Posttraumatic stress disorder prevalence and childbirth: update meta-analysis after the introduction of the DSM-5 and COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: Meta-analyses were previously performed to estimate PTSD prevalence in the postpartum period. Significant events that could impact this outcome occurred in the last decade, such as the publication of the DSM-5 in 2013 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This systematic literature review with a meta-analysis addressed studies published after 2014 to estimate PTSD prevalence after childbirth. METHOD: The methodological guidelines recommended by PRISMA were followed. The meta-analysis estimate was the proportion of PTSD cases. The restricted maximum likelihood (REML) was the method adopted for estimation in addition to multilevel random effect models. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess the impact of interest variables. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence was 0.10 (95%CI: 0.8-0.13; I2 = 98.5%). No significant differences were found regarding the introduction of the DSM-5 (p = 0.73) or COVID-19 (p = 0.97), but instead, between low- and middle-income countries, e.g., the Middle East presents a higher prevalence (p < 0.01) than European countries. CONCLUSIONS: There is a potential increase in PTSD prevalence rates after childbirth in the last decade not associated with the pandemic or the current diagnostic classification. Most studies showed a methodological fragility that must be overcome to understand this phenomenon better and support preventive actions and treatment for puerperal women.

Interactive Effects of Ayahuasca and Cannabidiol in Social Cognition in Healthy Volunteers: A Pilot, Proof-of-Concept, Feasibility, Randomized-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Serotonergic hallucinogens and cannabinoids may alter the recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE). Cannabidiol (CBD) attenuates the psychoactive effects of the cannabinoid-1 agonist tetrahydrocannabinol. Ayahuasca is a dimethyltryptamine-containing hallucinogenic decoction. It is unknown if CBD may moderate and attenuate the effects of ayahuasca on REFE. PROCEDURES: Seventeen healthy volunteers participated in a 1-week preliminary parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial for 18 months. Volunteers received a placebo or 600 mg of oral CBD followed by oral ayahuasca (1 mL/kg) 90 minutes later. Primary outcomes included REFE and empathy tasks (coprimary outcome). Tasks were performed at baseline and 6.5 hours, 1 and 7 days after the interventions. Secondary outcome measures included subjective effects, tolerability, and biochemical assessments. RESULTS: Significant reductions (all P values <0.05) only in reaction times were observed in the 2 tasks in both groups, without between-group differences. Furthermore, significant reductions in anxiety, sedation, cognitive deterioration, and discomfort were observed in both groups, without between-group differences. Ayahuasca, with or without CBD, was well tolerated, producing mainly nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort. No clinically significant effects were observed on cardiovascular measurements and liver enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of interactive effects between ayahuasca and CBD. The safety of separate and concomitant drug intake suggests that both drugs could be applied to clinical populations with anxiety disorders and in further trials with larger samples to confirm findings.

Monitoring the Mental Health and Professional Overload of Health Workers in Brazil: A Longitudinal Study Considering the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Few longitudinal studies assessed the less immediate consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on health workers' mental health, especially in less developed countries. The objective was to assess the evolution of mental health indicators of Brazilian health workers providing care to COVID-19 patients, considering the beginning and first wave of the pandemic, identifying risk and protective factors. A non-probabilistic sample of health professionals was assessed for 6 months at seven different points in time using standardized instruments to measure anxiety, depression, insomnia, posttraumatic stress, and burnout symptoms. Risk and protective factors were assessed using a questionnaire addressing socio-demographic, clinical, occupational variables, and COVID-19 risk perception. The results indicate high rates for all the indicators (>30%) throughout the follow-up; only anxiety symptoms decreased in the different phases compared to the baseline. Depression and insomnia symptoms showed a significant drop in isolated points of the assessment, which were not maintained at the final follow-up. Burnout indicators concerning emotional exhaustion and depersonalization remained stable (40 and 20%), while professional achievement decreased by approximately 19%. Occupational and personal characteristics (profession and work setting), perceptions regarding protective measures imposed by the institutions, and future professional prospects stood out as risk/protective factors in mental health. Unlike European and Asian countries, where mental distress symptoms tended to decrease over the pandemic, this study's results suggest alarming indicators of mental health problems remaining stable with burnout symptoms on the rise. Hence, the different contexts across countries, with different management resources and investments in health actions, seem to influence workers' mental health differently, demanding constant attention and monitoring and measures to minimize the impacts on individuals and collectives, especially in less developed countries like Brazil.

Effects of ayahuasca on the endocannabinoid system of healthy volunteers and in volunteers with social anxiety disorder: Results from two pilot, proof-of-concept, randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To assess endocannabinoid (anandamide, AEA; 2-arachidonoylglycerol, 2-AG) plasma levels in healthy volunteers and in volunteers with social anxiety disorder (SAD) after a single oral dose of ayahuasca or placebo. METHODS: Post hoc analysis of endocannabinoid plasma levels (baseline, 90 and 240 min after drug intake) from two parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. In Study 1, 20 healthy volunteers ingested ayahuasca (average 1.58 mg/ml dimethyltryptamine (DMT)) or placebo, and in Study 2, 17 volunteers with SAD received ayahuasca (average 0.680 mg/ml DMT) or placebo. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in AEA concentrations in Study 2 after ayahuasca intake (Χ2 (2) = 6.5, p = 0.03, Friedman test), and near significant differences (increases) were observed between baseline and 90 (Z = 0, p = 0.06, Wilcoxon test) and 240 (Z = 10, p = 0.06) minutes after ayahuasca intake. CONCLUSIONS: Although our findings suggest that ayahuasca could modulate AEA levels in SAD patients, the high interindividual variability in both trials and the small samples preclude definitive conclusions. More research with larger samples is needed to better understand the effects of ayahuasca and other hallucinogens in the endocannabinoid system.

Effectiveness of a self-makeup program for Brazilian women with breast cancer.

PURPOSE: We aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-makeup program for Brazilian women with breast cancer by measuring different psychological variables and coping strategies. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental, longitudinal, within-group study. SAMPLE: One hundred fifty-two women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. METHODS: Indicators of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, body image, and coping strategies were evaluated before the workshop (baseline), immediately after the workshop (Time 1) and one month after the workshop (Time 2). FINDINGS: The self-makeup program was effective at Times 1 and 2. At Time 1, only a decrease in the anxiety score was observed (Cohen's d= -0.41; p < 0.001). At Time 2, the results were stronger and statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001), showing decreased anxiety (d = -0.62) and depression (d = -0.46) and improved self-esteem (d = 0.61) and satisfaction with the body (d = 0.46) and appearance (d = 0.48). No significant changes were observed in coping strategies, except for denial (d = -0.26). IMPLICATION FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS OR POLICY: The self-makeup program effectively improved psychological variables, especially one month after the intervention. This program can be used as an adjuvant to treatment to promote mental health and humanize the hospital environment.

Increased body sway in phobic patients exposed to images of spiders

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the body sway response in specific phobia (SP) patients and healthy controls while viewing neutral, phobic, and disgusting images. Methods: The participants' heart rate (HR) and skin conductance were also recorded during the procedure. Nineteen patients with arachnophobia and 19 healthy volunteers matched by age, gender, and years of education underwent a postural control test on a stabilometric platform. Results: The platform recorded increased body sway in the SP group when exposed to spider images (SPI). The SP group presented increases in most parameters (SD, velocity, frequency, area, p ≤ 0.05) when viewing pictures of the SPI category. Psychometric measures of subjective anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and physiological states (HR; skin conductance responses; spontaneous fluctuations in skin conductance) showed increased anxiety (p ≤ 0.05) in the SP group compared to healthy volunteers. High anxiety levels were observed throughout the assessment, including the task of exposure to SPI (p ≤ 0.05). No significant effect or correlation was found between skin conductance and body sway measures (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of the postural control test suggest the occurrence of a defensive escape response in SP, in agreement with previous evidence.

Effects of Ayahuasca on Personality: Results of Two Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trials in Healthy Volunteers.

Rationale: Previous studies with the serotonergic hallucinogens LSD and psilocybin showed that these drugs induced changes in personality traits, such as increases in Openness. However, results are inconsistent, and the effects of ayahuasca on personality were never investigated in a controlled trial. Objectives: To assess the effects of ayahuasca on personality in two randomized, placebo-controlled trials in healthy volunteers. Methods: Data from two parallel-group, randomized, placebo-controlled trials in healthy volunteers were included. In the first trial, 15 volunteers ingested ayahuasca or placebo, while in the second trial 15 volunteers received placebo+ayahuasca or cannabidiol (CBD)+ayahuasca. Personality was assessed with the NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) at baseline and 21 days post-treatment. Results: There were significant differences between groups in baseline Openness scores, but not on day 21. A significant increase in Openness scores was observed in the placebo + ayahuasca group in study 2. No other within-group differences were observed for any other domain. Conclusions: Ayahuasca produced inconsistent effects on personality since it induced significant increase in Openness 21 days post-drug intake only in one of the trials. The absence of significant differences in the other ayahuasca groups could be due to small sample sizes and baseline differences among groups. The effects of ayahuasca and other serotonergic hallucinogens on personality should be further investigated in clinical samples.

Risk and Protective Factors for the Mental Health of Brazilian Healthcare Workers in the Frontline of COVID-19 Pandemic.

The objective was to compare the mental health indicators of health workers providing care to individuals with COVID-19 in Brazil, considering sociodemographic and occupational variables and the risk perception of contamination by the Sars-CoV-2 of workers from different professions, identifying risk and protective factors. A sample of 916 health workers was assessed: physicians, nursing workers, and workers from other professions (psychologists, physical therapists, nutritionists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, dentists, pharmacists, and social workers). REDCAP software was used to collect data online, using standardized instruments to assess anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and insomnia, and one questionnaire addressed risk and protective variables. Statistical techniques for comparing groups were used along with logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that all the groups presented indicators of significant mental health problems (>36%), especially the nursing group. A larger percentage of participants, regardless of the profession, presented a high rate of insomnia disorders, while posttraumatic stress was the least expressive. Occupational variables stand out as risk factors for mental health, with specificities among the different groups. A protective factor for all the groups was having positive professional prospects. The protective factors for the physicians group included support provided by co-workers, being older and a man, while being satisfied with physical protective measures implemented by the employing institution was a protective factor for the groups composed of nursing workers and other professionals. These findings are relevant for devising mental health care strategies.

Increased body sway in phobic patients exposed to images of spiders.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to analyze the body sway response in specific phobia (SP) patients and healthy controls while viewing neutral, phobic, and disgusting images. METHODS: The participants' heart rate (HR) and skin conductance were also recorded during the procedure. Nineteen patients with arachnophobia and 19 healthy volunteers matched by age, gender, and years of education underwent a postural control test on a stabilometric platform. RESULTS: The platform recorded increased body sway in the SP group when exposed to spider images (SPI). The SP group presented increases in most parameters (SD, velocity, frequency, area, p ≤ 0.05) when viewing pictures of the SPI category. Psychometric measures of subjective anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI) and physiological states (HR; skin conductance responses; spontaneous fluctuations in skin conductance) showed increased anxiety (p ≤ 0.05) in the SP group compared to healthy volunteers. High anxiety levels were observed throughout the assessment, including the task of exposure to SPI (p ≤ 0.05). No significant effect or correlation was found between skin conductance and body sway measures (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the postural control test suggest the occurrence of a defensive escape response in SP, in agreement with previous evidence.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short Form (IGDS9-SF) to the Brazilian context.

INTRODUCTION: The Internet Gaming Disorder Scale - Short Form (IGDS9-SF) assesses the severity, harmful effects and/or consequences of excessive online and offline gaming. Its conciseness and theoretical foundations on current diagnostic criteria of gaming disorders make it a useful resource for clinical and screening settings. OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation of the IGDS9-SF to the Brazilian context. METHODS: The cross-cultural adaptation involved the steps of independent translation of the instrument, synthesis version, back-translation, pre-test and elaboration of the final version. Content validity assessment was conducted by a multidisciplinary committee of experts and consisted of both a quantitative analysis (calculation of content validity coefficients - CVC) and a qualitative analysis (assessment of the experts' comments and suggestions). The pre-test sample consisted of 30 gamers with variable sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation of the scale followed the proposed protocol, and the CVC was satisfactory (≥ 0.83) for all the structures and equivalences assessed. Most of the suggestions made by the experts were accepted (mainly adjustments and language standardization). The gamers who participated in the pre-test judged the scale easy to understand and did not suggest changes. DISCUSSION: The Brazilian version of the IGDS9-SF showed adequate content validity and is available for researchers and clinicians, as well as for the investigation of additional psychometric characteristics.

The effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the recognition of emotions in facial expressions: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are phytocannabinoids being linked with modulation of anxiety and depression. The recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is impaired in these disorders. Both drugs could modulate anxiety and mood by interfering with REFE. Thus, a systematic review of controlled trials assessing the effects of THC and CBD on REFE was performed. Ten studies describing seven distinct experiments were found (n = 170). THC (7.5-15 mg) did not alter REFE in three experiments, but reduced task performance in other three experiments. CBD did not alter REFE in two experiments, but improved task performance and counteracted the effects of THC in one experiment. THC (≥ 10 mg) and CBD (600 mg) showed opposite effects on brain activation, skin conductance, and anxiety measures with negative/threatening faces. The limited number of studies precludes firm conclusions on the effects of these substances on REFE. Further controlled trials are needed to elucidate the effects of THC and CBD on REFE. The PROSPERO ID for this study is CRD42019135085.

The Personality Inventory for DSM-5: Psychometric Evidence of Validity and Reliability-Updates.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the literature on the psychometric characteristics of different versions of the Personality Inventory for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (PID-5) and to integrate the current findings with those of previous reviews by Al Dajani and colleagues (2015) and Watters and Bagby (2018). METHODS: This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses protocol. PubMed, PsycINFO, SciELO, Web of Science, and LILACS were searched using two keywords: personality AND DSM-5. Studies published from 2015 to 2018 were included. RESULTS: Sixty-four new studies were evaluated. The PID-5-self-report form (SRF) was concluded to have a factorial structure consisting of five factors and 25 facets, as well as excellent indicators of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity with different personality instruments and with other clinical constructs. The form also has predictive and discriminative potential, warranting further exploration in studies with samples of personality disorders in relation to different parameters and not only the diagnostic algorithm of DSM-5 Section III. The brief and informant versions, although less studied, also showed good psychometric indicators, comparable to the original version. CONCLUSIONS: The PID-5 showed psychometric suitability for use in different cultures and contexts. The form's use in clinical practice and as a means of operationalizing the diagnostic evaluation of the DSM-5 dimensional model is promising and should be encouraged.

Acute effects of oxytocin in music performance anxiety: a crossover, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

RATIONALE: Individuals with music performance anxiety (MPA) present physical, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations of anxiety, in addition to information processing deficits, especially in facial emotion recognition (FER). OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of a single dose of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) on FER in a sample of musicians with high and low MPA (primary outcome), as well as indicators of mood/anxiety and self-assessed performance (secondary outcomes). METHODS: Crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 43 male musicians with different levels of MPA. Participants completed a static facial emotion recognition task and self-rated mood and performance scales. Data were analyzed using ANOVA 2 × 0 for crossover trials and the Omnibus test (measure of separability between intervention and carryover effects). RESULTS: Only musicians with high MPA treated with oxytocin had a higher accuracy in the recognition of happiness (p < 0.03; d > 0.72). No effects of oxytocin were found on mood indicators or on self-perceived performance, regardless of MPA level. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate possible benefits of the acute treatment with oxytocin in MPA, which may improve the management of this common and disabling condition that affects professional musicians. The appropriate perception of positive feedback may increase confidence and feelings of social acceptance, reducing symptoms associated with the condition. The lack of effects on mood/anxiety and cognition may be explained by the context-dependent characteristic of the effects of oxytocin, since the experiment did not represent an actual situation of social threat. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos): No. RBR-9cph2q.

Clinical validity and intrarater and test-retest reliability of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 - Clinician Version (SCID-5-CV).

AIM: The Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM is one of the most used diagnostic instruments in clinical research worldwide. The current Clinician Version of the instrument (SCID-5-CV) has not yet been assessed in respect to its psychometric qualities. We aimed to assess the clinical validity and different reliability indicators (interrater test-retest, joint interview, face-to-face vs telephone application) of the SCID-5-CV in a large sample of 180 non-prototypical and psychiatric patients based on interviews conducted by raters with different levels of clinical experience. METHODS: The SCID-5-CV was administered face-to-face and by telephone by 12 psychiatrists/psychologists who took turns as raters and observers. Clinical diagnoses were established according to DSM-5 criteria and the longitudinal, expert, all data (LEAD) procedure. We calculated the percentage of agreement, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, and the level of agreement (kappa) for diagnostic categories and specific diagnoses. RESULTS: The percentage of positive agreement between the interview and clinical diagnoses ranged between 73% and 97% and the diagnostic sensitivity/specificity were >0.70. In the joint interview, the levels of positive agreement were high (>75%) and kappa levels were >0.70 for most diagnoses. The values were less expressive, but still adequate, for interrater test-retest interviews. CONCLUSION: The SCID-5-CV presented excellent reliability and high specificity as assessed with different methods. The clinical validity of the instrument was also confirmed, which supports its use in daily clinical practice. We highlight the adequacy of the instrument to be used via telephone and the need for careful use by professionals with little experience in psychiatric clinical practice.

Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5): cross-cultural adaptation and content validity in the Brazilian context / Inventário de Personalidade para o DSM-5 (PID-5): adaptação transcultural e validade de conteúdo para o contexto brasileiro

Abstract Objective To describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) to the Brazilian context. Methods Cross-cultural adaptation involved the steps of independent translation of the instrument, synthesis version, and back-translation. Analysis of content validity was conducted by a multidisciplinary expert committee and consisted of quantitative assessment of agreement indicators. The test was then applied to a target population. Results All the steps required for a cross-cultural adaptation were followed and satisfactory agreement values (≥ 4.75) were reached for most of the structures assessed. Most of the changes suggested by the experts were followed; these changes consisted primarily of adjustments to verb tense and agreement and the inclusion of letters and words to allow gender inflection. In the pre-test, no suggestions were made and the instrument was considered comprehensible. Conclusion The Brazilian version of the PID-5 was found to be adequate to the Brazilian context from semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual perspectives. The Brazilian version assessed here can be freely used, was approved by the publishers who hold the copyright on the instrument, and is considered the official version of the instrument. New studies are underway to determine the validity and reliability of the PID-5.

Resumo Objetivo Apresentar o processo de adaptação transcultural do Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) para o contexto brasileiro. Métodos A adaptação transcultural envolveu as etapas de tradução independente, versão síntese e retrotradução. A validade de conteúdo foi realizada por um comitê multidisciplinar de especialistas, com avaliação quantitativa dos índices de concordância. Por fim, o pré-teste foi conduzido com a população-alvo. Resultados Todos os estágios da adaptação transcultural foram seguidos, e na maioria das estruturas avaliadas, os valores de concordância foram satisfatórios (≥ 4.75). Grande parte das sugestões de modificações feitas pelos especialistas foram acatadas, sendo as principais relacionadas a ajustes no tempo e concordância verbal e a inclusão de letras e palavras para permitir a flexão de gênero. No pré-teste nenhuma sugestão foi apresentada e o instrumento foi considerado compreensível. Conclusão A versão brasileira do PID-5 mostrou-se adequada ao contexto brasileiro sob as perspectivas semântica, idiomática, cultural e conceitual. A versão brasileira avaliada é de uso livre, foi aprovada pelas editoras responsáveis pelos direitos autorais do instrumento e é considerada oficial. Novos estudos estão sendo conduzidos para aprimorar a busca por evidencias de validade e confiabilidade.

Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5): cross-cultural adaptation and content validity in the Brazilian context.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the process of cross-cultural adaptation of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) to the Brazilian context. METHODS: Cross-cultural adaptation involved the steps of independent translation of the instrument, synthesis version, and back-translation. Analysis of content validity was conducted by a multidisciplinary expert committee and consisted of quantitative assessment of agreement indicators. The test was then applied to a target population. RESULTS: All the steps required for a cross-cultural adaptation were followed and satisfactory agreement values (≥ 4.75) were reached for most of the structures assessed. Most of the changes suggested by the experts were followed; these changes consisted primarily of adjustments to verb tense and agreement and the inclusion of letters and words to allow gender inflection. In the pre-test, no suggestions were made and the instrument was considered comprehensible. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the PID-5 was found to be adequate to the Brazilian context from semantic, idiomatic, cultural, and conceptual perspectives. The Brazilian version assessed here can be freely used, was approved by the publishers who hold the copyright on the instrument, and is considered the official version of the instrument. New studies are underway to determine the validity and reliability of the PID-5.

Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian Version of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2.

Competitive anxiety (CA) is an emotional reaction manifested at a somatic and/or cognitive level that regularly appears before or during sports competitions and can significantly impact an athlete's performance. Given the scarcity of validated instruments available for evaluating the competitive-anxiety trait in the Brazilian context, this study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2). The study sample was composed of 238 professional and amateur athletes aged 13 years or older who practice different sports modalities. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed adequate fit indices of the original three-factor theoretical model of the SAS-2 after including a correlation between the errors for items 6 and 12 of the somatic anxiety subscale (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.08, WRMR = 1.04). For convergent and divergent validity, the SAS-2 subscales exhibited a positive and strong correlations with the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R (CSAI-2R; r = 0.52-0.82), weak to moderate correlations with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory - only the trait scale (STAI-T; r = 0.49-0.59), weak correlations with the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN; r = 0.29-0.41) and weak to moderate correlations with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; r = 0.49-0.56). The SAS-2 was also able to discriminate among participants with and without social anxiety, general trait anxiety and depressive symptoms, thus confirming its discriminant validity. According to ROC curve analysis, the cutoff point at a score of 29 indicated the optimal balance of sensitivity (0.74) and specificity (0.82). The internal consistency (α = 0.73-0.86) and the test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73-0.80) were satisfactory. These results indicated that the Brazilian version of the SAS-2 exhibited satisfactory psychometric performance and could be used in the Brazilian context.

Serotonergic hallucinogens and recognition of facial emotion expressions: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Recognition of emotions in facial expressions (REFE) is a key aspect of social cognition. Anxiety and mood disorders are associated with deficits in REFE, and anxiolytics and antidepressants reverse these deficits. Recent studies have shown that serotonergic hallucinogens (i.e. ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide [LSD], and mescaline) have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, but their effects on REFE are not well understood. The purpose of the study was to conduct a systematic review analyzing the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on REFE in humans. METHODS: Studies published in the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases until 19 October 2018 which analyzed the effects of serotonergic hallucinogens on REFE in humans were included. RESULTS: Of the 62 studies identified, 8 studies were included. Included studies involved the administration of a single or a few doses of LSD or psilocybin, and most trials were randomized and controlled with placebo. LSD and psilocybin reduced the recognition of negative emotions in most studies and modulated amygdala activity to these stimuli, which was correlated with antidepressive effects in patients. Both drugs were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Serotonergic hallucinogens reduced the recognition of negative emotions by modulating amygdala activity. Despite the small sample sizes, results suggest that serotonergic hallucinogens show promising beneficial effects on deficits in REFE.