Brazilian Psychiatric Association Consensus for the Management of Acute Intoxication. General management and specific interventions for drugs of abuse.

OBJECTIVE: To present the Brazilian Psychiatric Association's Consensus for the Management of Acute Intoxication. METHODS: A group of experts selected by the Brazilian Psychiatric Association searched for articles in the MEDLINE (by PubMed) and Cochrane Database, limited to human studies and acute intoxication. Groups reviewed these materials for appropriateness to the topic and the quality of the work. To perform a table of agreed recommendations at the end of the systematic review, a survey using the Delphi method was conducted. Three survey rounds were conducted to develop a consensus. RESULTS: Support for intoxication may start with Initial Management: Resuscitation/Life Support/Differential Diagnosis. For that, the group proposed these orders of assessment: A (airway), B (breathing), C (circulation), D.1. (disability), D.2. (differential diagnosis), D.3. (decontamination), D.4. (drug antidotes), E (enhanced elimination). Then, the group of experts presented specific interventions for the main drugs of abuse. CONCLUSIONS: The approach to intoxication with drugs of abuse is complex and requires systematic protocols. The group of experts suggested the adoption of the classic use in welcoming the patient of the A-B-C-D-E technique with constant investigation of this patient until reaching a specific conduct and with the support to remit the picture. The group of experts believes that this document, at this time, can help psychiatric, general, and emergency doctors deal with psychiatric emergency episodes due to acute intoxication.

Attention and memory deficits in crack-cocaine users persist over four weeks of abstinence.

BACKGROUND: Crack-cocaine addiction is an important public health problem worldwide. Although there is not a consensus, preliminary evidence has suggested that cognitive impairments in patients with crack-cocaine dependence persist during abstinence, affecting different neuropsychological domains. However, few studies have prospectively evaluated those deficits in different phases of abstinence. OBJECTIVES: The main aim of present study was to examine neuropsychological performance of patients with crack-cocaine dependence during early abstinence and after four weeks, comparing with matched controls. METHODS: Thirty-five males with crack-cocaine dependence, aged 18 to 50years, who met DSM-IV criteria for cocaine dependence and a control group of 33 healthy men were enrolled. They were assessed through Block Design, Digit Span and Vocabulary of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), the Rey Auditory Learning Test (RAVLT) and the Verbal Fluency (FAS) between 3 and 10days (mean of 6.1±2.0days) and after 4weeks of abstinence. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the crack-cocaine dependent group exhibited deficits in cognitive performance affecting attention, verbal memory and learning tasks in early withdrawal. Most of the cognitive deficits persisted after four weeks of abstinence. CONCLUSION: Present results observed that the group of patients with crack-cocaine dependence presented persistent deficits affecting memory and attention even after four weeks of abstinence, confirming previous studies that had disclosed such cognitive impairments.

Guidelines of the Brazilian Association of Studies on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ABEAD) for diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity with alcohol and other substance and dependence.

In recent years, several studies have been focused on the comorbidity of psychiatric disorders with alcohol and other substance dependence. In this context, the Brazilian Association of Studies on Alcohol and Other Drugs initiated a project to establish Brazilian Guidelines. The aim of this study was to review diagnostic and therapeutic criteria for the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities. Randomized clinical trials, epidemiological studies, animal testing and other forms of research are reviewed herein. The main psychiatric comorbidities are investigated and data published in the literature are reviewed, based on guidelines adopted by other countries. Epidemiological aspects, diagnostic criteria, integrated treatment and the organization of specialized service, as well as details regarding psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment are discussed. The guidelines of the Brazilian Association of Studies on Alcohol and Other Drugs reinforce the importance of adequate diagnosis and treatment regarding alcoholic and drug dependent patients suffering of comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Induction and comparison of craving for tobacco, marijuana and crack

Abstract Background The literature findings report that use of multiple substances can produce adverse clinical and behavioral effects, which may affect craving and the results of drug treatment. Also, the understanding of craving construct and its interaction in the use of smoked substances is underexplored. Objectives To induce and compare craving for tobacco, marijuana and crack-cocaine on hospitalized dependents whose drug of choice is crack-cocaine. Methods Quasi-experimental study with a convenience sample consisting of 210 males divided into 3 equal groups (Group-1: craving induced by crack; Group-2: craving induced by tobacco; and Group-3: craving induced by marijuana). All participants met ICD-10 dependence criteria for cocaine/crack, marijuana and tobacco, were aged between 18 and 65 and had used these substances for at least one year. Photos were used to induce craving and self-report instruments to evaluate possible alterations. Results This study showed that craving for tobacco was more intense than for marijuana and crack, when the groups were compared by VAS. Using specific scales, both craving for tobacco and craving for marijuana were more intense than craving for crack. Discussion These results would imply interventions at the initial stages of abstinence with cognitive-behavioural techniques and pharmacotherapy in order to reduce craving.

Validação psicométrica do Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack para dependentes hospitalizados / Psychometric validation of Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Brazilian Crack Adapted Version inpatients dependents

Introdução: O craving (ou fissura) é um fator muito importante no tratamento da dependência de substâncias psicotrópicas. Objetivo: Validar o Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack. Método: O delineamento foi experimental e seus participantes foram randomizados, em grupos: experimental, para o qual foi apresentada uma imagem de um indivíduo consumindo crack (G1), e controle (G2), para o qual não foi apresentada nenhuma imagem. A amostra foi composta por 109 sujeitos (G1 = 50 e G2 = 59) do sexo masculino, internados por causa da dependência do crack. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Entrevista Clínica com dados sociodemográficos, CCQ-B Versão Adaptada para o Crack, Escala Analógico-Visual do Craving, Inventários Beck de Ansiedade e de Depressão e o Estímulo Visual indutor de craving para o G1. Resultados: Na análise fatorial, foram encontrados dois fatores: o fator 1, relacionado ao craving propriamente dito, e o fator 2, relacionado à percepção da falta de controle do uso do crack. Os dois fatores apresentaram variância total de 68,84 por cento, e a correlação entre os fatores foi significativa e de baixa intensidade (r = 0,204; p = 0,041). O alfa de Cronbach do seu total de pontos foi 0,85. O instrumento no total de pontos foi correlacionado com a Escala Analógico-Visual (r = 0,515; p < 0,01). Conclusão: O CCQ-B - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack demonstrou ser, psicometricamente, satisfatório para utilização em pesquisas e em ambiente clínico.

Background: The craving is a very important factor in the treatment of drug addiction. Objective: Validate the Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Brazilian Crack Adapted Version. Method: Subjects enrolled in this experimental study were randomized into groups: experimental for this group was shown an image of a subject using crack (G1) and control (G2) for this group no pictures were shown. The sample was composed of 109 subjects (G1 = 50 and G2 = 59), males, crack/cocaine dependent inpatients. The assessment instruments were: Clinical Interview with social and demographic data, CCQ-B - Crack Adapted Version; Visual Analogic Scale for Craving, Anxiety and Depression Beck and Inventories Visual Cue to elicit craving. Results: On the factorial analysis two factors were found: Factor 1, related to craving itself, and Factor 2, the perceived lack of control of crack use. The two-factor factorial analysis presented a total variation of 68.84 percent, and the correlation between these factors was significant and of low intensity (r = 0.204; p = 0.041). A Cronbach’s alpha value from total of points of scale was 0.85. We observed a correlation between the scale total score and the Visual Analogic Scale (r = 0.515; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Brazilian Crack Adapted Version proved to be an adequate psychometric instrument for use in research and in clinical settings.

Tratando a dependência de nicotina / Nicotine dependence treatment

De acordo com dados da OMS, estima-se que haja hoje no mundo 1 bilhão e 500 mil fumantes, e que 3 milhões e 500 mil destes morrem por ano. É hoje um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública, e principal causa de morte no mundo passível de prevenção e, portanto, uma missão já sssumida como prioritária nas políticas públicas de vários países desenvolvidos. O cigarro e outras formas de uso do tabaco são capazes de provocar dependência, e isso se deve à presença da nicotina. Os processos farmacológicos e comportamentais que determinam a dependência de nicotina são similares aqueles que determinam a dependência de outras drogas, como a heroína e a cocaína. Os métodos de tratamento considerados de primeira linha são a terapia de reposição de nicotina e a terapia comportamental breve em grupo. A associação de mais de um recurso melhora e efetividade do tratamento. Considerando-se todos esses aspectos, observando a tendência nacional de aumento do consumo, além da carência de serviços assistenciais direcionados aos fumantes, é necessário a organização das diretrizes políticas sobre o tabaco, prevendo medidas preventivas de controle social, como a implementação dos ambientes livres de tabaco, proibindo o uso do tabaco, em suas diferentes formas em ambientes fechados e públicos, por meio de medidas legislativas e psicoeducacionais, assim como planejando a fiscalização da venda proibida de cigarros para menores de 18 anos nos estabelecimentos comerciais.

[Guidelines of the Brazilian Association of Studies on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ABEAD) for diagnoses and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity with alcohol and other drugs dependence]. / Diretrizes da Associação Brasileira de Estudos do Alcool e outras Drogas (ABEAD) para o diagnóstico e tratamento de comorbidades psiquiátricas e dependência de álcool e outras substâncias.

Recently, several studies have focused on comorbity psychiatric disorders with alcohol and other substance dependence. The Brazilian Association of Studies on Alcohol and Other Drugs proposed the Brazilian Guidelines project. This study review diagnostic and therapeutic criteria to the most prevalent psychiatric comorbidities. Randomized clinical trials, epidemiological, animal studies and other forms of research are reviewed. The main psychiatric comorbidities are studied based on guidelines adopted by other countries and the literature data resumed. Epidemiological aspects, diagnoses, integrated treatment and service organization, as well as specific psychotherapic and pharmacological treatment are discussed. The Brazilian Association of Studies on Alcohol and Other Drugs Guidelines reassures the importance of adequate diagnoses and treatment regarding alcoholic and drug dependent patients suffering of comorbid psychiatric disorders.

Diretrizes da Associação Brasileira de Estudos do Alcool e outras Drogas (ABEAD) para o diagnóstico e tratamento de comorbidades psiquiátricas e dependência de álcool e outras substâncias / Guidelines of the Brazilian Association of Studies on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ABEAD) for diagnoses and treatment of psychiatric comorbidity with alcohol and other drugs dependence

O diagnóstico e tratamento de comorbidade psiquiátrica e dependência de álcool e outras substâncias tem sido objeto de inúmeros estudos nos últimos anos. A Associação Brasileira de Estudos do Alcool e Outras Drogas desenvolveu o projeto Diretrizes. Este trabalho visa o desenvolvimento de critérios diagnósticos e terapêuticos atualizados para as comorbidades psiquiátricas mais prevalentes. Ensaios clínicos randomizados, estudos epidemiológicos, com animais e outros estudos são revisados. As principais comorbidades psiquiátricas são estudadas e os dados de literatura resumidos, tendo como referência diretrizes adotadas em outros países. São abordados aspectos epidemiológicos, critérios diagnósticos, tratamento integrado e organização de serviço especializado, assim como especificidades do tratamento psicoterápico e farmacológico. As Diretrizes da Associação Brasileira de Estudos do Alcool e Outras Drogas reforçam a importância da abordagem adequada do dependente químico portador de comorbidade psiquiátrica.

[Clinical and demographical aspects of alcohol and drug dependent physicians]. / Perfil clínico e demográfico de médicos com dependência química.

UNLABELLED: The misuse of alcohol and drugs among physicians is a common cause of malpractice, absenteeism and complaints to the Medical Councils. This problem demands more attention, because it entails risks to the population and to the physicians themselves. AIMS: To describe the clinical and demographic profile of a sample of physicians in treatment for alcohol and drug dependence also to evaluate psychiatric comorbidity and consumption-related consequences. METHODS: Data was collected from a sample of 198 physicians attending outpatient treatment by a questionnaire specifically designed for this study. RESULTS: Most of the subjects were men (87.8%), married (60.1%), with a mean age of 39.4 years (S.D. =10.7). Sixty-six per cent had already been in inpatient treatment for alcohol and drug misuse. Sixty-nine per cent were specialists practicing mainly: internal medicine, anaesthesiology and surgery. Psychiatric comorbidity was diagnosed in 27.7% for DSM-IV Axis I and in 6% for DSM-V Axis II. With regard to drugs the most frequent pattern was use of alcohol and drugs (36.8%), followed by exclusive use of alcohol (34.3%) and exclusive use of drugs (28.3%). It was observed that the mean interval between the identification of misuse of substances and the seeking of treatment was of 3.7 years. Thirty per cent tried to achieve treatment by themselves. The social and legal problems observed were: unemployment in the previous year (1/3 of the sample), marital problems and divorce (52%), car accidents (42%), legal problems (19%). 84.8% presented professional problems and 8.5% had problems within the Medical Councils. CONCLUSION: The researchers suggest supportive and preventive attitudes for this matter.

Perfil clínico e demográfico de médicos com dependência química / Clinical and demographical aspects of alcohol and drug dependent physicians

OBJETIVO: Traçar o perfil clínico e demográfico de uma amostra de médicos em tratamento por dependência química, avaliar comorbidades psiquiátricas e conseqüências associadas ao consumo. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados dados de 198 médicos em tratamento ambulatorial por uso nocivo e dependência química, através de questionário elaborado pelos autores. RESULTADOS: A maioria de indivíduos foi do sexo masculino (87,8 por cento), casados (60,1 por cento), com idade média de 39,4 anos (desvio padrão=10,7 anos). Sessenta e seis por cento já tinham sido internados por causa do uso de álcool e/ou drogas. Setenta e nove por cento possuía residência médica e as especialidades mais envolvidas foram: clínica médica, anestesiologia e cirurgia. Comorbidade psiquiátrica foi diagnosticada em 27,7 por cento (Eixo I do DSM-IV)¹ e em 6 por cento (Eixo II do DSM-IV)¹. Quanto às substâncias consumidas, o mais freqüente foi uso associado de álcool e drogas (36,8 por cento), seguido por uso isolado de álcool (34,3 por cento) e uso isolado de drogas (28,3 por cento). Observou-se o intervalo de 3,7 anos em média entre a identificação do uso problemático de substâncias e a procura de tratamento. Quanto à busca por tratamento, 30,3 por cento o fizeram voluntariamente. Quanto aos problemas sociais e legais observou-se: desemprego no ano anterior em quase 1/3 da amostra; problemas no casamento ou separação (52 por cento), envolvimento em acidentes automobilísticos (42 por cento), problemas jurídicos (19 por cento), problemas profissionais (84,8 por cento) e 8,5 por cento tiveram problemas junto aos Conselhos Regionais de Medicina. CONCLUSÃO: Os autores recomendam medidas assistenciais e preventivas para o problema.

Intervencões breves para problemas relacionados ao álcool / Brief interventions for alcohol telated problems

Este artigo apresenta os conceitos e pressupostos básicos necessários à compreensão das Intervencões Breves (IBs), com uma revisão da literatura sobre sua efetividade e uma discussão sobre as IBs no Brasil. Os pressupostos teóricos são discutidos, assim como o quadro conceitual representado pelo acrônimo FRAMES, originado pela composicão da primeira letra das palavras inglesas: Feedback; Responsibility; Advice; Menu; Empathic e Self-efficacy. São discutidos os resultados dos estudos de revisão sistemática e meta-análise que investigaram a efetividade das IBs e é apresentado um quadro esquemático dos principais resultados. Finalmente, discute-se a história recente da introducão das IBs no Brasil. Enfatiza-se a importância do treinamento de profissionais de saúde e a adocão das IBs nos diferentes contextos assistenciais, considerando sua efetividade comprovada e sua viabilidade econômica.