Hope, resilience and subjective happiness among general population of Paraguay in the post COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Positive mental health includes not only the absence of mental disorders but also the presence of subjective well-being, good coping strategies for life stress, and strategies for adapting to community life. It is well known that the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged mental health in general population worldwide. However, research has not measured protective factors for mental health in the general population after the declared end of pandemic by the World Health Organization. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study surveyed 591 Paraguayan participants aged ⩾18 years, who were recruited through an online survey. Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status were collected as well as mental health and validated tools for hope, resilience, subjective happiness were administered. RESULTS: Of the participants, 81.6% were women, 54% were married or in a relationship and 90.7% reported an university education. The main source of stress was economic issues (30.3%). A total of 22.7% had been previously diagnosed with a mental disorder, 22.2% had consulted a mental health professional and 10.8% had consumed prescription drugs. 42.6% reported flourishing, 36.2% reported moderate and 21.2% reported languishing mental health. CONCLUSIONS: This large survey has shown that most of participants reported a flourishing mental health with high ratings at hope, resilience, and subjective happiness scales. Also, the main sources of stress were economic issues, not consequently related to the pandemic. This may add evidences to the international debate on the long term effects of the global pandemic and probably suggests that recovery processes have been collectively adopted in Paraguay.

Autolesiones no suicidas en estudiantes de medicina: frecuencia y factores asociados / Non-suicidal Self-injury in Medical Students: Frequency and Associated Factors

Introducción: la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina ha sido ampliamente investigada, demostrando que forman parte de un grupo vulnerable al desarrollo de trastornos mentales. Objetivo: el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de NSSI y sus factores asociados en estudiantes de medicina del Paraguay. Metodología: este fue un estudio descriptivo y transversal. Se lanzó una encuesta online para evaluar depresión, ansiedad y autolesiones, se utilizaron las escalas PHQ-2, GAD-7 y SHQ, respectivamente. Resultados: recibimos respuestas de 330 estudiantes de medicina. De los participantes, el 71,2 % eran mujeres. Se identificó que el 46,4 % de los participantes padecía depresión (PHQ-2 ≥ 3) y el 37,3 % ansiedad (GAD-7 ≥10). La frecuencia de NSSI fue del 27 % (n = 89). Los principales factores asociados a NSSI fueron un diagnóstico previo de un trastorno mental (que aumentó la probabilidad de NSSI en 3,76 veces) y/o una historia de abuso físico o sexual (con un aumento de 3,75 veces). Conclusión: esta investigación encontró la presencia de NSSI en casi 3 de cada 10 de los estudiantes de medicina encuestados. Los principales factores asociados con la conducta autolesiva fueron un diagnóstico previo de un trastorno mental y/o antecedentes de abuso físico o sexual.

Introduction: the mental health of medical students has been extensively researched, showing that they are part of a group vulnerable to the development of mental disorders. Aim: the aim of this research was to determine the frequency of NSSI and its associated factors in medical students in Paraguay. Methodology: this was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. An online survey was launched to assess depression, anxiety, and self-harm, the PHQ-2, the GAD-7 and SHQ scales were used, respectively. Results: we received responses from 330 medical students. Of the participants, 71.2 % were female. 46.4% of the participants were identified as having depression (PHQ-2 ≥ 3) and 37.3 % as having anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10). The frequency of NSSI was 27 % (n = 89). The main factors associated with NSSI were a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder (which increased the likelihood of NSSI by 3.76 times) and/ or a history of physical or sexual abuse (with a 3.75-fold increase). Conclusion: this research found the presence of NSSI in almost 3 out of 10 of the medical students surveyed. The main factors associated with self-injurious behavior were a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder and/or a history of physical or sexual abuse.

Autolesiones no suicidas en estudiantes de medicina: frecuencia y factores asociados

Introducción: la salud mental de los estudiantes de medicina ha sido ampliamente investigada, demostrando que forman parte de un grupo vulnerable al desarrollo de trastornos mentales. Objetivo: el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la frecuencia de NSSI y sus factores asociados en estudiantes de medicina del Paraguay. Metodología: este fue un estudio descriptivo y transversal. Se lanzó una encuesta online para evaluar depresión, ansiedad y autolesiones, se utilizaron las escalas PHQ-2, GAD-7 y SHQ, respectivamente. Resultados: recibimos respuestas de 330 estudiantes de medicina. De los participantes, el 71,2 % eran mujeres. Se identificó que el 46,4 % de los participantes padecía depresión (PHQ-2 ≥ 3) y el 37,3 % ansiedad (GAD-7 ≥10). La frecuencia de NSSI fue del 27 % (n = 89). Los principales factores asociados a NSSI fueron un diagnóstico previo de un trastorno mental (que aumentó la probabilidad de NSSI en 3,76 veces) y/o una historia de abuso físico o sexual (con un aumento de 3,75 veces). Conclusión: esta investigación encontró la presencia de NSSI en casi 3 de cada 10 de los estudiantes de medicina encuestados. Los principales factores asociados con la conducta autolesiva fueron un diagnóstico previo de un trastorno mental y/o antecedentes de abuso físico o sexual.

Introduction: the mental health of medical students has been extensively researched, showing that they are part of a group vulnerable to the development of mental disorders. Aim: the aim of this research was to determine the frequency of NSSI and its associated factors in medical students in Paraguay. Methodology: this was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. An online survey was launched to assess depression, anxiety, and self-harm, the PHQ-2, the GAD-7 and SHQ scales were used, respectively. Results: we received responses from 330 medical students. Of the participants, 71.2 % were female. 46.4% of the participants were identified as having depression (PHQ-2 ≥ 3) and 37.3 % as having anxiety (GAD-7 ≥10). The frequency of NSSI was 27 % (n = 89). The main factors associated with NSSI were a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder (which increased the likelihood of NSSI by 3.76 times) and/ or a history of physical or sexual abuse (with a 3.75-fold increase). Conclusion: this research found the presence of NSSI in almost 3 out of 10 of the medical students surveyed. The main factors associated with self-injurious behavior were a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder and/or a history of physical or sexual abuse.

Suicides among adults in Paraguay: An 18-year national exploratory study (2004-2022).

BACKGROUND: The number of suicides has been increasing worldwide, year after year, becoming the fourth leading cause of death among young people between 15 and 29 years of age. AIM: In this study, we explored the frequency and characteristics of suicides among the adult general population in Paraguay between 2004 and 2022, considering that suicide attempts and suicidal risk/ideation are frequent and relevant issues in the consultation activity, even if epidemiological evidence on the national rates of suicide is scarce. METHODS: In this observational, descriptive, and exploratory study, official records of all deaths by suicide were reviewed and information analyzed. In addition, an attempt was made to predict the number of suicides in the next 5 years according to a mathematical modeling. RESULTS: In the 18-year period, 5,527 suicides of adults were recorded. Patients' mean age was 36.8 ± 17 years old. A 76.77% of them were males, 77.44% were from an urban area and 25.98% from the Greater Asunción and Central Department of Paraguay. The most frequently used method of suicide was intentional self-inflicted injury by hanging, strangulation, or suffocation (all 67.6%). The expected number of national suicides in the following years from 2023 to 2027 will range between 462 and 530. Limitations include the lack of information regarding diagnoses and personal history in the suicide reports as well as the possibility of underreporting of national suicide cases. CONCLUSION: Our results represent the first large national epidemiological report of suicides in Paraguay and may be of interest for mental health professionals and health authorities in order to reduce the suicide mortality rate within the country.

Suicides among Children and Adolescents in Paraguay: An 18-year National Exploratory Study (2004-2022).

BACKGROUND: Suicide and suicide attempts are impacting events for patients and their relatives, and these behaviors are still taboo among adults and may be even more traumatic when involving children and adolescents. AIM: In this study we aimed to describe suicide rates among children and adolescents in Paraguay over the last decades as well as associated factors such as sociodemographic characteristics and methods used for suicide. METHODS: This was an observational and exploratory study describing the frequency and characteristics of suicide among children and adolescents in Paraguay between 2004 and 2022. Official records of all deaths by suicide were reviewed, and statistical analyses were performed. In addition, an attempt was made to predict the number of suicides in the next 5 years using a mathematical model based on simple linear regression. RESULTS: In the 18-year period observed, 940 suicides among children and adolescents were recorded. The mean age was 15.05 ± 1.8 years old. Of these, 51.17% were male, 74.6% were from urban areas, and 22.2% were from the Greater Asunción and Central Department of Paraguay. The most frequently used method of suicide was intentional self-inflicted injury by hanging, strangulation, or suffocation, which all represented 75.3% of the cases. Our mathematical modeling based on simple linear regression determined that the expected yearly number of national suicides in the pediatric population for the following years, from 2023 to 2027, will range between 72 and 81. CONCLUSION: This study is the first large national epidemiological report on the emerging issue of suicide among children and adolescents in Paraguay. It may be a relevant source of information for mental health professionals, health authorities, and decision makers to develop national prevention strategies and actions against suicide among youths.

"Pandemic Fatigue" in South America: A Multi-Center Report from Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a heavy impact on daily life, leading to physical and psychosocial consequences. Nowadays, clinicians and health researchers are particularly interested in describing and facing the long-term effects of COVID-19, also known as "long-COVID syndrome". Pandemic fatigue has been defined as a cluster of demotivation, tiredness, and psychological effects that emerge gradually over time after the infection or through the adoption of the recommended measures to combat it. In this study, we report the findings of a large survey conducted in South America involving 1448 participants (mean age: 33.9 ± 11.2 years old) from Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay, Peru, and Paraguay. An online survey was launched through the common social media based on a specific assessment aimed to detect the prevalence of pandemic fatigue and associated factors. Socio-demographic characteristics, medical, and personal information were collected; the Pandemic Fatigue Scale (PFS) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were also administered. We found mid-levels of pandemic fatigue among respondents (21.7 ± 7.95 score at PFS) as well as significant anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic (1.56 ± 2.76 score at CAS). In addition, pandemic fatigue was significantly associated with the experience of the loss of a relative/friend due to COVID-19, anxiety related to the infection, and reliance on social media as a primary source of information on the pandemic. Vaccination significantly reduced the levels of fatigue among respondents. Our findings may add to the international debate regarding the long-term health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and strategies to manage them in the general population of South America.

The Chikungunya anxiety scale (CHIKAS): Development, validation, and relationship between its items and illness-related factors.

Background: Paraguay has recently experienced an exponential increase in chikungunya cases, leading to psychological distress, particularly anxiety. Aim: To develop and validate the Chikungunya Anxiety Scale (CHIKAS). Materials and Methods: An initial scale of 18 items was used, which was subjected to validation by expert judgment to obtain 14 items. To determine construct validity, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) have been employed, and internal and convergent validity were determined. Demographic, socioeconomic, and health status data were also collected. Results: The study included 974 participants. The final scale consisted of 12 items with evidence of a two-factor model (psychological and physical). The internal validity was good (McDonald's omega = 0.882). The CFA showed good adjustment indices. Regarding participant characteristics, a relationship was found between anxiety due to chikungunya and gender, employment, mental diagnosis, medication use, and chikungunya infection. Conclusion: The final 12-item CHIKAS had strong psychometric properties and was a two-factor model.

Factores asociados y propiedades psicométricas de la versión en español del Test Breve de Irritabilidad (BITe) en población paraguaya / Associated factors and psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Brief Irritability Test (BITe) in Paraguayan population

Antecedentes: La irritabilidad, como síntoma transdimensional, está presente en varios trastornos mentales. Este estudio investigó las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Test Breve de Irritabilidad (BITe). Sujetos y métodos: el reclutamiento se realizó a través de una encuesta en línea lanzada a través de las redes sociales comunes (Facebook, Twitter) y aplicaciones de mensajería (WhatsApp, Telegram) del 1 al 31 de mayo de 2022. Los sujetos incluidos fueron personas ≥ 18 años de edad de ambos sexos 1920 individuos fueron calificados para el analisis de validacion. El BITe ha sido traducido al español y validado mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio. Los participantes también han sido puntuados con el Cuestionario de Agresión (AQ). Resultados: la prueba de Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) fue adecuada (KMO=0,880) y la esfericidad se probó significativamente (p<0,001). El análisis confirmatorio que garantiza que la escala es unidimensional. El ajuste del modelo fue bueno, según todos los índices de ajuste. El alfa de Cronbach también garantiza una excelente consistencia interna (α=0,91). Las calculadoras entre las dos escalas (BITe y AQ) han mostrado una buena convergencia (r=0,512; p<0,001). Conclusiones: La versión en español del BITe es una escala unidimensional de cinco elementos tipo Likert que muestra buena validez interna y alta confiabilidad, lo que implica que esta versión tiene excelentes propiedades psicométricas tanto para hombres como para mujeres hispanohablantes.

Background: Irritability, as a trans dimensional symptom, is present in several mental disorders.This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Brief Irritability Test (BITe). Subjects and Methods: The recruitment has been performed through an online survey launched through common social media (Facebook, Twitter) and messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram) from 1st to 31st May 2022. Subjects included were individuals ≥18 years old of age of both sexes. 1920 individuals were rated for the validation analysis. The BITe has been translated into Spanish and validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Participants have been also scored with the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ). Results: Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) test was adequate (KMO=0.880) and sphericity tested significantly (p<0.001). The confirmatory analysis confirmed that the scale is one- imensional. The model adjustment was good, according to all fit indices. Cronbach's alpha also confirmed an excellent internal consistency (α=0.91). Scores between the two scales (the BITe and the AQ) have shown a good convergence (r=0.512; p<0.001). Conclusions: The Spanish version of the BITe is a unidimensional scale of five Likerttype items that shows good internal validity and high reliability, which implies that this version has excellent psychometric properties for both male and female Spanish-speakers

Anxiety, Addiction to Social Networks, Internet and Smartphones in Paraguayan Adolescents: A Brief Report.

Background: Several authors have pointed out that the use of smartphones might have an impact on mental health in general. Most of the evidences are focused on the incorrect or overblown use of smartphones, videogame or Internet, particularly focusing on related addiction problems among adolescents. Objective: The present study, although preliminary, aims to report the first evidence in Paraguay regarding the association between anxiety and addiction to social networks/internet as well as the use of smartphones among adolescents. Method: Participants (100 adolescents, aged 12- 17 years old) were assessed in a school setting with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Scale of risk of Addiction to Social Networks and Internet for adolescents (ERA-RSI). Categorical variables and associations were statistically assessed. Results: The average smartphone use in boys rated 8.06 ±3.81 hours and in girls 9.46 ±4.4 hours. The BAI mean score was 20.71 ± 13.2. Of the participants, 27% reported moderate anxiety, and 36% severe anxiety and scores on this scale were not associated with hours of smartphone use. The ERA-RSI mean score was 1.94 ± 0.46 and anxiety was related to the symptoms-addiction, social-use, and nomophobia dimensions of the scale. Conclusion: The misuse of smartphones in the Paraguayan pediatric population has been reported to be closely related to anxious symptoms. Our results suggest further research with an impact on possible public health policies aimed at preserving the mental health of children and adolescents exposed to internet and electronic devices.

Technostress, anxiety, and depression among university students: A report from Paraguay.

BACKGROUND: Although technologies (including information, e-learning, and communication) have been daily employed by University students in the last years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a considerable increase in their use. Technostress is a modern term referring to levels of stress caused by the prolonged exposure to technology. AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the technostress and related anxiety and depression among Paraguayan University students, describing their sociodemographic characteristics and relevant associations. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study has been conducted. Participants were recruited through an Internet-based survey. Technostress, anxiety, and depression have been assessed with the Technostress Questionnaire (TechQ), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), respectively. RESULTS: A total of 378 participants were included, 74.1% of whom were women. According to the TechQ scores, 47.4% of the participants reported a low/moderate level of technostress whereas 5.2% showed severe scores. About 58.5% of participants reported a GAD-7 score ⩾10, meeting diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety. About 60.3% scored ⩾3 at the PHQ-2 reporting significant levels of depression. Technostress has been significantly associated with levels of anxiety (p < .001) as well as depression (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest further research regarding the implications of technostress on the well-being of University students. Specific measures aimed to improve students' coping with the challenges of technology and technostress should be promoted.

Alopecia areata: A psychodermatological perspective.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia Areata (AA) is an autoimmune dermatological disease that could be influenced by psychological factors as part of the pathophysiology of the illness. AIMS: This review article aims to report on psychodermatological and psychopathological aspects involved in the etiopathogenesis and comorbidities of AA, as well as on the psychiatric and psychological management of affected patients. METHODS: We conducted a literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar from January 1980 to May 2021 employing the search terms of alopecia areata, psychological factors, psychological impact, psychodermatology, and psychopathology. All lists of references from the identified articles were screened for further relevant studies. The search was limited to English and Spanish language articles and was supplemented with themed books and book chapters. No specific quality criteria were used for the studies selection. RESULTS: Several authors have found a high comorbidity rate between AA and mental disorders, concluding that stress and psychological factors are involved in both the development and exacerbation of the illness. More evidences are needed in order to describe the associations between the immune response, stress, and the physiological factors observed in AA patients. CONCLUSION: AA is a complex illness characterized by multifactorial etiology. An interaction between genetic, autoimmune, hormonal, neural, and psychological factors is supposed. Psychopathological aspects of illness need to be better described and considered in the clinical setting.

Factores asociados y tamizaje de trastornos alimentarios y de la ingestión de alimentos en población general paraguaya / Associated factors and screening for feeding and eating disorders in Paraguayan general population

RESUMEN Introducción: los trastornos alimentarios y de la ingestión de alimentos están asociados con importantes efectos físicos y morbilidad psicosocial, así como con un impacto negativo en la calidad de vida de las personas. Objetivo: determinar la proporción de pacientes con riesgo de padecer algún trastorno alimentario y de la ingestión de alimentos en población general paraguaya. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo de asociación cruzada, de corte transversal y temporalmente prospectivo. Una encuesta en línea fue difundida a nivel nacional a través de redes sociales (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) y aplicaciones de mensajería (Whatsapp, Telegram). Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos y los participantes respondieron la Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (S-EDE-Q), en búsqueda de trastornos alimentarios. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva para todas las variables. Para buscar asociaciones se utilizaron la prueba t de Student y ANOVA, según sea apropiado. Para cuantificar los riesgos se utilizó Odds ratio. Resultados: participaron 375 personas, de las cuales el 70,9 % era del sexo femenino, con edad media de 31 ± 9 años. Se obtuvo una media de 2,09 ± 1,5 puntos en la Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (S-EDE-Q) y se encontró que 51 participantes tenían indicios de padecer algún tipo de trastorno alimentario. Conclusión: el 13,6 % de los participantes de esta investigación tiene indicios de padecer algún tipo de trastorno alimentario, las mujeres tienen 2,4 veces más chances de padecer un trastorno y existen una serie de factores que están asociados a un mayor riesgo en el desarrollo de algún tipo de trastorno alimentario.

ABSTRACT Introduction: feeding and eating disorders are associated with significant physical effects and psychosocial morbidity, as well as a negative impact on people's quality of life. Objective: to determine the proportion of patients at risk of suffering from a feeding and eating disorder in the general Paraguayan population. Methodology: observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, of cross-association and temporally prospective. An online survey was disseminated nationwide through social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and messaging applications apps (WhatsApp, Telegram). Sociodemographic data were collected and the participants answered the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (S-EDE-Q), in search of eating disorders. Descriptive statistics were used for all variables. Student's t test and ANOVA were used to look for associations, as appropriate. Odds ratio was used to quantify the risks. Results: 375 people participated, of which 70,9 % were female, with a mean age of 31 ± 9 years. A mean of 2,09 ± 1.5 points was obtained on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (S-EDE-Q) and it was found that 51 participants had signs of suffering from some type of eating disorder. Conclusion: 13,6 % of the participants in this research have signs of suffering from some type of eating disorder, women are 2.4 times more likely to suffer from an eating disorder and there are a series of factors that are associated with a greater risk for the development of some type of eating disorder.

Psychopharmacology in dermatology: Treatment of primary psychiatric conditions in dermatology.

The role of psychotropic drugs in psychodermatology is still debatable, due to the quality of the evidence that supports it. There are several case reports and open trials with variable results. There is an additional difficulty in finding therapists trained in effective psychotherapy techniques, justify the need for more research on the available pharmacological options. The present review emphasizes pharmacological treatment in psychodermatology, specifically in cases of primary psychiatric disorders that are expressed with self-inflicted cutaneous signs and symptoms, in which drugs can play a central role in ameliorating symptoms or be useful in combination with psychotherapeutic approach of these disorders.

Código Z: necesidad de integrar un trabajador social psiquiátrico a la sala de internación del Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital de Clínicas. Un estudio piloto / Code Z: The need to integrate a psychiatric social worker into the in-patient unit of the Psychiatry Service of the Hospital of Clínicas. A pilot study

Introducción: en el anexo de la 10ª edición de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades de la Organización Mundial de la Salud se incluye un capítulo que trata de los factores que influyen en el estado de salud y contacto con los servicios de salud, más conocidos dentro de la práctica profesional como "Códigos Z", debido a su prefijo para codificarlos. Una forma de intervenir sobre estos Códigos Z es a través del trabajador social psiquiátrico. Objetivo: los objetivos del presente trabajo fueron determinar la necesidad de integrar un trabajador social psiquiátrico a la sala de internados del Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital de Clínicas (Universidad Nacional de Asunción, Paraguay) y describir el perfil sociodemográfico, clínico y la presencia de Código Z dentro de las fichas clínicas de los pacientes. Metodología: fue un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, temporalmente retrospectivo, con muestreo no probabilístico, por conveniencia. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de pacientes de 18 años o más, hospitalizados en la sala de internados del Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital de Clínicas. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Resultados: se estudiaron 284 fichas clínicas de las cuales fueron incluidas 219 al cumplir los criterios de inclusión. 71% de los pacientes era del sexo femenino. Las edades estaban comprendidas entre los 18 y 78 años (media=36±15). El trastorno depresivo mayor fue el principal diagnóstico al ingreso de los pacientes estudiados, ya que el 30,6% registró este trastorno.En cuanto a la utilización del Código Z, se observó que el 77,6% registraba este dato en las fichas clínicas y que el 99% de los pacientes no contó con interconsulta de un trabajador social psiquiátrico. En cuanto al diagnóstico de egreso, los trastornos de la personalidad (24,2%) fueron los diagnósticos más frecuentes, seguidos por el trastorno depresivo mayor (20,5%) y por los trastornos psicóticos (20,1%). Discusión: casi la totalidad de los pacientes internados en el Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital de Clínicas presenta Códigos Z. Se reafirma la necesidad de integrar a un trabajador social psiquiátrico a la sala de internación del Servicio de Psiquiatría del Hospital de Clínicas, destacándose que el número de trabajadores sociales debe ser el equivalente de uno por cada diez pacientes.

Introduction: The annex of the 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases of the World Health Organization includes a chapter that deals with the factors that influence the state of health and the contact with health services, better known within the professional practice as "Z Codes", due to its prefix to code them. One way to intervene on these Z Codes is through the psychiatric social worker. Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the need to integrate a psychiatric social worker into the in-patient unit of the Psychiatry Service of the Hospital of Clínicas (National University of Asunción, Paraguay) and to describe the sociodemographic and clinical profile and the presence of a Code Z within the in-patients clinical records. Methodology: This was an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, temporarily retrospective, with non-probabilistic sampling by convenience. We analyzed the medical records of patients 18 years of age or older, hospitalized in the in-patient unit of the Psychiatry Service of the Hospital or Clínicas. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed. Results: 284 clinical records were studied, of which 219 were included after meeting the inclusion criteria. 71% of the patients were female. The ages were between 18 and 78 years (mean=36±15). Major depressive disorder was the main diagnosis at admission of the studied patients, since 30.6% registered this disorder. Regarding the use of Code Z, it was observed that 77.6% registered this information in the clinical records and that 99% of the patients did not have a consultation from a psychiatric social worker. Regarding the diagnosis of discharge, personality disorders (24.2%) were the most frequent diagnoses, followed by major depressive disorder (20.5%) and psychotic disorders (20.1%). Discussion: Almost all of the patients admitted to the Psychiatry Service of the Hospital of Clínicas present Z Codes. The need to integrate a psychiatric social worker into the in-patient unit of the Psychiatry Service of the Hospital of Clínicas is reaffirmed, highlighting that the number of social workers should be the equivalent of one for every ten patients.

Test del dibujo de la figura humana en pacientes en edad pediátrica víctimas de violencia psicológica. estudio de casos / Human figure drawing test in pediatric patient victims of psychological violence. case study

El maltrato psicológico es una forma de disciplina utilizada para educar, aún poco identificada, que tiene repercusiones en el desarrollo posterior de niños, niñas y adolescentes. Se analizó la presencia de Indicadores Emocionales (IEs) en Test de Figura Humana en pacientes en edad pediátrica víctimas de violencia psicológica (pcvp) comparados con aquellos no victimas de ningún tipo de violencia (psvp), consultantes del Servicio Ambulatorio de la Cátedra de Psiquiatría. Estudio exploratorio de corte trasverso, que incluyó 6 pcvp y 6 psvp de edades entre 5 a 16 años. Se utilizó como instrumento Indicadores Emocionales IEs del Test de Figura Humana de E. Koppitz. Hubo mayor número de IEs en pacientes con violencia psicológica (37 IEs) comparado al grupo psvp (25 IEs). En los pcvp, en los indicadores generales (16 IEs en pcvp y 9 IEs en psvp) fueron más frecuentes aquellos asociados a angustia, ansiedad, inestabilidad, falta de equilibrio emocional, agresividad, torpeza motriz y problemas de aprendizaje; en los IEs específicos se encontró leve diferencia. En los IEs por omisión de partes corporales, asociados a inmadurez, impulsividad y controles internos pobres se encontró una diferencia menor (4 en pcvp y 1 en psvp) y en los IEs no validados una leve diferencia entre los grupos. Hubo mayor número de IEs en víctimas de violencia psicológica, que sugiere conflictos emocionales con necesidad de mayor investigación ante la posibilidad de desarrollo de algún trastorno posterior.

Psychological abuse is a form of discipline used to educate but little identified yet,. Thepresence of emotional indicators (EIs) was analyzed, using the Human Figure DrawingTest, in children and adolescents who were victims of psychologic violence that attendedthe Outpatient Service of Psychiatry, and were compared with children and adolescentswho attended the service too but do not suffered psychologic violence. This was a crosssectionalexploratory study with a sample of 6 patients with psychological violence (pwpv)and 6 patients without violence (PWPV) who were 5 to 16 years old. Emotional Indicators(EIs) of the Human Drawing Test of E. Koppitz were used as instrument. More EIs werefound in patients with psychological violence (37 EIs in pwpv and 25 EIs in PWPS IEs) Ingeneral indicators (16 EIs in pwpv and 9 IEs in PWPV) prevailed those associated with distress, anxiety, instability, lack of emotional balance, aggressiveness, motor clumsinessand learning problems among patients with psychological violence. In specific EIs, slightdifference was found predominantly in pwpv with. In EIs by missing body parts, associatedwith immaturity, impulsiveness, and poor internal controls, a difference of 4 in pwpv and 1in PWPV was found. In the non-validated EIs a slight difference with a predominance inpwpv was found. In the final analysis, more EIs were observed in the group victim ofpsychological violence. This suggests emotional conflicts that require further investigationfacing the possibility of developing a disorder later.

Litiasis residual versus litiasis primariade la vía biliar principal: a propósitode un caso controversial / Residual lithiasis versus primary lithiasis bile duct: a controversial case report

Los cálculos del conducto biliar principal pueden ser, segúnsu sitio de origen, primarios o secundarios. La gran mayoríacorresponde a la forma secundaria.El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un caso de litiasiscoledociana, varios años después de la colecistectomía.Se trata de una paciente femenina, de 42 años de edad, con4 días de evolución de dolor cólico, relacionado con las comidasgrasas y antecedente de colecistectomía 11 años antes. Enel examen se constató cicatriz de Kocher y dolor en epigastrioe hipocondrio derecho. La ecografía mostró colédoco dilatadocon imágenes de litiasis en su tercio distal; mediante una CPREcon EE se comprobó un cálculo facetado – que fue extraído –sin evidencias de obstáculo al drenaje de la bilis.En casos como éste, varios años después de una colecistectomía,es difícil establecer con seguridad si una litiasis de lavía biliar principal es primaria o secundaria; los criterios paradeterminarla con certeza no están unificados.