Twelve-month utilization rates and adequacy of treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in Argentina

Objective: To estimate the 12-month prevalence of mental health services utilization (overall and by type of service sector), the adequacy of treatment provided, and sociodemographic correlates in the Argentinean Study of Mental Health Epidemiology (ASMHE). Methods: The ASMHE is a multistage probability household sample representative of adults in urban areas of Argentina. The World Health Organization World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was used to evaluate psychiatric diagnosis and service utilization. Results: Among those with a disorder, 27.6% received any treatment in the prior 12 months. Of these, 78.3% received minimally adequate treatment using a broad definition and only 43.6% using a stringent definition. For individuals with a disorder, more services were provided by mental health professionals (17.7%) than by general medical professionals (11.5%) or non-healthcare sectors (2.6%). Younger individuals with low education and income were less likely to receive treatment; those never married and those with an anxiety or mood disorder were more likely to receive treatment. Among those in treatment, treatment was least adequate among younger individuals with low education and low income. Conclusions: Policies to increase access to services for mental health disorders in Argentina are needed, as is training for primary care practitioners in the early detection and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Twelve-month utilization rates and adequacy of treatment for mental health and substance use disorders in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the 12-month prevalence of mental health services utilization (overall and by type of service sector), the adequacy of treatment provided, and sociodemographic correlates in the Argentinean Study of Mental Health Epidemiology (ASMHE). METHODS: The ASMHE is a multistage probability household sample representative of adults in urban areas of Argentina. The World Health Organization World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH-CIDI) was used to evaluate psychiatric diagnosis and service utilization. RESULTS: Among those with a disorder, 27.6% received any treatment in the prior 12 months. Of these, 78.3% received minimally adequate treatment using a broad definition and only 43.6% using a stringent definition. For individuals with a disorder, more services were provided by mental health professionals (17.7%) than by general medical professionals (11.5%) or non-healthcare sectors (2.6%). Younger individuals with low education and income were less likely to receive treatment; those never married and those with an anxiety or mood disorder were more likely to receive treatment. Among those in treatment, treatment was least adequate among younger individuals with low education and low income. CONCLUSIONS: Policies to increase access to services for mental health disorders in Argentina are needed, as is training for primary care practitioners in the early detection and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

[Epidemiological study of mental health in the general population of Argentina]. / Estudio epidemiológico de salud mental en población general de la República Argentina.

In this paper we report the findings of the first "Epidemiological study of mental health in the general population of Argentina" in the framework of the World Mental Health Survey Initiative WHO / Harvard, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Buenos Aires and the Asociación de Psiquiatras Argentinos (APSA) with funding from the Ministry of Health. Methodology: A multistage probabilistic household survey was conducted using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). The survey was conducted on 3,927 people aged 18 and over (no age limit), with fixed residence in one of the eight largest urban areas in the country (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Corrientes-Resistencia, Mendoza, Neuquén, Rosario, Salta and Tucumán), representing approximately 50.1% of the adults living in the country. The response rate was 77%. Results: The lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder in the general population of Argentina over 18 years of age was 29.1% and the projected life risk up to 75 years of age was 37.1%. The disorders with the highest life prevalence were Major Depressive Disorder (8.7%), Alcohol Abuse Disorder (8.1%) and Specific Phobia (6.8%). Anxiety Disorders were the most prevalent group (16.4%), followed by Mood Disorders (12.3%), Substance Disorders (10.4%), and Impulse Control Disorders (2.5%). The prevalence in the last 12 months of any mental disorder was 14.8%, a quarter of wich were classified as severe. 11.6% received treatment in the previous 12 months and only 30.2% of those who suffered a severe disorder received it. The results provide essential data for health planning and implementation and the training of the mental health workforce.

Aspectos cognitivos en la depresión / Cognitive Aspects of Depression

La depresión mayor (DM) es una de las afecciones más frecuentes en salud mental, esperándose un incremento de esta para el año 2020 (WHO). Se ha efectuado una revisión de los estudios recientes existentes acerca de las alteraciones cognitivas en pacientes con depresión mayor, concluyéndose en varios estudios, incluido un metanálisis, que los pacientes con DM tienen alteraciones en las funciones ejecutivas, comparados con sujetos sanos. Este hecho se ha observado tanto en pacientes con reiterados episodios de depresión mayor como en aquellos con el primer episodio. Esta alteración cognitiva puede llevar a dificultades en el rendimiento laboral, escolar, social, etc. Por ello, surge la necesidad de profundizar el estudio de este aspecto poco analizado de la depresión, así como capacitar a los profesionales de la salud en su detección y reconocimiento precoz, ya que podría constituir un síntoma trazador de la evolución de la enfermedad depresiva

Major depression (MD) is one of the most frequent diseases of mental health; this disorder is expected to increase by 2020 (WHO). The author does a revision of recent existing studies on cognitive alterations in patients with major depression, many of which, including a meta-analysis, conclude that such patients display alterations in their execuive functions, as compared with healthy subjects. This has been observed both in patients with repeated episodes of major depression, as well as in patients with a first episode. This congnitive alteration may lead to difficulties in work, school, social, etc. performance. Therefore, it becomes necessary to delve into the study of this poorly analyzed aspect of depression, and train health care professionals in its prompt detection and identification, since it might be a revealing symptom of the progression of the depressive disorder

Aspectos cognitivos en la depresión / Cognitive Aspects of Depression

La depresión mayor (DM) es una de las afecciones más frecuentes en salud mental, esperándose un incremento de esta para el año 2020 (WHO). Se ha efectuado una revisión de los estudios recientes existentes acerca de las alteraciones cognitivas en pacientes con depresión mayor, concluyéndose en varios estudios, incluido un metanálisis, que los pacientes con DM tienen alteraciones en las funciones ejecutivas, comparados con sujetos sanos. Este hecho se ha observado tanto en pacientes con reiterados episodios de depresión mayor como en aquellos con el primer episodio. Esta alteración cognitiva puede llevar a dificultades en el rendimiento laboral, escolar, social, etc. Por ello, surge la necesidad de profundizar el estudio de este aspecto poco analizado de la depresión, así como capacitar a los profesionales de la salud en su detección y reconocimiento precoz, ya que podría constituir un síntoma trazador de la evolución de la enfermedad depresiva (AU)

Major depression (MD) is one of the most frequent diseases of mental health; this disorder is expected to increase by 2020 (WHO). The author does a revision of recent existing studies on cognitive alterations in patients with major depression, many of which, including a meta-analysis, conclude that such patients display alterations in their execuive functions, as compared with healthy subjects. This has been observed both in patients with repeated episodes of major depression, as well as in patients with a first episode. This congnitive alteration may lead to difficulties in work, school, social, etc. performance. Therefore, it becomes necessary to delve into the study of this poorly analyzed aspect of depression, and train health care professionals in its prompt detection and identification, since it might be a revealing symptom of the progression of the depressive disorder (AU)

Las alteraciones en el sueño: ¿la punta del iceberg de los trastornos afectivos? / Sleep disorders: the Tip of the Iceberg of Affective Disorders? An Alternative to Treatment

El insomnio y la depresión son problemas muy frecuentes, con repercusiones para la calidad de vida de quien los padece, sus familiares y el entorno que lo rodea. Sin tratamiento tienen altas tasas de recurrencia y cronicidad. Por ello, un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz del insomnio asociado a depresión, constituye una prioridad. Es así que se debe profundizar el diagnóstico etiológico del insomnio, para detectar si existe un trastorno afectivo que lo origine: un estado depresivo o un trastorno de ansiedad

Insomnia and depression are highly frequent problems affecting the both lives of people who suffer from them, as well as their relatives and their surroundings. If not treated, these disorders have a high probability of re-occurring and becoming chronic. For this reason, an early diagnosis and treatment of insomnia, in order to identify whether there is a preexisting affective disorder which causes them: a depressive state or an anxiety disorder

Las alteraciones en el sueño: ¿la punta del iceberg de los trastornos afectivos? / Sleep disorders: the Tip of the Iceberg of Affective Disorders? An Alternative to Treatment

El insomnio y la depresión son problemas muy frecuentes, con repercusiones para la calidad de vida de quien los padece, sus familiares y el entorno que lo rodea. Sin tratamiento tienen altas tasas de recurrencia y cronicidad. Por ello, un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz del insomnio asociado a depresión, constituye una prioridad. Es así que se debe profundizar el diagnóstico etiológico del insomnio, para detectar si existe un trastorno afectivo que lo origine: un estado depresivo o un trastorno de ansiedad (AU)

Insomnia and depression are highly frequent problems affecting the both lives of people who suffer from them, as well as their relatives and their surroundings. If not treated, these disorders have a high probability of re-occurring and becoming chronic. For this reason, an early diagnosis and treatment of insomnia, in order to identify whether there is a preexisting affective disorder which causes them: a depressive state or an anxiety disorder (AU)

Patología dual. Comorbilidad trastorno psiquiátrico y consumo de sustancias psicoactivas / Dual Pathology. The Comorbidity of Psychiatric Disorder and Psychoactive Drug Abuse

La patología dual es una problemática en la que se observa la coexistencia de un trastorno psiquiátrico y un trastorno por consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. Es de difícil diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se observa en los estados depresivos, trastornos de ansiedad, esquizofrenia, trastorno bipolar y trastornos de conducta. El abordaje debe ser integral e incluir tratamiento psicofarmacológico, psicoterapéutico cognitivo-conductual, psicoterapia grupal y orientación familiar. Es necesario, asimismo, lograr el compromiso del paciente, los familiares y los amigos en el cumplimiento estricto del tratamiento. El tratamiento puede realizarse en forma ambulatoria, en hospital de día, con internación breve para la desintoxicación o en comunidades terapéuticas. La elección dependerá del tipo de patología psiquiátrica y del nivel bajo, medio o alto de consumo de sustancias concomitante.

Dual pathology is an issue that reflects the coexistence of a psychiatric disorder and a disorder that results from the consumption of psychoactive drugs. Its diagnosis and treatment is hard to establish. It manifests itself in depressive states, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and behavior disorders. Its approach should be holistic and it should include psychopharmacological treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy and family therapy. It is additionally necessary to obtain the patient's and his or her family and friends' involvement in strictly complying with the treatment. The treatment may be carried out within an institution, in the day hospital, or by means of a brief detoxification period at hospital, or in therapeutic communities. The choice will depend on the type of psychiatric disorder and on the low, medium or high level of consumption of drugs.

Consumo de tabaco, alcohol, drogas y su relación con los intentos de suicidio en población asistida en la guardia de un hospital general polivalente / Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs Consumption, and their relationships with suicide attempts in a population assisted in the Ward of a general polyvalent hospital

El problema del consumo de tabaco, alcohol y drogas y los intentos de suicidio son dos afecciones de autodestrucción, la primera con una intencionalidad tal vez inconciente y la otra voluntariamente ejecutada.Objetivo: analizar el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en pacientes que ingresan en la guardia de un Hospital General polivalente con el diagnóstico de intento de suicidio y definir el perfil de la conducta suicidaMaterial y métodos: se realizaron dos fichas epidemiológicas administradas por profesionales de la guardia y por el Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital Posadas, contenían datos generales sobre el intento de suicidio y frecuencia del consumo de sustancias inmediatamente antes del intento de suicidio y en el mes anterior, a 200 pacientes ingresados a la guardia entre junio y diciembre de 2009.Resultados: se encontró una asociación entre el consumo de alcohol, marihuana y cocaína en los varones, y de alcohol y sedantes en las mujeres.

The issue of smoking, alcohol and drugs consumption, as well as suicide attempts constitute two self-destructive affections. The first one is related with an intentionality which is probably unconscious, and the second one, with an intentionality deliberately executed. Purpose: to analyze the consumption of psychoactive substances in patients who are admitted to the ward of a General, polyvalent Hospital with a suicide attempt diagnosis, and to define the profile of the suicidal behavior. Material and methods: two epidemiologic forms administered by professionals from the ward and by the Psychiatry Service of Hospital Posadas, containing general information on the suicide attempt and the frequency of consumption of substances immediately before the suicide attempt and in the previous month, to 200 patients admitted to the ward between June and December 2009. Results: a relationship was found between alcohol, marihuana and cocaine consumption in men and between alcohol and sedatives in women.

Comorbilidad, trastorno psiquiátrico y consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (patología dual) / Comorbility, psichiatric disorder and psychoactive substance consumption (dual pathology)

La patología dual es una problemática en la que se observa la coexistencia de un trastorno psiquiátrico y el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas, simultáneamente. Es de difícil diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se observa en los estados depresivos, los trastornos de ansiedad, la esquizofrenia, el trastorno bipolar y los trastornos de conducta. El abordaje debe ser integral e incluir tratamiento psicofarmacológico, psicoterapéutico cognitivo-conductual, psicoterapia grupal y orientación a la familia, asimismo, lograr un compromiso del paciente, los familiares y los amigos en el cumplimiento estricto del tratamiento. El tratamiento puede realizarse en forma ambulatoria, en hospital de día, con internación breve para la desintoxicación o en comunidades terapéuticas, la elección dependerá del tipo de patología psiquiátrica y del nivel bajo, medio o alto de consumo de sustancias concomitante.

Dual pathology is a problem in which a psychiatric disorder and the consumption of psychoactive substances coexist at the same time. It is difficult to diagnose and to treat. This pathology is observed in depressive states, anxiety disorders, shizophrenia, bipolar disorder and behavior disorders. Its approach should be integral and include psychopharmacological, psychotherapeutic, cognitive-behavioral treatment, group psychotherapy and family guidance, and it should achieve commitment on the part of the patient, relatives and friends, in the strict compliance of such treatment. Treatment can be performed externally, at a day hospital, through brief hospitalization for desintoxication or in therapeutic communities, the choice will depend on the type of psychiatric pathology and on the low, medium or high concomitant level of consumption of substances.

Trastornos psicopatológicos e intentos de suicidio asistidos en la guardia de un hospital polivalente del conurbano bonaerense / Pychopathological disorders and suicide attempts assited in the ward of a plyclinic in the suburbs of the province of Buenos Aires

La conducta suicida es una situación de múltiples aristas en la que intervienen varios factores y que se enmarca dentro de las conductas agresivas. Este estudio fue efectuado a fin de acercarse a la comprensión de este angustiante cuadro. Objetivo: estudiar la caracterización de la conducta suicida en pacientes de ambos sexos concurrentes a la Guardia del Hospital "Dr. Alejandro Posadas" con motivo de un intento de suicidio. Material y Métodos: fueron examinados en la Guardia y en el Servicio de Psicopatología 230 personas por intento de suicidio, 200 ingresaron al estudio y 30 no pudieron hacerlo por no hallarse en condiciones. Se utilizaron tres formularios, de consentimiento informado, de la Guardia del Hospital y un tercero para ser llenado por el psiquiatra del Servicio. Se realizó una base de datos y el análisis estadístico utilizando el SPSS V 11. Resultados: se encontró una vinculación entre aquellos que realizaron un intento de suicidio y los diagnósticos de trastornos de personalidad borderline, histérica y los trastornos de ansiedad, bipolar y esquizofrenia. Facilitar el acceso a los pacientes a fin de realizar un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces es una forma de evitar la conducta agresiva del intento de suicidio.

Suicide behavior is a disorder of multiple rough edges in which serveral factors are involved, which is framed within aggressive behaviors. This study was performed in order to obtain an insight into this distressing condition. Objective: To study the characterization of suicidal behavior in patients of both sexes attending the Ward of Hospital "Dr. Alejandro Posadas" due to a suicide attempt. Material and Methods: 230 people were examined in the Ward and in the Psychopathological Service due to a suicide attempt, 200 entered the study and 30 could not do so for not being eligible. Three informed consent forms were used, two belonging to the Hospital's Ward and the third one to be completed by the Service's Psychiatrist. A database was created, as well as the statistical analysis, by means of the software apllication, SPSS V 11. Results: a connection was found betweeen those patients who committed suicide and the diagnosos of borderline, histrionic personality disorders, and anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia disorders. Facilitating access to patients in order to perform an early diagnosis and treatment is a way of avoiding the aggressive bahavior relative to the suicide attempt.

Trastornos psicopatológicos e intentos de suicidio asistidos en la guardia de un hospital polivalente del conurbano bonaerense / Pychopathological disorders and suicide attempts assited in the ward of a plyclinic in the suburbs of the province of Buenos Aires

La conducta suicida es una situación de múltiples aristas en la que intervienen varios factores y que se enmarca dentro de las conductas agresivas. Este estudio fue efectuado a fin de acercarse a la comprensión de este angustiante cuadro. Objetivo: estudiar la caracterización de la conducta suicida en pacientes de ambos sexos concurrentes a la Guardia del Hospital "Dr. Alejandro Posadas" con motivo de un intento de suicidio. Material y Métodos: fueron examinados en la Guardia y en el Servicio de Psicopatología 230 personas por intento de suicidio, 200 ingresaron al estudio y 30 no pudieron hacerlo por no hallarse en condiciones. Se utilizaron tres formularios, de consentimiento informado, de la Guardia del Hospital y un tercero para ser llenado por el psiquiatra del Servicio. Se realizó una base de datos y el análisis estadístico utilizando el SPSS V 11. Resultados: se encontró una vinculación entre aquellos que realizaron un intento de suicidio y los diagnósticos de trastornos de personalidad borderline, histérica y los trastornos de ansiedad, bipolar y esquizofrenia. Facilitar el acceso a los pacientes a fin de realizar un diagnóstico y tratamiento precoces es una forma de evitar la conducta agresiva del intento de suicidio.(AU)

Suicide behavior is a disorder of multiple rough edges in which serveral factors are involved, which is framed within aggressive behaviors. This study was performed in order to obtain an insight into this distressing condition. Objective: To study the characterization of suicidal behavior in patients of both sexes attending the Ward of Hospital "Dr. Alejandro Posadas" due to a suicide attempt. Material and Methods: 230 people were examined in the Ward and in the Psychopathological Service due to a suicide attempt, 200 entered the study and 30 could not do so for not being eligible. Three informed consent forms were used, two belonging to the Hospitals Ward and the third one to be completed by the Services Psychiatrist. A database was created, as well as the statistical analysis, by means of the software apllication, SPSS V 11. Results: a connection was found betweeen those patients who committed suicide and the diagnosos of borderline, histrionic personality disorders, and anxiety, bipolar and schizophrenia disorders. Facilitating access to patients in order to perform an early diagnosis and treatment is a way of avoiding the aggressive bahavior relative to the suicide attempt.(AU)

Evolución de los síntomas negativos de la esquizofrenia / The evolution of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia

El tratamiento de los síntomas negativos de la esquizofrenia constituye aún un desafío para la Neuropsicofarmacología, dada su persistencia en la evolución de los pacientes en la clínica. El objetivo fue analizar la evolución de los síntomas negativos en pacientes ambulatorios, con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia, de ambos sexos, tratados con neurolépticos. La población estudiada consistió en pacientes ambulatorios de 18 a 65 años de edad, 35 mujeres y 25 varones, con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia paranoide (295.30) con la presencia de síntomas negativos, medicados con risperidona 1 mg/día, haloperidol 5 mg/día, aripiprazol y olanzapina. Se efectuó una entrevista clínica realizada por profesionales que incluyó la administración de la escala PANSS. Los resultados mostraron una mejoría siginifictiva estadísticamente de los síntomas negativos en su conjunto entre el comienzo del tratamiento y el primer mes, el comienzo y el tercer mes y entre el comienzo y el sexto mes. Los pacientes que recibían risperidona mostraron una mejoría de los síntomas negativos durante el tratamiento y aquellos tratados con haloperidol mejoraron al primer y al tercer mes, pero no al sexto. No se analizaron los otros fármacos debido al tamaño de la muestra. Surge la necesidad de continuar y profundizar las investigaciones a fin de lograr una mejoría sustancial en los síntomas negativos de la esquizofrenia, que pueden originar estados invalidantes.

The treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia remains a challenge to Neuropsychopharmacology, given their persistence in the evolution of outpatients. The aim was to analyse the evolution of negative symptoms in ambulatory patients, male and female, diagnosed with schizophrenia and treated with neuroleptics. The studied population consisted in ambulatory patients aged 18 to 65 years-old, of which 35 were women and 25 were men, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (295.30) and who displayed negative sympotoms, that were treated with 1 mg/day risperidone, 5 ml/day haloperidol, aripiprazol and olanzanie. A clinical interview designed by professionals, which included the administration of the PANSS Scale, was performed. The outcomes demonstrated a statistically significant imporvement of negative sympotoms as a whole, between the beginning of treatment and the first month, the beginning of treatment and the third month, and between the beginning of treatment and the sixth month. Patients receiving risperidone showed improved in the first and the third month, but not in the sixth month. No further pharmacological drugs were assessed, due to the sample size. In order to achieve significant improvement in the negative sympotoms of schizophrenia which may lead to a disabling condition, it is necessary to continue with and to emphasize investigations.

Evolución de los síntomas negativos de la esquizofrenia / The evolution of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia

El tratamiento de los síntomas negativos de la esquizofrenia constituye aún un desafío para la Neuropsicofarmacología, dada su persistencia en la evolución de los pacientes en la clínica. El objetivo fue analizar la evolución de los síntomas negativos en pacientes ambulatorios, con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia, de ambos sexos, tratados con neurolépticos. La población estudiada consistió en pacientes ambulatorios de 18 a 65 años de edad, 35 mujeres y 25 varones, con diagnóstico de esquizofrenia paranoide (295.30) con la presencia de síntomas negativos, medicados con risperidona 1 mg/día, haloperidol 5 mg/día, aripiprazol y olanzapina. Se efectuó una entrevista clínica realizada por profesionales que incluyó la administración de la escala PANSS. Los resultados mostraron una mejoría siginifictiva estadísticamente de los síntomas negativos en su conjunto entre el comienzo del tratamiento y el primer mes, el comienzo y el tercer mes y entre el comienzo y el sexto mes. Los pacientes que recibían risperidona mostraron una mejoría de los síntomas negativos durante el tratamiento y aquellos tratados con haloperidol mejoraron al primer y al tercer mes, pero no al sexto. No se analizaron los otros fármacos debido al tamaño de la muestra. Surge la necesidad de continuar y profundizar las investigaciones a fin de lograr una mejoría sustancial en los síntomas negativos de la esquizofrenia, que pueden originar estados invalidantes.(AU)

The treatment of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia remains a challenge to Neuropsychopharmacology, given their persistence in the evolution of outpatients. The aim was to analyse the evolution of negative symptoms in ambulatory patients, male and female, diagnosed with schizophrenia and treated with neuroleptics. The studied population consisted in ambulatory patients aged 18 to 65 years-old, of which 35 were women and 25 were men, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (295.30) and who displayed negative sympotoms, that were treated with 1 mg/day risperidone, 5 ml/day haloperidol, aripiprazol and olanzanie. A clinical interview designed by professionals, which included the administration of the PANSS Scale, was performed. The outcomes demonstrated a statistically significant imporvement of negative sympotoms as a whole, between the beginning of treatment and the first month, the beginning of treatment and the third month, and between the beginning of treatment and the sixth month. Patients receiving risperidone showed improved in the first and the third month, but not in the sixth month. No further pharmacological drugs were assessed, due to the sample size. In order to achieve significant improvement in the negative sympotoms of schizophrenia which may lead to a disabling condition, it is necessary to continue with and to emphasize investigations.(AU)

Descripción del perfil de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en población adolescente de 15 a 18 años del conurbano bonaerense / Description of the profile of consumption of psychoactive substances in adolescent population of 15 to 18 years of the Buenos Aires

Objetivo: El consumo de drogas afecta a los adolescentes de cualquier estrato social, con múltiples implicancias personales, familiares y sociales. El Instituto de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas de la Academia Nacional de Medicina y SEDRONAR se propusieron identificar un perfil del consumo en adolescentes escolarizados. Material y Métodos: en 2005 se encuestaron 1755 adolescentes de 15 a 18 años, escolarizados, del área denominado "Conurbano Bonaerense" correspondiente a la Provincia de Buenos Aires, mediante una encuesta anónima, voluntaria y autoadministrada, y un diseño probabilístico de escuelas públicas y privadas. Resultados: se detectó una prevalencia alta de consumo de alcohol, seguido de tabaco, marihuana, estimulantes y cocaína. Se encontraron factores asociados: consumo por algún familiar de los amigos, comunicación familiar, hacinamiento y actitudes de tolerancia hacia el consumo. Los resultados alcanzados señalan la necesidad de continuar los estudios sobre las motivaciones acerca del comportamiento de la transmisión de la adicción y los factores de vulnerabilidad y resiliencia.

[Violent causes of death in young people of 10 to 24 years old. Argentina 1991 - 2000]. / Mortalidad por causas violentas en adolescentes y jóvenes de 10 a 24 años. Argentina 1991-2000.

OBJECTIVE: to study the most frequent death causes between young people during 1991 to 2000. We worked at the Epidemiological Research Center of the Buenos Aires Academy of Medicine, with all the country's death dates certified by the Ministry of Health. Argentine young population (10 to 24 years old) was of about 10,000,000 people, after the increase of 15% during the studied period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population studied were all violent causes of death of people between 10 to 24 years old, of Argentina, since 1991 to 2000. The violent causes of death studied were: Accident (other than traffic), traffic accidents, suicide, homicide, between 10-14 year old, 15-19 year old and 20-24 year old, male and female youngsters. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mortality rates were calculated on yearly basis per province and per country. RESULTS: Of 100% of death causes among 10-24 years old adolescents: 15% were accidents (non traffic), 14,6 traffic accidents, 10,1% homicides and 9,1% were suicides. Mortality rates were higher for males, in all ages and during all the period. We observed an increase in external causes of death during 1991 to 2000. Mortality rates of homicide and suicide increased for males between 1991 and 2000. DISCUSSION: Adolescents (15-19 year old) and male gender are risk factors for external causes of death (accidents, aggression and suicide). The results of this study showed that mortality by violent causes should be a priority problem for the Public Health and for all the community.

Mortalidad por causas violentas en adolescentes y jóvenes de 10 a 24 años. Argentina 1991-2000. / [Violent causes of death in young people of 10 to 24 years old. Argentina 1991 - 2000]

OBJECTIVE: to study the most frequent death causes between young people during 1991 to 2000. We worked at the Epidemiological Research Center of the Buenos Aires Academy of Medicine, with all the countrys death dates certified by the Ministry of Health. Argentine young population (10 to 24 years old) was of about 10,000,000 people, after the increase of 15

during the studied period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population studied were all violent causes of death of people between 10 to 24 years old, of Argentina, since 1991 to 2000. The violent causes of death studied were: Accident (other than traffic), traffic accidents, suicide, homicide, between 10-14 year old, 15-19 year old and 20-24 year old, male and female youngsters. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mortality rates were calculated on yearly basis per province and per country. RESULTS: Of 100

of death causes among 10-24 years old adolescents: 15

were accidents (non traffic), 14,6 traffic accidents, 10,1

homicides and 9,1

were suicides. Mortality rates were higher for males, in all ages and during all the period. We observed an increase in external causes of death during 1991 to 2000. Mortality rates of homicide and suicide increased for males between 1991 and 2000. DISCUSSION: Adolescents (15-19 year old) and male gender are risk factors for external causes of death (accidents, aggression and suicide). The results of this study showed that mortality by violent causes should be a priority problem for the Public Health and for all the community.

Mortalidad por causas violentas en adolescentes y jóvenes de 10 a 24 años. Argentina 1991-2000 / [Violent causes of death in young people of 10 to 24 years old. Argentina 1991 - 2000]

OBJECTIVE: to study the most frequent death causes between young people during 1991 to 2000. We worked at the Epidemiological Research Center of the Buenos Aires Academy of Medicine, with all the country’s death dates certified by the Ministry of Health. Argentine young population (10 to 24 years old) was of about 10,000,000 people, after the increase of 15

during the studied period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The population studied were all violent causes of death of people between 10 to 24 years old, of Argentina, since 1991 to 2000. The violent causes of death studied were: Accident (other than traffic), traffic accidents, suicide, homicide, between 10-14 year old, 15-19 year old and 20-24 year old, male and female youngsters. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mortality rates were calculated on yearly basis per province and per country. RESULTS: Of 100

homicides and 9,1

were suicides. Mortality rates were higher for males, in all ages and during all the period. We observed an increase in external causes of death during 1991 to 2000. Mortality rates of homicide and suicide increased for males between 1991 and 2000. DISCUSSION: Adolescents (15-19 year old) and male gender are risk factors for external causes of death (accidents, aggression and suicide). The results of this study showed that mortality by violent causes should be a priority problem for the Public Health and for all the community.

Consumo de tabaco, alcohol, marihuana, cocaína y medicamentos no recetados / Consume of toxic substances by adolescents in 9 regions of Argentina

El consumo de sustancias tóxicas en adolescentes es tema prioritario en Salud Pública. Objetivo: conocer el consumo de tabaco , alcohol diario, marihuana, cocaína y medicamentos no recetados en 9 áreas de Argentina. Material y métodos: El estudio se realizó en una muestra probabilística de varones de 18 años para cada área. Resultaron examinados 5879 residentes en la ciudad de Buenos Aires y provincias de Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén, Salta y Santa Fé. Se usó una encuesta anónima autoadministrada, sobre consumo en los últimos 30 días. Resultados: la mayor proporción de consumo correspondió al tabaco(42 por ciento), seguido por marihuana(11,7 por ciento) y cocaína(5,8 por ciento). Las áreas donde más jóvenes declararon consumir sustancias tóxicas fueron la ciudad de Buenos Aires y las provincias de Buenos Aires y del Neuquén. La alta frecuencia de consumo detectada, sugiere la necesidad de programar acciones de prevención desde edades tempranas

Consumo de tabaco, alcohol, marihuana, cocaína y medicamentos no recetados / Consume of toxic substances by adolescents in 9 regions of Argentina

El consumo de sustancias tóxicas en adolescentes es tema prioritario en Salud Pública. Objetivo: conocer el consumo de tabaco , alcohol diario, marihuana, cocaína y medicamentos no recetados en 9 áreas de Argentina. Material y métodos: El estudio se realizó en una muestra probabilística de varones de 18 años para cada área. Resultaron examinados 5879 residentes en la ciudad de Buenos Aires y provincias de Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Mendoza, Neuquén, Salta y Santa Fé. Se usó una encuesta anónima autoadministrada, sobre consumo en los últimos 30 días. Resultados: la mayor proporción de consumo correspondió al tabaco(42 por ciento), seguido por marihuana(11,7 por ciento) y cocaína(5,8 por ciento). Las áreas donde más jóvenes declararon consumir sustancias tóxicas fueron la ciudad de Buenos Aires y las provincias de Buenos Aires y del Neuquén. La alta frecuencia de consumo detectada, sugiere la necesidad de programar acciones de prevención desde edades tempranas