale, affected 51% of boys and 65.6% of girls. The economic and nutritional status was associated with the outcome. Most overweight adolescents wished to have a slimmer silhouette than the perceived one. The economic level modified the effect of nutritional status on body dissatisfaction. Adolescents from the wealthier economic classes who were not in the ideal weight range manifested greater body dissatisfaction than the less affluent individuals and, irrespective of economic status, girls are more dissatisfied with excess body weight and boys with slimness.

Burden of maternal bipolar disorder on at-risk offspring: a controlled study on family planning and maternal care.

INTRODUCTION: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly incapacitating disease typically associated with high rates of familial dysfunction. Despite recent literature suggesting that maternal care is an important environmental factor in the development of behavioral disorders, it is unclear how much maternal care is dysfunctional in BD subjects. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize maternal care in DSM-IV/SCID diagnosed BD type I subjects compared to healthy controls with (PD) and without (NPD) other psychiatric diagnoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four BD mothers and 106 controls underwent an interview about family planning and maternal care, obstetrical complications, and mother-child interactions. K-SADS-PL questions about violence exposure were used to ascertain domestic violence and physical/sexual abuse. RESULTS: BD mothers were less likely to have stable unions (45.5%; p<0.01) or to live with the biological father of their children (33.3%; p<0.01), but had higher educational level and higher rates of social security use/retirement. They also had fewer children and used less contraceptive methods than controls. Children of BD women had higher rates of neonatal anoxia, and reported more physical abuse (16.1%; p=0.02) than offspring of NPD mothers. Due to BD mothers' symptoms, 33.3% of offspring suffered physical and/or psychological abuse. LIMITATIONS: Post hoc analysis, and the use of questions as a surrogate of symptoms as opposed to validated instruments. CONCLUSION: This is one of few reports confirming that maternal care given by BD women is dysfunctional. BD psychopathology can lead to poor maternal care and both should be considered important environmental risk factors in BD, suggesting that BD psychoeducation should include maternal care orientation.

The prevalence of psychopathology in offspring of bipolar women from a Brazilian tertiary center.

OBJECTIVE: No previous study has assessed the occurrence of psychopathology in offspring of bipolar women from South America. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychopathology in offspring of bipolar mothers from Brazil compared with two control groups. METHOD: Children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years of bipolar disorders mothers (n = 43), mothers with other mild to moderate mental disorders (n = 53) and mothers without any psychiatric disorder (n = 53) were evaluated using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia present and lifetime version, the Child Behavior Checklist and the Youth Self-Report. Raters were blind to the mothers' diagnoses, who were interviewed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview. RESULTS: Bipolar offspring had twice the chance of having one or more lifetime Axis I diagnoses [prevalence ratio = 2.11 (95% CI: 1.30-3.42) and p = 0.003] and 2.8 higher risk of having a lifetime anxiety disorder [prevalence ratio = 2.83 (95% CI: 1.39-5.78) e p = 0.004] than the offspring of mothers with no mental disorder. In addition, significantly higher scores on Child Behavior Checklist thought problems and Youth Self-Report social problems, as well as anxiety/depression and internalizing problems were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm previous findings suggesting higher psychiatric problems in offspring of bipolar mothers and extend them to the Brazilian society.

The prevalence of psychopathology in offspring of bipolar women from a Brazilian tertiary center / Prevalência de psicopatologia em filhos de mulheres bipolares de um centro terciário brasileiro

OBJECTIVE: No previous study has assessed the occurrence of psychopathology in offspring of bipolar women from South America. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of psychopathology in offspring of bipolar mothers from Brazil compared with two control groups. METHOD: Children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years of bipolar disorders mothers (n = 43), mothers with other mild to moderate mental disorders (n = 53) and mothers without any psychiatric disorder (n = 53) were evaluated using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia present and lifetime version, the Child Behavior Checklist and the Youth Self-Report. Raters were blind to the mothers' diagnoses, who were interviewed by means of the Structured Clinical Interview. RESULTS: Bipolar offspring had twice the chance of having one or more lifetime Axis I diagnoses [prevalence ratio = 2.11 (95 percent CI: 1.30-3.42) and p = 0.003] and 2.8 higher risk of having a lifetime anxiety disorder [prevalence ratio = 2.83 (95 percent CI: 1.39-5.78) e p = 0.004] than the offspring of mothers with no mental disorder. In addition, significantly higher scores on Child Behavior Checklist thought problems and Youth Self-Report social problems, as well as anxiety/depression and internalizing problems were observed. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm previous findings suggesting higher psychiatric problems in offspring of bipolar mothers and extend them to the Brazilian society

OBJETIVO: Considerando-se a inexistência de estudos avaliando a ocorrência de psicopatologia em filhos de mães bipolares na América do Sul, este se propõe a avaliar a prevalência de psicopatologia em filhos de mulheres bipolares comparado com dois grupos-controle. MÉTODO: Crianças e adolescentes de 6 a 18 anos de idade, filhos de mães com transtorno bipolar (n = 43), filhos de mães com outros transtornos psiquiátricos leve a moderados (n = 53) e filhos de mães sem nenhum diagnóstico psiquiátrico (n = 53) foram avaliados usando o Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia present and lifetime version, o Child Behavior Checklist e o Youth Self-Report por entrevistadores cegos ao diagnóstico das mães, as quais foram entrevistadas por meio do Structured Clinical Interview. RESULTADOS: Os filhos de mães bipolares tiveram duas vezes mais chance de ter um ou mais diagnósticos de Eixo I [Razão de Prevalência = 2,11 (95 por cento IC: 1,30-3,42) e p = 0,003] e 2,8 vezes maior risco de ter transtornos de ansiedade [Razão de prevalência = 2,83 (95 por cento IC: 1,39-5,78) e p = 0,004] ao longo da vida do que os filhos de mulheres sem transtorno mental, além de maiores escores na subescala de problemas de pensamento do Child Behavior Checklist e nas subescalas de problemas sociais, ansiedade/depressão e problemas de internalização do Youth Self-Report. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados confirmam os achados prévios da literatura internacional que sugerem mais problemas psiquiátricos em filhos de mães bipolares e os estendem para a cultura brasileira

Molecular genetic case-control women investigation from the first Brazilian high-risk study on functional psychosis / Investigação genético-molecular do tipo caso-controle em uma amostra de mulheres portadoras de psicose funcional do primeiro estudo de alto-risco brasileiro

OBJECTIVE: Data from epidemiological studies have demonstrated that genetics is an important risk factor for psychosis. The present study is part of a larger project, pioneer in Brazil, which has been conducted by other researchers who intend to follow a high-risk population (children) for the development of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In this first phase of the project, the objective was to investigate the distribution of four candidate genetic polymorphisms for functional psychosis (Ser9Gly DRD3, 5HTTLPR, the VNTR 3'-UTR SLC6A3 and Val66Met BDNF) in a case-control sample. METHOD: A total of 105 women (58 with schizophrenia and 47 with bipolar disorder) and 62 gender-matched controls were investigated. RESULTS: Allele and genotype distributions of all identified functional polymorphisms did not differ statistically between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the investigated polymorphisms were not related to susceptibility to functional psychoses in our Brazilian sample. These findings need to be validated in larger and independent studies.

OBJETIVO: Estudos epidemiológicos demonstram que alterações genéticas são fatores de risco importantes para o desenvolvimento de psicose. O presente estudo é parte um projeto maior, pioneiro no Brasil, realizado com mais pesquisadores, que pretende seguir uma população de alto risco genético para o desenvolvimento de esquizofrenia e transtorno bipolar. Nesta primeira fase, o objetivo foi investigar a distribuição de quatro polimorfismos genéticos candidatos no desenvolvimento de psicose funcional (Ser9Gly DRD3, 5HTTLPR, o VNTR 3'-UTR SLC6A3 e Val66Met BDNF) em uma amostra caso-controle. MÉTODO: O estudo genético respeitou o desenho metodológico do estudo clínico. Um total de 105 mulheres (58 esquizofrenia e 47 transtorno bipolar) e 62 controles sem diagnóstico psiquiátrico foi investigado. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significante foi observada nas distribuições alélicas e genotípicas entre os grupos investigados. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que estes polimorfismos não estavam relacionados à suscetibilidade para psicose funcional nesta amostra brasileira estudada. Esses achados precisam ser validados em estudos maiores e independentes.

Gender differences in aggressiveness in children and adolescents at risk for schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether differences in aggression-related behavioral problems occur between boys and girls at high risk for schizophrenia living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHOD: Using the Child Behavior Checklist, we compared the prevalence of behavioral problems between genders for the offspring (6-18 years) of mothers with diagnosis of schizophrenia and a comparison group of children born to women with no severe mental disorders recruited at the gynecology outpatient clinic of the same hospital. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Patient Edition was applied for the evaluation of diagnostic status of mothers. RESULTS: Male children of women with schizophrenia had a lower prevalence of aggressive behavior compared to females (4% vs. 36%; p = 0.005), whereas no gender differences regarding aggression were detected in the comparison group (24% vs. 32%; p = 0.53). Logistic regression analyses showed that male gender and being a child of women with schizophrenia interacted so as to favor lower prevalence of aggressive behavior (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: These findings reinforce the notion that behavioral gender differences related to schizophrenia are already detectable in childhood.

Gender differences in aggressiveness in children and adolescents at risk for schizophrenia / Comportamentos agressivos em crianças e adolescentes com risco para esquizofrenia: diferenças entre gêneros

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate whether differences in aggression-related behavioral problems occur between boys and girls at high risk for schizophrenia living in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. METHOD: Using the Child Behavior Checklist, we compared the prevalence of behavioral problems between genders for the offspring (6-18 years) of mothers with diagnosis of schizophrenia and a comparison group of children born to women with no severe mental disorders recruited at the gynecology outpatient clinic of the same hospital. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, Patient Edition was applied for the evaluation of diagnostic status of mothers. RESULTS: Male children of women with schizophrenia had a lower prevalence of aggressive behavior compared to females (4 percent vs. 36 percent; p = 0.005), whereas no gender differences regarding aggression were detected in the comparison group (24 percent vs. 32 percent; p = 0.53). Logistic regression analyses showed that male gender and being a child of women with schizophrenia interacted so as to favor lower prevalence of aggressive behavior (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: These findings reinforce the notion that behavioral gender differences related to schizophrenia are already detectable in childhood.

OBJETIVO: Investigar diferenças da ocorrência de comportamentos agressivos entre crianças e adolescentes do sexo masculino e feminino com risco genético para desenvolver esquizofrenia. MÉTODO: A prevalência de comportamentos agressivos foi medida utilizando o inventário de comportamentos para crianças e adolescentes, Child Behavior Checklist, e comparada entre os gêneros para o grupo de crianças filhas de mulheres com esquizofrenia e para um grupo de crianças filhas de mulheres atendidas no serviço de ginecologia do mesmo hospital. A entrevista clínica estruturada para DSM-IV (The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders Patient Edition) foi utilizada para confirmar o diagnóstico materno. RESULTADOS: Os filhos de mulheres com esquizofrenia do sexo masculino apresentaram prevalência menor de comportamentos agressivos quando comparados às meninas (4 por cento x 36 por cento; p = 0,005), o que não ocorreu para o grupo comparativo (24 por cento x 32 por cento; p = 0,53). A análise de regressão logística mostrou que pertencer ao sexo masculino e ser filho de mulher com esquizofrenia interagiram de forma a favorecer menor prevalência de comportamentos agressivos (p = 0,03). CONCLUSÃO: Esses achados corroboram para a noção que as diferenças comportamentais entre os gêneros na esquizofrenia podem ser detectadas precocemente durante a infância.

Molecular genetic case-control women investigation from the first Brazilian high-risk study on functional psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: Data from epidemiological studies have demonstrated that genetics is an important risk factor for psychosis. The present study is part of a larger project, pioneer in Brazil, which has been conducted by other researchers who intend to follow a high-risk population (children) for the development of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In this first phase of the project, the objective was to investigate the distribution of four candidate genetic polymorphisms for functional psychosis (Ser9Gly DRD3, 5HTTLPR, the VNTR 3'-UTR SLC6A3 and Val66Met BDNF) in a case-control sample. METHOD: A total of 105 women (58 with schizophrenia and 47 with bipolar disorder) and 62 gender-matched controls were investigated. RESULTS: Allele and genotype distributions of all identified functional polymorphisms did not differ statistically between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the investigated polymorphisms were not related to susceptibility to functional psychoses in our Brazilian sample. These findings need to be validated in larger and independent studies.