IS THERE AN ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AFFECTIVE TEMPERAMENT AND MORBID OBESITY IN CANDIDATES FOR BARIATRIC SURGERY? / EXISTE ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE TEMPERAMENTO AFETIVO E OBESIDADE MÓRBIDA EM CANDIDATOS À CIRURGIA BARIÁTRICA?

Introduction: Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between obesity and psychiatric diseases, especially mood disorders. However, few have evaluated the correlation between morbid obesity and affective temperament. Objective: To study the existence of affective temperament in morbidly obese individuals before surgical treatment of obesity. Methods: The material for reading and analysis was selected from research on virtual platforms focusing on affective temperaments (hyperthymia, dysthymia and cyclothymia). A search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic ("temperament, morbid obesity, bariatric surgery, mood disorders" and their equivalents in English with AND or OR search), considering the title and/or abstract, and then reading the work in full. Results: The most common psychiatric comorbidities in overweight and obesity were mood, anxiety and binge eating disorders. The estimated prevalence of affective temperaments in morbidly obese people is about 65%. Conclusion: The prevalence of affective temperaments is higher in morbidly obese people, candidates for bariatric surgery, compared to the general population. Cyclothymic temperament is the most common in the morbidly obese patient population.

Introdução: Inúmeros estudos têm demonstrado forte relação entre obesidade e doenças psiquiátricas, especialmente doenças do humor. Contudo, poucos avaliaram a correlação entre obesidade mórbida e temperamento afetivo. Objetivo: Estudar a existência de temperamento afetivo em obesos mórbidos antes do tratamento cirúrgico da obesidade. Métodos: O material para leitura e análise foi selecionado a partir de pesquisa em plataformas virtuais com foco nos temperamentos afetivos (hipertimia, distimia e ciclotimia). Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema (temperamento, obesidade mórbida, cirurgia bariátrica, transtornos do humor" e seus equivalentes em inglês com busca AND ou OR), considerando o título e/ou resumo, e a seguir a leitura do trabalho na íntegra. Resultados: As comorbidades psiquiátricas mais frequentes no sobrepeso e obesidade foram os transtornos do humor, de ansiedade e da compulsão alimentar. A prevalência estimada de temperamentos afetivos em obesos mórbidos é cerca de 65%. Conclusão: A prevalência de temperamentos afetivos é maior em obesos mórbidos, candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica, em comparação a população geral. O temperamento ciclotímico é o mais comum na população de pacientes com obesidade mórbida.

EVALUATION OF AFFECTIVE TEMPERAMENT IN MORBID OBESE PATIENTS CANDIDATES FOR SURGICAL TREATMENT / AVALIAÇÃO DO TEMPERAMENTO AFETIVO EM PACIENTES OBESOS MÓRBIDOS CANDIDATOS AO TRATAMENTO CIRÚRGICO

Introduction: Affective temperaments are understood as part of the spectrum of mood disorders and comprise the concepts of hyperthymia, dysthymia and cyclothymia. Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between obesity and psychiatric illnesses, especially mood illnesses. However, few studies have evaluated the association between morbid obesity and affective temperament. Objectives: To evaluate the frequency of the 3 main types of affective temperaments in morbidly obese individuals and in controls without a diagnosis of obesity, and to establish a possible association between affective temperaments and morbid obesity in candidates for bariatric surgery. Methods: The is a case-control study and evaluated 206 individuals, 106 from the Case Group (diagnosed with morbid obesity) and 100 from the Control Group (without a diagnosis of obesity). Assessment was carried out using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, San Diego Autoquestionnaire ­ TEMPS, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Results: The average age was 48.1 years; women represented 73.8%; at least 1 affective temperament was 74.5% in the Case Group and 63% in the Control Group. In the morbidly obese group, dysthymic temperament was found in 9.4%, cyclothymic in 21.7% and hyperthymic in 61.3%. When comparing the 2 groups, the age subgroup aged 50 or over showed an Odds Ratio of 2.56 for the hyperthymic temperament. Conclusions: In the subgroup aged 50 or over, cases of morbid obesity were significantly more likely (2.56 times) to occur in individuals with a hyperthymic temperament, compared to individuals who do not have this temperament. Among the 3 types of affective temperaments evaluated, only hyperthymia was considered a risk factor for morbid obesity.

Introdução: Os temperamentos afetivos são entendidos como parte do espectro das doenças do humor e compreendem os conceitos de hipertimia, distimia e ciclotimia. Inúmeros estudos têm demonstrado forte relação entre obesidade e doenças psiquiátricas, especialmente doenças do humor. Contudo, poucos estudos avaliaram a associação entre obesidade mórbida e temperamento afetivo. Objetivos: Avaliar a frequência dos 3 principais tipos de temperamentos afetivos em obesos mórbidos e em controles sem o diagnóstico de obesidade, e estabelecer possível associação entre os temperamentos afetivos e a obesidade mórbida em candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica. Métodos: O estudo é de caso-controle e avaliou 206 indivíduos, sendo 106 do Grupo Caso (com diagnóstico de obesidade mórbida) e 100 do Grupo Controle (sem o diagnóstico de obesidade). A avaliação foi realizada aplicando-se as escalas Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, San Diego Autoquestionnaire ­ TEMPS, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) e Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Resultados: A média de idade foi de 48,1 anos; mulheres representaram 73,8%; pelo menos 1 temperamento afetivo foi de 74,5% no Grupo Caso e de 63% no Grupo Controle. No grupo de obesos mórbidos encontrou- se temperamento distímico em 9,4%, ciclotímico em 21,7% e hipertímico em 61,3%. Na comparação entre os 2 grupos, o subgrupo etário com 50 anos ou mais mostrou para o temperamento hipertímico Odds Ratio de 2,56. Conclusões: No subgrupo de 50 anos ou mais os casos de obesidade mórbida apresentou chance significativamente maior (2,56 vezes) de ocorrer em indivíduos com temperamento hipertímico, em comparação com indivíduos que não apresentam este temperamento. Dentre os 3 tipos de temperamentos afetivos avaliados, apenas a hipertimia foi considerado fator de risco para a obesidade mórbida.

Affective Temperaments Misdiagnosed as Adult Attention Deficit Disorder: Prevalence and Treatment Effects.

ABSTRACT: Adult attention-deficit disorder (ADD) is a common diagnosis, and amphetamine medications are increasingly used. Recent reports suggest high prevalence of affective temperaments, such as cyclothymia, in adult ADD. This study reexamines prevalence rates as reflecting misdiagnosis and reports for the first time on the effects of amphetamine medications on mood/anxiety and cognition in relation to affective temperaments. Among outpatients treated at the Tufts Medical Center Mood Disorders Program (2008-2017), 87 cases treated with amphetamines were identified, versus 163 non-amphetamine-treated control subjects. Using the Temperament Scale of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire, 62% had an affective temperament, most commonly cyclothymia (42%). In amphetamine-treated cases, mood/anxiety symptoms worsened notably in 27% ( vs. 4% in the control group, risk ratio [RR] 6.2, confidence interval [CI], 2.8-13.8), whereas 24% had moderate improvement in cognition ( vs. 6% in the control group; RR, 3.93; CI, 1.9-8.0). Affective temperaments, especially cyclothymia, are present in persons about one-half of persons diagnosed with adult ADD and/or treated with amphetamines.

Existe associação entre temperamento afetivo e obesidade mórbida em candidatos à cirurgia bariátrica? / Is there an association between affective temperament and morbid obesity in candidates for bariatric surgery?

Introdução: Inúmeros estudos têm demonstrado forte relação entre obesidade e doenças psiquiátricas, especialmente doenças do humor. Contudo, poucos avaliaram a correlação entre obesidade mórbida e temperamento afetivo. Objetivo: Estudar a existência de temperamento afetivo em obesos mórbidos antes do tratamento cirúrgico da obesidade. Métodos: O material para leitura e análise foi selecionado a partir de pesquisa em plataformas virtuais com foco nos temperamentos afetivos (hipertimia, distimia e ciclotimia). Inicialmente foi realizada busca por descritores relacionados ao tema (temperamento, obesidade mórbida, cirurgia bariátrica, transtornos do humor" e seus equivalentes em inglês com busca AND ou OR), considerando o título e/ou resumo, e a seguir a leitura do trabalho na íntegra. Resultados: As comorbidades psiquiátricas mais frequentes no sobrepeso e obesidade foram os transtornos do humor, de ansiedade e da compulsão alimentar. A prevalência estimada de temperamentos afetivos em obesos mórbidos é cerca de 65% Conclusão: A prevalência de temperamentos afetivos é maior em obesos mórbidos, candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica, em comparação a população geral. O temperamento ciclotímico é o mais comum na população de pacientes com obesidade mórbida.

Introduction: Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong relationship between obesity and psychiatric diseases, especially mood disorders. However, few have evaluated the correlation between morbid obesity and affective temperament. Objective: To study the existence of affective temperament in morbidly obese individuals before surgical treatment of obesity. Methods: The material for reading and analysis was selected from research on virtual platforms focusing on affective temperaments (hyperthymia, dysthymia and cyclothymia). A search was carried out for descriptors related to the topic ("temperament, morbid obesity, bariatric surgery, mood disorders" and their equivalents in English with AND or OR search), considering the title and/or abstract, and then reading the work in full. Results: The most common psychiatric comorbidities in overweight and obesity were mood, anxiety and binge eating disorders. The estimated prevalence of affective temperaments in morbidly obese people is about 65%. Conclusion: The prevalence of affective temperaments is higher in morbidly obese people, candidates for bariatric surgery, compared to the general population. Cyclothymic temperament is the most common in the morbidly obese patient population.

Decision-making executive function profile and performance in older adults with major depression: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Decision making (DM) is a component of executive functioning, essential for choosing appropriate decisions. Executive dysfunctioning is particularly common in late-life depression, however the literature is scarce on DM. This case-control study aimed to evaluate the DM profile and performance in participants with and without unipolar major depression. METHOD: The DM profile and performance were assessed by the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), respectively, in three groups of older adults from a university-based geriatric psychiatry clinic, i.e. current depression (n = 30), remitted depression (n = 43) and healthy controls (n = 59). The Hamilton Depression scale (HAM-D) 21 items, the Hamilton Anxiety scale, and the Mini-Mental State Examination were used to access depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and cognitive impairment, respectively. Multinomial, nominal and binary logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between depression, depressive symptomatology and DM. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, patients with current depression presented higher scores in buck-passing and proscratination DM profiles. In the hypervigilance profile, there was a significant difference between current and remitted depression groups. A higher value ​in the HAM-D scale increased the probability of disadvantageous DM profiles. Depressive patients showed a tendency of a higher mean score in both disadvantageous decks (A and B) of IGT. Patients with current depression showed a worse performance compared to the remitted depression group in the IGT netscore. CONCLUSION: Older adults with current depression showed DM profiles considered maladaptive or disadvantageous compared to both remitted depression and healthy controls groups.

Perfil dos anestesiologistas e os aspectos que interferem na sua satisfação profissional / Profile of anesthesiologists and the aspects that interfere in professional satisfaction

Introdução: Aspectos emocionais, sociais e de remuneração na população de anestesiologistas permanecem parcialmente obscuros. O interesse em reconhecer as características desse grupo pode permitir estratégias de saúde ocupacional que melhorem a qualidade social e profissional dos anestesiologistas. Objetivos: Conhecer o perfil dos médicos anestesiologistas e aspectos que interferem na satisfação profissional. Método: Estudo individual, observacional, transversal, caracterizado como inquérito, de abordagem quantitativa, entre os médicos anestesiologistas do estado do Paraná. Resultados: A taxa de satisfação profissional foi de 82%. A amostra teve predomínio de homens, com percentual de 58,8%, autônomos, com 40,4%, faixa etária entre 30 a 39 anos 45,1%, formados entre 10 a 29 anos, com 47,2% e os que realizam carga horária de 40 a 59 h semanais, com 50,6%. A estrutura de trabalho foi referida como boa em 54,3% das vezes e a remuneração salarial média foi de 10 a 29 mil reais 50,6% dos casos. Os resultados apontam que 75,1% realizam plantões noturnos e 55,8% não dormem bem. Conclusão: A baixa qualidade da estrutura de trabalho, a carga horária elevada, a falta de vínculo empregatício, a baixa remuneração, o sedentarismo, a realização de plantões noturnos e a privação de sono, associados a relação familiar ruim, ambiente e situações estressantes, são fatores que alteram consideravelmente a satisfação profissional do médico anestesiologista, podendo gerar problemas físicos e psicológicos, fazendo com que percam o interesse por atualizarem-se. Isso também faz com que esses profissionais encurtem suas carreiras.

Introduction: Emotional, social and remuneration aspects in the population of anesthesiologists remain partially unclear. The interest in recognizing the characteristics of this group may allow for occupational health strategies that improve the social and professional quality of anesthesiologists. Objectives: To know the profile of anesthesiologists and aspects that interfere with professional satisfaction. Method: Individual, observational, cross-sectional study, characterized as a survey, with a quantitative approach, among anesthesiologists in the state of Paraná. Results: The job satisfaction rate was 82%. The sample had a predominance of men, with a percentage of 58.8%, self-employed, with 40.4%, aged between 30 and 39 years 45.1%, graduated between 10 and 29 years, with 47.2% and those who work 40 to 59 hours per week, with 50.6%. The work structure was referred to as good in 54.3% of the cases and the average salary was between R$ 10,000.00 and 29,000.00 in 50.6% of the cases. The results indicate that 75.1% work night shifts and 55.8% do not sleep well. Conclusion: The low quality of the work structure, the high workload, the lack of employment, low pay, sedentary lifestyle, performing night shifts and sleep deprivation, associated with poor family relationships, environment and stressful situations, these are factors that considerably alter the professional satisfaction of anesthesiologists, and may cause physical and psychological problems, causing them to lose interest in updating themselves. This also causes these professionals to shorten their careers.

Relationship between affective temperament and major depressive disorder in older adults: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: In clinical practice it is often challenging to determine whether mood disturbances should be considered a state or trait characteristics. This study is important to understand the influence of temperaments in the diagnosis of depression. The objective of the present study was to compare the frequency of three types of affective temperament (dysthymia, hyperthymia and cyclothymia) among older adults with major depression compared to non-psychiatric control patients. METHODS: A case-control study comparing 50 patients with major depression aged 65 years or above with a comparison group of 100 non-psychiatric controls. Affective temperaments were assessed using the TEMPS-A questionnaire. The 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Young mania Rating Scale were used for the assessment of symptoms of depression and mania, respectively. RESULTS: In the sample 80% had an affective temperament, most commonly hyperthymia (67.3%). In depressive patients 48% had criteria for hyperthymic temperament against 77% of the controls (OR= 0.3, 95%CI 0.1-0.7). 38.8% of these patients presented cyclothymic temperament, whereas among controls, 12% fulfilled criteria (OR= 2.9, 95%CI 1.1-7.2). LIMITATIONS: The sample was relatively small, and their educational level was very low. CONCLUSION: A cyclothymic temperament may predict major depression unlike hyperthymia. Whether the effectiveness of mood stabilizers in unipolar disorder is moderated by a cyclothymic temperament and should be explored in future randomized controlled trials.

Subthreshold Depression Needs A Prime Time In Old Age Psychiatry? A Narrative Review Of Current Evidence.

This study aims to carry out a narrative review, aiming to update the literature on subsyndromic depression (SD), which is the most prevalent depressive disorder in older adults, and no formal guidelines or consensus are dedicated to this topic. We carried out an electronic search for articles on SD. Relevant articles were retrieved from Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science using the search terms "subthreshold depression," "prevalence," "treatment" and "older adults" in several combinations. Original articles in English were included from inception to 1st March 2019. No clear consensus exists in the literature on its nosologic classification, diagnostic tools, causes, course, outcomes or management. SD diagnosis should base in depressive symptoms scales and DSM criteria. Treatment relies mainly on collaborative care and psychotherapy. SD is relevant in clinical practice and research in geriatric psychiatry. Given the negative outcomes and potential benefits of treatment, we recommend brief psychotherapy as first-line treatment and use of psychotropic agents in cases with greater severity and/or functional impairment in association with psychotherapy. SD can precede major depressive disorder, but it also may consist of a primary depressive disorder in older adults. Furthermore, adequate treatment of SD can prevent or reduce negative outcomes associated with depressive symptoms such as worsening of clinical comorbidities, loss of functionality, increased demand for health services, and increased mortality.

Decision Making assessed by the Iowa Gambling Task and Major Depressive Disorder A systematic review.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can occur in parallel with cognitive impairment. The search for a neuropsychological profile of depression has been pursued in the last two decades. However, scant research has been done on executive functions and decision-making ability (DM). OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the evidence of DM performance evaluated using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in adults with MDD. METHODS: A systematic search according to the PRISMA statement was performed on MEDLINE for studies in English using the following keywords: 'depression', 'depressive', 'depressive symptoms' AND 'decision making' OR 'game task'. RESULTS: Five articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. Three reported significant differences between depressed and non-depressed individuals. The results indicated that young adults with MDD exhibited lower performance on all or almost all stages of the IGT. One study that evaluated DM in older adults with MDD showed that depressed non-apathetic participants failed to adopt any advantageous strategy and continued to make risky decisions during the task. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that performance on the DM task by young and old adults with MDD differed in comparison to non-depressed participants. Given the small number of articles, further studies should be performed.

O Transtorno Depressivo Maior (TDM) pode ocorrer em paralelo com o comprometimento cognitivo. A busca por um perfil neuropsicológico da depressão tem sido perseguida nas últimas duas décadas. No entanto, poucas pesquisas foram feitas sobre funções executivas e capacidade de decisão (DM). OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão sistemática das evidências do desempenho do DM avaliado pela Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) em adultos com TDM. MÉTODOS: Uma pesquisa sistemática de acordo com a declaração PRISMA foi realizada na MEDLINE para estudos em inglês usando as seguintes palavras-chave: "depressão", "depressivo", "sintomas depressivos" e "tomada de decisão" OU "tarefa de jogo". RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 5 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Três relataram diferenças significativas entre indivíduos deprimidos e não deprimidos. Os resultados indicaram que os jovens adultos com TDM exibiram menor desempenho em todos ou quase todos os estágios da IGT. Um estudo que avaliou o DM em idosos com TDM mostrou que os participantes deprimidos não apáticos não adotaram nenhuma estratégia vantajosa e continuaram tomando decisões arriscadas durante a tarefa. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem que o desempenho na tarefa de DM por jovens e adultos idosos com TDM diferiu em comparação com os participantes não deprimidos. Dado o pequeno número de artigos, mais estudos devem ser realizados.

Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease (EOAD) With Aphasia: A Case Report.

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is traditionally subdivided into early onset (EOAD) and late onset (LOAD). EOAD has an onset before age 65 years and accounts for 1-5% of all cases. Two main presentation types of AD are familial and sporadic. Case presentation: The authors present the case of a 68-year-old retired white man, with a college level educational background. At 55 years of age, the patient presented cognitive decline with short-term memory impairment and slowed, hesitant speech. At 57 years, he was unable to remember the way to work, exhibiting spatial disorientation. PET-CT: revealed hypometabolism and atrophy in the left temporal lobe and posterior region of the parietal lobes. Disease course: Evolving with difficulties in comprehension and sentence repetition over past 3 years and with global aphasia in past 6 months, beyond progressive memory impairment. Discussion: Possibly due to the young age and atypical presentation, and the diagnosis of EOAD is often delayed. To the best of our knowledge, this case can be classified as a sporadic EOAD with aphasia. Clinical variant and neuroimaging findings were crucial to the diagnosis and treatment of this atypical presentation of AD.

Decision Making assessed by the Iowa Gambling Task and Major Depressive Disorder: a systematic review / Tomada de decisão avaliada pela Iowa Gambling Task e pelo Transtorno Depressivo Maior: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can occur in parallel with cognitive impairment. The search for a neuropsychological profile of depression has been pursued in the last two decades. However, scant research has been done on executive functions and decision-making ability (DM). Objective: To perform a systematic review of the evidence of DM performance evaluated using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in adults with MDD. Methods: A systematic search according to the PRISMA statement was performed on MEDLINE for studies in English using the following keywords: 'depression', 'depressive', 'depressive symptoms' AND 'decision making' OR 'game task'. Results: Five articles that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified. Three reported significant differences between depressed and non-depressed individuals. The results indicated that young adults with MDD exhibited lower performance on all or almost all stages of the IGT. One study that evaluated DM in older adults with MDD showed that depressed non-apathetic participants failed to adopt any advantageous strategy and continued to make risky decisions during the task. Conclusion: Results suggest that performance on the DM task by young and old adults with MDD differed in comparison to non-depressed participants. Given the small number of articles, further studies should be performed.

Resumo O Transtorno Depressivo Maior (TDM) pode ocorrer em paralelo com o comprometimento cognitivo. A busca por um perfil neuropsicológico da depressão tem sido perseguida nas últimas duas décadas. No entanto, poucas pesquisas foram feitas sobre funções executivas e capacidade de decisão (DM). Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão sistemática das evidências do desempenho do DM avaliado pela Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) em adultos com TDM. Métodos: Uma pesquisa sistemática de acordo com a declaração PRISMA foi realizada na MEDLINE para estudos em inglês usando as seguintes palavras-chave: "depressão", "depressivo", "sintomas depressivos" e "tomada de decisão" OU "tarefa de jogo". Resultados: Foram identificados 5 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Três relataram diferenças significativas entre indivíduos deprimidos e não deprimidos. Os resultados indicaram que os jovens adultos com TDM exibiram menor desempenho em todos ou quase todos os estágios da IGT. Um estudo que avaliou o DM em idosos com TDM mostrou que os participantes deprimidos não apáticos não adotaram nenhuma estratégia vantajosa e continuaram tomando decisões arriscadas durante a tarefa. Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem que o desempenho na tarefa de DM por jovens e adultos idosos com TDM diferiu em comparação com os participantes não deprimidos. Dado o pequeno número de artigos, mais estudos devem ser realizados.

A 13-week, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of ziprasidone in bipolar spectrum disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Features of bipolarity in a major depressive disorder sample were used to define a "bipolar spectrum disorder" population for treatment with a neuroleptic agent, ziprasidone. METHODS: Forty-nine acutely depressed patients were randomized to ziprasidone-washout-placebo or placebo-washout-ziprasidone in this double-blind, prospective, 13-week crossover trial. All patients met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria for a major depressive episode and were positive for at least 3 predictors of bipolarity: family history of bipolar disorder, antidepressant-induced mania, highly recurrent depressive episodes (>5), atypical depression, early onset of depression (

International prescribing patterns for mood illness: the International Mood Network (IMN).

OBJECTIVE: To show the feasibility of creating an international network that will build a common database for mood disorders research, and to present initial data on prescribing patterns worldwide. METHODS: An international research database was organized with clinicians and researchers actively treating mood disorders. Participating sites were asked to provide data on 10-50 subjects initially. This work was conducted under the auspices of a committee with representatives from North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Data was pooled from multiple sites using a centralized online system and then analyzed. Each site received IRB approval for its participation in the IMN and the Tufts Medical Center IRB provided approval for the entire project. LIMITATIONS: More than half of the population came from one country (United States) and there is the possibility of cultural bias. RESULTS: Among the 186 subjects enrolled in the IMN, a majority of subjects were prescribed mood stabilizers including lithium (64%), lamotrigine (37%), valproate (31%), and carbamazepine (3%). 79% had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder type I, II or NOS and 21% had a diagnosis of MDD. 81% of subjects used antidepressants at some point. 25% experienced antidepressant-induced mania and 26% had antidepressant-related rapid cycling. Mood stabilizers were prescribed more in Europe (86%), neuroleptics in South America (70%), and antidepressants in Asia (58%). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the diversity and feasibility of an international mood disorders database. Important regional differences in psychotropic drug treatment of mood illnesses were observed, with more mood stabilizer use in Europe and South America, and more antidepressant use in non-European populations.

Standard and trace-dose lithium: a systematic review of dementia prevention and other behavioral benefits.

OBJECTIVE: Dementia is a major public health issue, with notably high rates in persons with mood illnesses. Lithium has been shown to have considerable neuroprotective effects, even in trace or low doses. The aim of this review is to summarize the current understanding of lithium benefits in trace or low doses in dementia prevention and for other behavioral or medical benefits. METHODS: A systematic review identified 24 clinical, epidemiological, and biological reports that met inclusion criteria of assessing lithium in standard or low doses for dementia or other behavioral or medical benefits. RESULTS: Five out of seven epidemiological studies found an association between standard-dose lithium and low dementia rates. Nine out of 11 epidemiological studies, usually of drinking water sources, found an association between trace-dose lithium and low suicide/homicide/mortality and crime rates. All four small randomized clinical trials of lithium for Alzheimer's dementia have found at least some clinical or biological benefits versus placebo. Only one small randomized clinical trial (RCT) of trace lithium has been conducted, assessing mood symptoms in former substance abusers, and found benefit with lithium versus placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Lithium, in both standard and trace doses, appears to have biological benefits for dementia, suicide, and other behavioral outcomes. Further RCT research of trace lithium in dementia is warranted.