Exploring the effects of COVID-19-related traumatic events on the mental health of university students in Brazil: A cross-sectional investigation.

University students are vulnerable to mental health issues during their academic lives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, university students faced mental distress due to lockdowns and the transition to e-learning. However, it is not known whether these students were also affected specifically by COVID-19-related traumatic events. This study examined the impact of COVID-19-related traumatic events on 2277 university students from two federal institutions of higher education in Brazil. The university students completed an online questionnaire covering demographics, lifestyle habits, health characteristics, COVID-19-related traumatic events, and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. The results showed that an increased intensity of COVID-19-related traumatic events was positively associated with stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, and each specific type of event was associated with these symptoms. In addition, we found a negative association between these symptoms and male sex and age and a positive association with having or having had a history of cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, or mental disorders or another disease diagnosed by a physician. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the heightened risk of mental health issues in university students in the face of COVID-19-related traumatic events. Women, young people and people who have or have had a history of disease were the most vulnerable to mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addictive disorders, psychiatric symptoms, and potentially traumatic events in individuals with disabilities.

Background/Objectives: Individuals with disabilities (IWD) have a higher risk of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) either in childhood or adulthood, increasing the risk of suicide attempts, mental disorders, and substance use disorder. The aim of this study was to explore the association between substance use, psychiatric symptoms and suicidal behavior with PTEs. A Multisite cross-sectional study was conducted. Materials and methods: The sample includes 1,098 participants with any type of disability (motor, intellectual, visual, and mixed) located in Mexico City. Traumatic events, violence, discrimination, addictive disorders, and psychiatric disorders were examined. Multivariate logistic regression models were conducted. Data was collected between September-October 2014. Results: People with motor or visual disability have a higher prevalence in nicotine use disorder (NUD), generalize anxiety disorder (GAD), mayor depression disorder (MDD), want to be dead, and lifetime suicide attempts. Intellectual disability group only presents GAD and MDD. All disability groups have a high prevalence of PTEs. Verbal violence in childhood, sexual abuse, discrimination and serious accidents had a strong impact in the development of NUD, psychiatric symptoms and suicidal behavior. Conclusion: These findings show the relevance of develop specific tools for detection, referral and treatment, in order to improve the mental health of people with disabilities.

Traumatic life-events and alcohol and drug use disorders among Mexican adolescents: Bidirectional associations over 8 years.

BACKGROUND: Most research linking type of traumatic events to the incidence of alcohol and drug use disorders among adolescents are cross-sectional and no longitudinal research exists in low/middle income countries where violence is common. Studies on bidirectional associations are infrequent. METHODS: We estimated prospective associations of 7 types of events and new occurrence of DSM-IV alcohol use disorders (AUD) and drug use disorders (DUD), as well as prospective associations between DSM-IV AUD, DUD and the new onset of 7 types of traumatic events, from a follow-up conducted in 2013 (n = 1071; ages 19-26) of the original Mexican Adolescent Mental Health Survey conducted in 2005 (ages 12-17), by using Relative Ratios (RR) and Hazard Ratios (HR) estimates. RESULTS: After adjustments for mental disorders and demographics, "any traumatic event" increased the RR and HR of a new AUD and any substance use disorder (SUD). In HR estimates, bidirectional associations were found between "Ever committed or witnessed violence" and "Ever beaten up by spouse…" and AUD, DUD and SUD. DUD disorder increased HR for several events. LIMITATIONS: Our sample is representative of the largest metropolitan area in Mexico but does not include other cities and other age groups that may differ in risk factors. Corrections for multiple tests suggests caution. CONCLUSIONS: We found partial support for the self-medication hypothesis and weaker support for the risky behavior hypothesis, and only two traumatic events ("Ever beaten up by spouse, partner…" and "Ever committed or witnessed violence") showed evidence of a bidirectional association.

Traumatic life-events and suicidality among Mexican adolescents as they grow up: A longitudinal community survey.

OBJECTIVE: Limited research exists on the impact of type and number of traumatic events on the incidence of suicide ideation and attempts (suicidality) among adolescents in low/middle income countries where violence is common. METHOD: We estimated prospective associations of 7 types of events on the new occurrence of suicidality from a follow-up conducted in 2013 (n = 1071; ages 19-26) of the original Mexican Adolescent Mental Health Survey conducted in 2005 (ages 12-17), by using Hazard Ratios (HR) estimates. RESULTS: For new onset of suicide ideation, those reporting "Ever raped or sexually assaulted" had the highest adjusted HR (3.8), followed by "Ever other traumatic event" (HR = 1.9), "Ever committed or witnessed violence" (HR = 1.7) and "Beaten as a child or witnessed physical fights at home" (HR = 1.5). For suicide attempt, those reporting "Ever beaten up by spouse, partner, someone else, mugged with a weapon, or stalked" (HR = 3.8) and "Ever other traumatic event" (HR = 2.0) had the higher hazards. Compared to those without a traumatic event, increased hazards of ideation and attempt were found for those reporting a greater number of types of events. CONCLUSIONS: Our sample is representative of the largest metropolitan area in Mexico but does not include other cities or age groups that may differ in risk factors. Traumatic events that happened in the eight years between waves are not considered. Traumatic events increased the risk of suicidality, independent of common mental disorders. Identifying and addressing these events in clinical settings may therefore be important for preventing suicide in this population.

Adverse childhood experiences and delinquent behaviour: Predictors and mediating variables

ABSTRACT Background: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been identified as a risk factor for the development of mental health and behavioural outcomes throughout life, including delinquent behaviours. This article focuses on the relationship between ACEs and delinquent behaviour (DB), seeking to identify predictors and mediating variables. Methods: The quantitative study comprised 175 Portuguese adolescents, aged 12 and 17 years of age (M = 14.99, SD = 2.26). Results: ACEs and exposure to traumatic events (ETE) are predictive of DB. Antisocial traits (AT) was found to be mediating the relationship between ACEs and DB, as well as the relation between ETE and DB. Conclusion: The results indicate that it is necessary that professionals in health behaviour field prevent and intervene in ACEs and in ETE, both predictors of DB. The results of this study allow to understand the role of ACEs in DB and its mediating variables, which must be considered to mitigate the harmful impact of ACEs in DB.

Posttraumatic stress disorder among adolescents in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of trauma and different types of violence exposure in urban areas and their effects on the mental health of adolescents in developing countries are poorly investigated. Most information about traumatized young people comes from war scenarios or disasters. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD in trauma-exposed students in a low-resource city of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The effects of sociodemographic and individual and family factors in the development of PTSD were also investigated. METHODS: Through multi-stage cluster sampling, 862 adolescents (Mage = 15 years old, 65% female) from public and private schools in the city of São Gonçalo were selected for the study. Self-rating structured questionnaires were applied to assess sociodemographic profile, exposure to physical and psychological violence (family, school, community), sexual abuse, social support, social functional impairment, resilience, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The data were grouped in blocks regarding sociodemographic, individual, family, and community variables. For statistical analysis, chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The PTSD prevalence was 7.8% among adolescents. Boys were exposed to significantly higher number of events of community violence, while girls to family violence. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for PTSD were statistically significant for age (OR, 1.45, [95% CI, 1.043-2.007]), social functional impairment (OR, 4.82, [95% CI, 1.77-13.10]), severe maternal physical violence (OR, 2.79, [95% CI, 0.79-9.93]), psychological violence by significant people (OR, 3.96, [95% CI, 1.89-8.31]) and a high number of episodes of community violence (OR, 3.52, [95% CI, 1.47-8.40). CONCLUSIONS: There was a high prevalence of PTSD within this population associated with exposure to violence. Not only physical, but also psychological violence contributed to PTSD. The results also raise awareness to the differences in life trajectories between boys and girls regarding violence. These differences need to be better understood in order to enable the development of effective preventative interventions. Treating and preventing mental health disorders presents a challenge for countries, especially those with a lower degree of social and economic development and high community violence.

Lifetime Traumatic Experiences and Leisure Physical Inactivity among Adolescent Boys.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the associations between lifetime traumatic experiences and leisure physical inactivity among adolescent boys and to determine to what extent those associations are mediated by posttraumatic stress symptoms, unhealthy behaviors (smoking, alcohol use), the daily consumption of fresh fruit, and sense of coherence. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire combining 3 instruments measured leisure physical activity level (Godin and Shephard), symptoms of posttraumatic stress (IES-revised), lifetime traumatic experiences, sense of coherence (SOC-13, from Antonovsky), and behavioral and dietary patterns in a representative sample of eighth grade boys from a number of Kaunas, Lithuania, secondary schools (N = 885; response rate 88.6%). RESULTS: Fifty-six point eight percent of boys had experienced at least 1 lifetime traumatic event, with a 20.5% prevalence of PTS symptoms, and 5.4% were inactive during leisure time. In the logistic regression models, leisure physical inactivity was associated with lifetime traumatic experiences (adjusted OR = 2.33; 95% CI: 1.09-4.98). Sense of coherence and posttraumatic stress symptoms did not mediate those associations. Less-than-daily consumption of fresh fruit showed an independent effect, while smoking and weekly consumption of alcohol did not. CONCLUSION: Consistent associations between lifetime traumatic experiences and leisure physical inactivity among adolescent boys indicate that the presence of lifetime traumatic events should be taken into account when employing intervention and prevention programs on unhealthy lifestyles (physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol).

Socio-demographic patterns of posttraumatic stress disorder in Medellin, Colombia and the context of lifetime trauma exposure.

Colombia, South America is currently transitioning to post-conflict status following 6 decades of armed conflict. The population has experienced extensive exposures to potentially traumatic events throughout the lifespan. Sources of trauma exposure include the prolonged armed insurgency, narco-trafficking violence, urban gang violence, violent actions of criminal bands, intra-familial violence, gender-based violence, and sex trafficking. Exposure to potentially traumatic events is related to a variety of psychiatric outcomes, in particular, posttraumatic stress disorder. Given this context of lifetime trauma exposure, socio-demographic patterns of posttraumatic stress disorder were explored in a sample of residents of Medellin, Colombia, the nation's second largest city and a nexus for multiple types of trauma exposure.

Depression, Anxiety and Somatic Complaints in Colombian Children Living in Rural Communities / Depresión, ansiedad y síntomas somáticos en niños que viven en comunidades rurales colombianas

Introduction: In Colombia, children are frequently exposed to traumatic events; however, there are no data regarding the impact on depression, anxiety and somatic correlates of such exposure in children living in rural communities. Objective: To investigate the somatic complaints and symptoms of depression and anxiety among children exposed to traumatic events in a rural community of Colombia. Methods: Design: Cross-Sectional study. Participants: Two hundred and ninety-three Colombian children aged eight to 18 years. Main Outcome Measures: Standardized measures were administered to assess children's depression, anxiety, physical symptoms and exposure to traumatic events. Depression: CDI (Children's Depression Inventory); anxiety: SCARED (The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders); somatic complaints: CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist, Somatic Complaints scale) and reporting traumatic events during the K-SADS-PL (Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents). Results: Ninety-one of the 293 children (31.1%) reported somatic complaints. The most common somatic complaint was in the gastrointestinal category (35/91). One hundred and seventy eight children (60.5%) had observed traumatic events, including homicides during the last month. Two hundred five (69.9%) of the children showed depressive symptom profiles above established norms, and 239 (81.6%) exhibited anxiety symptoms according to their own reports. The correlation between depression and traumatic events, anxiety and somatic complaints, and between anxiety and depression were statistically significant (p<0.005). Conclusions: As the first study of its kind in children living in rural communities in Colombia, it demonstrates a clear impact of traumatic events on mental health. Information that somatic complaints are commonly an expression of underlying depression and anxiety may facilitate the treatment and thereby help avoid unnecessary medical workups and sequelae from traumatized children. It is important for physicians to probe for "hidden" symptoms in traumatized children.

Introducción: En Colombia, los niños están expuestos con frecuencia a eventos traumáticos, sin embargo, no hay datos sobre el impacto de la depresión, la ansiedad y la correlación somática de dicha exposición en niños que viven en comunidades rurales. Objetivo: investigar las alteraciones somáticas, síntomas de depresión y ansiedad en los niños expuestos a eventos traumáticos en una comunidad rural de Colombia. Metodología: Diseño: Estudio transversal; Participantes: Doscientos noventa y tres niños colombianos de ocho a 18 años. Principales medidas de resultado: se aplicaron medidas estandarizadas para evaluar la depresión infantil, ansiedad, síntomas físicos y la exposición a eventos traumáticos. Depresión:CDI (Children's Depression Inventory)). Ansiedad: SCARED (The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders), Enfermedades somáticas: CBCL (Child Behavior Checklist, Somatic Complaints scale) e informar los eventos traumáticos durante el K -SADS -PL (Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents). Resultados: Noventa y uno de los 293 niños ( 31,1 % ) informaron de síntomas somáticos. La queja somática más común estuvo en la categoría gastrointestinal (35/ 91). Ciento setenta y ocho niños ( 60,5 % ) habían observado los acontecimientos traumáticos, incluyendo homicidios durante el último mes. Doscientos cinco ( 69,9 % ) de los niños mostraron perfiles de síntomas depresivos por encima de las normas establecidas, y 239 ( 81,6 % ) presentaban síntomas de ansiedad según sus propios informes. La correlación entre la depresión y los eventos traumáticos, la ansiedad y quejas somáticas, y entre la ansiedad y la depresión fueron estadísticamente significativas ( p < 0,005 ). Conclusiones: como el primer estudio de su tipo en los niños que viven en comunidades rurales de Colombia , demuestra un claro impacto de eventos traumáticos en la salud mental. La afirmación que las quejas somáticas son comúnmente una expresión de la depresión y la ansiedad subyacente puede facilitar el tratamiento y de ese modo ayudar a evitar abordajes médicos innecesarios y secuelas en los niños traumatizados . Es importante para los médicos explorar los síntomas "ocultos" en los niños traumatizados.

Controversias respecto de la conceptualización del trastorno de estrés postraumático / Controversies in regards to the conceptualization of the post-traumatic stress disorder

Las controversias respecto al TEPT, desde su formulación como categoría diagnóstica hasta el presente, han sido múltiples. Se han planteado interrogantes respecto de su estatus como concepto científico por los factores socio históricos que influyeron tanto en su origen como categoría como en la expansión de su empleo, así como cuestionamientos específicos a su validez de constructo. El concepto de evento traumático, la relación de causalidad entre evento traumático y consecuencias psicopatológicas, la especificidad que tendría la respuesta traumática, son parte relevante de esos cuestionamientos. El artículo presenta una visión de estas controversias y señala sus implicaciones para la comprensión y tratamiento de las consecuencias psicológicas de los eventos traumáticos.

The controversies respect to the PTSD, since its formulation as a diagnostic category up to the present, have been multiple. Questions have been posed in relationship to its status as a scientific concept because due to socio-historical factors that influenced in its origin as a category as well as in the expansion of its use. Also, queries have been raised concerning the validity of this construct. The concept of traumatic event, the causal relationship between the traumatic event and its psychopathological consequences, the specificity of the traumatic response, are relevant parts of these queries. The article presents an overview of these controversies and states its implications for the understanding and treatment of the psychological consequences of traumatic events.

Análisis de los deseos en dos cartas de Frida Kahlo / Analysis of desires in two letters by Frida Kahlo

A partir de dos cartas de Frida Kahlo (27 de marzo de 1927 y 29 de julio de 1932), serán analizados los deseos manifiestos y su relación con el período vital de la artista, remitiéndonos a la obra de arte en el mismo período histórico (Autorretrato con traje de terciopelo, septiembre de 1926, y Mi nacimiento o Nacimiento, 1932). El instrumento metodológico utilizado es el Diccionario Computarizado y las grillas diseñadas para el análisis de los actos del habla, aplicadas en los textos seleccionados. El resultado esperado es detectar los deseos dominantes, con independencia de los prejuicios que pueden generarse desde la biografía de la artista, en sus manifestaciones artísticas y cartas.

Based on two of Frida Kahlo’s letters (27 March 1927-29 July 1932), the manifest wishes and their relationship to the vital period of the artist will be analyzed, by referring to the work of art in the same historical period (Self-portrait in velvet clothes, September 1926, and My birth or Birth, 1932). The methodological instrument usedis the Computerized Dictionary and the grids designed for the analysis of speechacts, applied in selected texts. The expected outcome is the detection of the dominant wishes irrespective of the prejudices that could stem from the biography of the artist in its artistic manifestations and letters.

Análisis de los deseos en dos cartas de Frida Kahlo / Analysis of desires in two letters by Frida Kahlo

A partir de dos cartas de Frida Kahlo (27 de marzo de 1927 y 29 de julio de 1932), serán analizados los deseos manifiestos y su relación con el período vital de la artista, remitiéndonos a la obra de arte en el mismo período histórico (Autorretrato con traje de terciopelo, septiembre de 1926, y Mi nacimiento o Nacimiento, 1932). El instrumento metodológico utilizado es el Diccionario Computarizado y las grillas diseñadas para el análisis de los actos del habla, aplicadas en los textos seleccionados. El resultado esperado es detectar los deseos dominantes, con independencia de los prejuicios que pueden generarse desde la biografía de la artista, en sus manifestaciones artísticas y cartas.(AU)

Based on two of Frida Kahlos letters (27 March 1927-29 July 1932), the manifest wishes and their relationship to the vital period of the artist will be analyzed, by referring to the work of art in the same historical period (Self-portrait in velvet clothes, September 1926, and My birth or Birth, 1932). The methodological instrument usedis the Computerized Dictionary and the grids designed for the analysis of speechacts, applied in selected texts. The expected outcome is the detection of the dominant wishes irrespective of the prejudices that could stem from the biography of the artist in its artistic manifestations and letters.(AU)

Los eventos traumáticos tempranos y su relación con la psicopatía criminal / Early traumatic events and its relationship with criminal psychopathy

INTRODUCCION: Son diversos los factores que intervienen en el desarrollo de la psicopatía. Se ha observado una predisposición genética que al interactuar con la vivencia de eventos traumáticos en edades tempranas, potencia el desarrollo de este trastorno conductual, fuente de actos agresivos y violentos en contra de la sociedad. OBJETIVO: Conocer la incidencia de eventos traumáticos (p.ej. eventos estresantes, abuso físico, abuso emocional y abuso sexual) y su influencia en el nivel de psicopatía de adultos convictos masculinos. PARTICIPANTES Y MATERIAL: Se realizó una revisión del historial criminal y una entrevista semiestructurada para clasificar a los internos de acuerdo a su nivel de psicopatía. Se les aplicó el Inventario de Eventos Traumáticos para conocer la frecuencia y diversidad de eventos sufridos antes de los 18 años. RESULTADOS: Los internos con alta psicopatía presentaron una alta incidencia de eventos traumáticos, específicamente de eventos estresantes, de abuso emocional y de abuso sexual y un total de eventos significativamente mayor que el grupo con psicopatía baja. Los eventos traumáticos y el abuso emocional fueron variables que contribuyeron significativamente al nivel de psicopatía de los internos. CONCLUSIONES: Los eventos traumáticos vividos durante la infancia y la adolescencia favorecen la manifestación de conductas violentas a través de la afectación de los mecanismos neurobiológicos que subyacen a la psicopatía, en donde se puede observar una asociación entre la frecuencia de eventos vividos y el grado de psicopatía presentes en la vida adulta.

INTRODUCTION: The factors that interact to drive the development of psychopathy are diverse. A genetic predisposition has been observed that, when coupled with the experience of traumatic events at a young age, potentiates the development of this behavioral and affective disorder that leads to aggressive and violent acts against society. OBJECTIVES: To understand the incidence of traumatic events (e.g., stressful events, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse) and their influence in the psychopathy of adult male convicts. PARTICIPANTS AND MATERIALS: Background criminal career reviews and semi-structured interviews were conducted to classify the inmates according to their psychopathy level utilizing the Revised Hare Psychopathic Scale. In addition, the Early Trauma Inventory was applied to assess the frequency and diversity of events experienced before the participants were 18 years of age. RESULTS: Inmates with high psychopathy also presented with a high incidence of traumatic events, as well as stressful events, emotional and sexual abuse in a higher frequency than the group with low psychopathy. The incidence of traumatic events and emotional abuse were found to predict the degree of psychopathy among the inmates. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic events experienced during infancy and adolescence seem to favor the manifestation of violent conduct by interacting with neurobiological factors that underlie psychopathy, such that an association may be observed between the frequency of childhood traumatic events and the level of psychopathy present in adult life.

A condição errante do desejo: os imigrantes, migrantes, refugiados e a prática psicanalítica clínico-política / The errant condition of desire: immigrants, migrants, refugees and clinical-political psychoanalytic practice

Este artigo pretende avançar na sustentação teórica sobre a prática psicanalítica clínico-política, campo epistemológico ético e político que leva em conta as especificidades dos sujeitos e as vicissitudes de seus processos em contextos de exclusão e violência. A partir da experiência com imigrantes, formula as bases de um trabalho centrado na clínica do traumático mais do que na clínica do sintoma e focaliza as particularidades da escuta psicanalítica nesses contextos, assim como as intervenções coletivas.

Este artículo pretende avanzar en la sustentación teórica sobre la práctica psicoanalítica clínico-política, campo epistemológico ético y político que tiene en cuenta las especificidades de los sujetos y las vicisitudes de sus procesos en los contextos de exclusión y violencia. A partir de la experiencia con inmigrantes formula las bases de un trabajo centrado en la clínica de lo traumático, antes que en la clínica del síntoma, enfocando el tema en la escucha psicoanalítica en esos contextos, así como en las intervenciones colectivas.

Cet article vise à contribuer à l'étayage théorique de la pratique psychanalytique politico-clinique, domaine épistémologique moral et politique qui prend en compte les spécificités des sujets et les vicissitudes de leurs procédures dans des contextesd'exclusion et de violence. À partir de l'expérience avec des immigrés, nous formulons les bases d'un travail centré sur la clinique du traumatique plutôt que sur celle du symptôme et nous concentrons sur les particularités de l'écoute psychanalytique dans ces contextes, ainsi que sur les interventions collectives.

This article is meant as a contribution to the theoretical underpinnings of clinical and political psychoanalytic practice. This ethical, political and epistemological field that addresses the specificities of subjects and the difficulties related to their processes in contexts of violence and exclusion are discussed. Based on experience with immigrants, migrants and refugees, the text describes the bases of work centered on the clinic of traumatic events, rather than on symptoms, and focuses especially on the particularities of psychoanalytic listening within these contexts. Collective interventions are also discussed.

Experiencias atípicas psicóticas y cuasi-psicóticas en adolescentes puertorriqueños/as deprimidos/as: prevalencia y factores asociados / Psychotic and quasi-psychotic atypical experiences in Puerto Rican depressed adolescents: prevalence and related factors

Se examinó la prevalencia de experiencias atípicas psicóticas y cuasi-psicóticas y se identificaron factores asociados a éstas en 162 jóvenes puertorriqueños/as entre 13 y 17.5 años. Se evaluó la sintomatología depresiva, la ideación suicida, así como la presencia o historia de experiencias atípicas, eventos traumáticos y maltrato o abuso. Las experiencias atípicas estuvieron asociadas a ser fémina, a tener enfermedades físicas, a experimentar eventos traumáticos, a haber recibido tratamiento para la depresión, y a una sintomatología depresiva e ideación suicida elevada. Los eventos traumáticos, el tratamiento farmacológico para la depresión y la severidad de la ideación suicida fueron predictores significativos del número de experiencias reportadas. Los resultados confirman que la mayoría de las experiencias no son psicóticas. Se discuten las implicaciones para la evaluación y el tratamiento de jóvenes deprimidos/as.(AU)

The prevalence of psychotic and quasi-psychotic atypical experiences was estimated and its correlates were identified in 162 Puerto Rican adolescents (13 to 17.5 years old). Depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, as well as the presence or history of atypical experiences, traumatic events and maltreatment or abuse were evaluated. Atypical experiences were related to gender (female), physical illness, history of traumatic events, history of treatment for depression, as well as to high depressive symptomatology and suicidal ideation. Traumatic events, pharmacological treatment for depression, and severity of suicidal ideation were significant predictors of the total experiences reported. Findings confirm that most experiences reported were definitely non-psychotic. The implications for the assessment and treatment of depressed youth are discussed.(AU)

[Psychotic and quasi-psychotic atypical experiences in Puerto Rican depressed adolescents: Prevalence and related factors]. / Experiencias atípicas psicóticas y cuasi-psicóticas en adolescentes puertorriqueños/as deprimidos/as: Prevalencia y factores asociados.

The prevalence of psychotic and quasi-psychotic atypical experiences was estimated and its correlates were identified in 162 Puerto Rican adolescents (13 to 17.5 years old). Depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, as well as the presence or history of atypical experiences, traumatic events and maltreatment or abuse were evaluated. Atypical experiences were related (p<.05) to gender (female), physical illness, history of traumatic events, history of treatment for depression, as well as to high depressive symptomatology and suicidal ideation. Traumatic events, pharmacological treatment for depression, and severity of suicidal ideation were significant predictors of the total experiences reported. Findings confirm that most experiences reported were definitely non-psychotic. The implications for the assessment and treatment of depressed youth are discussed.

Estudio de casos y controles en un grupo de mujeres embarazadas con experiencias adversas en la infancia y/o adolescencia e infecciones de transmisión sexual / Case studies and controls in a group of pregnant with adverse experience in childhood and/or adolescence and sexually transmitted infections

Introduction Psychic traumas, also called adverse experiences, are events from the subject's life characterized by its intensity, the subject's inability to respond to them properly and the pathogenic lasting effects they cause in the psychic organization. The violence effects against women and girls are usually devastating for their reproductive health and other aspects of their physical and mental well-being. Besides injuries, violence causes an increase in the long-term risk of women developing other health problems. Women with a history of psychic mistreat or sexual abuse face also a bigger risk of non-expected or involuntary pregnancies, sexual transmitted infections and adverse results from pregnancy. High rates of childhood abuse were found: 42.2% had suffered physical mistreat, 21.4% had been insulted, 16.5% was victim of humiliation and 7.6% had been a victim of sexual abuse before fifteen years of age. The main aggressors were male relatives, the stepfather or the father. A study done in the United States found that women exposed to this form of violence suffered STI in adult age in a bigger proportion (10.7%) than the ones that were never exposed (5.7%). An investigation was made in the National Perinatolgy Institute called «STD/HIV-AIDS and Personality Disorders (PD) in pregnant women and their couples. Detection and prevention from high risk practices¼ with the objective -among others- to resolve the existing association between adverse experiences in childhood and the presence of sexually transmitted infections in gestation. Material and method The investigation design was of cases and controls; the characteristics of the study in relation to temporality was prospective with respect to the presence or absence of the pathogenic agent in gestation and retrospective (investigating adverse experiences in childhood), analytical referring to the analysis type and transverse with respect to the capture of the sample. The evaluation of the STIs was made through the Laboratory of the Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic of the INPer and from the pertinent clinic exams. The diagnostic evaluation was made on the basis of the structured clinic interviews for the diagnostic psychiatric evaluation of I and II axes of DSM-IV. To investigate adverse childhood experiences, a psychodynamic interview was made and answers were transcribed then to the questionnaire made by Whitfields, Dube, Felitti and Anda, who developed the instrument Adverse Experiences in Childhood and/or Adolescence (ACE) with the aim to measure the amplitude of the exposition to emotional, physical and sexual abuse, as well as family dysfunction in these stages of life. It includes seven categories of adverse experiences, three relative to active abuse and five to passive abuse: 1. psychological abuse; 2. physical abuse; 3. sexual abuse; 4. conjugal violence against the mother; 5. living with parent or adults with alcohol problems and/or substance abusers; 6. living with parents or adults with mental disorders or suicidal; 7. living with parents that had been in jail. Results One hundred seventy-eight pregnant women were divided in two groups, the first one with 89 participants, in which a virus that caused the STI was identified, and the second group was the control group with also 89 pregnant women without STI. Significant differences were obtained in the socioeconomic level. There was also a significant association between fathers of the women with STI that had some legal problem and had being sent to jail for a period of time (RM 3.311); they also show small alcoholic problems (RM 2.073). There was a significant association with the different types of passive abuse (carelessness, negligence and indifference) physical, emotional and sexual, emphasizing that the relation between these categories and having an STI by a virus is highly significant; this is, being exposed in childhood to adverse events, more probability to get a viral STI in adulthood. The cases group accumulated three or more in bigger proportion (20.2%) than the control group (9%). The STI pregnant group presented a bigger number of traumatic events (69.9%) in comparison to the group with no STI that was 48.3%. It is appraised the bigger prevalence of mental disorders in the STI pregnant group, having a disorder increased the potential risk of infection by 2.45 times (C:I to 95% that oscillates between 1.303 and 4.61). Conclusions The STI viral group and the control group are different concerning socioeconomic level and schooling, finding in the STI group a bigger proportion of women whose monthly family income is lower, the poverty as a risk factor and/or social vulnerability for the HIV infection, the interaction between living in poverty conditions and the difficulty to access and to stay in the national educative system are closely related. In addition, this case group was integrated in a bigger proportion with pregnant who were not united in the study period. It is important to mention that half of the pregnant that formed the HIV/ AIDS group suffered the pain of seeing their couple die. From the adverse experiences in childhood and/or adolescence that could have been in the start or been a beginning factor for getting afterwards a viral STI in adulthood, the significant ones were having lived with a alcohol abuser adult, thus being victim of carelessness, negligence or indifference, same as being hit, pushed, pushed or hit so hard to leave marks, humiliations, coarses, insults, feelings of being less and victim of being touched or having a sexual experience. These traumatic events happened simultaneously, mainly in the cases group where 40 pregnant declared being exposed to two or more categories in contrast with 22 of the control group. Alcohol abuse is a generalized health problem and common in all societies; pregnant women with STI were in bigger proportion more exposed to familiar alcohol than the control group and approximately half of them were at the same time victims of some forms of abuse or violence by their fathers or stepfathers. Studies made in 21 countries show that between 7% and the 36% of the women had accepted being victims of sexual aggressions during their childhood and, according to most of these studies, the rate of abuses suffered by girls is 1.5 to 3 times bigger than men. The same report makes evident the fact that between 133 and 275 millions of children from all over the world are witnesses of domestic violence each year; this is, witness violent scenes at their home, generally through fights between their parents or between their mother and couple, which can also seriously affect their well-being, development and their social interaction in childhood and adult age. It has also been found that suffering an active abuse in childhood is a risk factor for structuring a borderline personality disorder.

Resumen Introducción Los traumas psíquicos, también denominados experiencias adversas, son acontecimientos de la vida del sujeto caracterizados por su intensidad, la incapacidad del sujeto para responder a ellos adecuadamente y los efectos patógenos duraderos que provocan en la organización psíquica. Los efectos de la violencia contra las mujeres y las niñas suelen ser devastadores para la salud reproductiva de la mujer y otros aspectos de su bienestar físico y mental. Además de causar lesiones, la violencia lleva a que aumente el riesgo a largo plazo de que las mujeres desarrollen otros problemas de salud. Las mujeres con una historia de maltrato físico o abuso sexual también enfrentan un riesgo mayor de embarazos no previstos o involuntarios, infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) y resultados adversos del embarazo. En el Instituto Nacional de Perinatología se realizó una investigación titulada «ETS/VIH-SIDA y trastornos de la personalidad en mujeres embarazadas y sus parejas. Detección y prevención de prácticas de alto riesgo¼ con el objetivo -entre otros- de determinar la asociación existente entre experiencias adversas en la infancia y la presencia de infecciones de transmisión sexual en la gestación. Material y método El diseño de la investigación fue de casos y controles; el estudio fue prospectivo respecto de la presencia o ausencia del agente patógeno en la gestación y retrospectivo (indagación de experiencias adversas en la infancia). La evaluación de las ITS se efectuó por medio del laboratorio; la evaluación diagnóstica se efectuó con base en las Entrevistas Clínicas Estructuradas para la evaluación diagnóstica psiquiátrica de los Ejes I y II del DSM-IV. Se aplicó el instrumento Experiencias Adversas en la Infancia y/o Adolescencia (ACE, por sus siglas en inglés), con el fin de medir la amplitud de la exposición al abuso emocional, físico y sexual, así como la disfunción familiar en estas etapas de la vida. El instrumento comprende siete categorías: 1. abuso psicológico; 2. abuso físico; 3. abuso sexual; 4. violencia conyugal contra la madre; 5. vivir con padres o adultos con problemas de alcoholismo y/o que eran abusadores de sustancias; 6. vivir con padres o adultos con trastornos mentales o suicidas; 7. vivir con padres que fueron encarcelados. Resultado Se estudiaron dos grupos, el primero de casos integrado con 89 embarazadas con ITS viral y el segundo fue el grupo control integrado también con 89 gestantes, sin ITS. Se obtuvieron diferencias significativas en el nivel socioeconómico. Así mismo hubo una asociación significativa entre los padres de las mujeres con ITS que tuvieron algún problema con la ley por lo que habían sido encarcelados por un determinado periodo de tiempo (la razón de momios fue 3.311); y los que manifestaron leves problemas de alcoholismo (RM 2.073). Hubo una asociación significativa en: abuso pasivo, físico, emocional y sexual, donde destaca que la relación entre estas categorías y padecer una ITS por virus es altamente significativa. El grupo de las gestantes con ITS presentó un mayor número de problemas traumáticos (69.9%) en comparación con el grupo sin ITS que fue de 48.3%. Conclusiones De las experiencias adversas en la infancia y/o adolescencia, que pudieron estar en el origen o haber sido un factor iniciador para adquirir posteriormente una ITS de origen viral en la edad adulta, fueron significativas haber convivido con un adulto cercano con problema de abuso del alcohol y haber sido víctima de descuido, abuso físico, emocional o sexual.