Lifestyle behaviors among 4,343 Brazilian adults with severe mental illness and 55,859 general population controls: data from the Brazilian National Health Survey

Objective: To analyze the association between severe mental illnesses and health behaviors among Brazilian adults. Methods: We used data from the Brazilian National Health Survey, a large nationally representative cross-sectional study conducted in 2013 among 60,202 adults (≥ 18 years). Clinical diagnoses (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia), lifestyle behaviors (leisure-time physical activity, TV viewing, tobacco use and the consumption of alcohol, sweets, and soft drinks) and potential confounders (chronological age, race, educational and employment status) were self-reported. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between severe mental illness and lifestyle behaviors, adjusting for confounders. Results: Schizophrenia (n=41) was associated with lower odds of physical activity (OR 0.08 [95%CI 0.01-0.58]). Major depressive disorder (n=4,014) was associated with higher odds of TV viewing (OR 1.34 [95%CI 1.12-1.61]), tobacco use (OR 1.37 (95%CI 1.18-1.58]), consumption of sweets (OR 1.34 (95%CI 1.15-1.55]) and consumption of soft drinks (OR 1.24 (95%CI 1.06-1.45]). There were no significant associations between bipolar disorder (n=47) and any lifestyle behaviors. Conclusions: Schizophrenia was associated with lower physical activity, while major depressive disorder was associated with increased TV viewing, tobacco use, and consumption of sweets and soft drinks. These findings reinforce the need for prevention and treatment interventions that focus on people with severe mental illness in Brazil.

Personality disorder and functioning in major depressive disorder: a nested study within a randomized controlled trial

Objective: This study aimed to determine if personality disorder (PD) predicted functional outcomes in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Data (n=71) from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 12-week trial assessing the efficacy of 200 mg/day adjunctive minocycline for MDD were examined. PD was measured using the Standardized Assessment of Personality Abbreviated Scale. Outcome measures included Clinical Global Impression - Improvement (CGI-I), Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), Social and Occupational Functioning Scale (SOFAS), and Range of Impaired Functioning (RIFT). Analysis of covariance was used to examine the impact of PD (dichotomized factor [≥ 3] or continuous measure) on the outcome measures-treatment group correlation. Results: PD was identified in 69% of the sample. After adjusting for age, sex, and baseline scores for each of the outcome measures, there was no significant difference between participants with and without PD on week 12 scores for any of the outcome measures (all p > 0.14). Conclusion: In this secondary analysis of a primary efficacy study, PD was a common comorbidity among those with MDD, but was not a significant predictor of functional outcomes. This study adds to the limited literature on PD in randomized controlled trials for MDD. Clinical trial registration: ACTRN12612000283875.

Prevalência de sonolência diurna excessiva e fatores associados em adolescentes da coorte RPS, em São Luís (MA) / Prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness and associated factors in adolescents of the RPS cohort, in São Luís (MA), Brazil

RESUMO: Objetivos: Estimar a prevalência de sonolência diurna excessiva (SDE) e os fatores associados a ela em adolescentes da coorte de nascimentos de São Luís (MA). Método: Estudo transversal realizado com 2.514 adolescentes com idade de 18 e 19 anos. Utilizou-se abordagem hierarquizada e calculou-se a razão de prevalências utilizando regressão de Poisson com ajuste robusto da variância. Foram estudadas características sociodemográficas (sexo, cor, classe econômica, ocupação), hábitos de vida (lazer, fumo, álcool, uso de drogas ilícitas, consumo de café e de bebidas energéticas, prática de atividade física, adiposidade corporal, tempo de tela, depressão) e fatores relacionados ao sono. Resultados: A prevalência de SDE foi de 36,8%. Sexo feminino (razão de prevalência - RP = 1,33; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC95% 1,19 - 1,49), alto risco de consumo de bebidas alcoólicas (RP = 1,26; IC95% 1,09 - 1,46), episódio depressivo maior atual (RP = 1,26; IC95% 1,08 - 1,46), escore de 10 a 18 de alterações do sono (RP = 1,43; IC95% 1,10 - 1,85) e escore de 5 a 7 da disfunção durante o dia (RP = 2,51; IC95% 2,06 - 3,07) foram os fatores de risco para SDE. A classe econômica D/E foi fator de proteção para SDE (RP = 0,47; IC95% 0,27 - 0,85). Conclusão: Mais de um terço dos adolescentes apresentou SDE, e aqueles com maiores riscos precisam melhorar seus hábitos de vida e de sono para que não tenham mais SDE, visando melhorar sua qualidade de vida.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in adolescents from the São Luís, Maranhão birth cohort. Method: Cross-sectional study conducted with 2,514 adolescents aged 18 and 19 years old. A hierarchical approach was used, and prevalence ratios were calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance adjustment. Sociodemographic characteristics (gender, race, economic class, and occupation), lifestyle (leisure activities, smoking, alcohol, illicit drug use, coffee and energy consumption, physical activity, body adiposity, screen time, and depression), and factors related to sleep were studied. Results: The prevalence of EDS was 36.8%. The female gender (PR = 1.33; 95%CI 1.19 - 1.49), high risk for alcohol consumption (PR = 1.26; 95%CI 1.09 - 1.46), current major depressive episode (PR = 1.26; 95%CI 1.08 - 1.46), sleep alteration score from 10 to 18 (PR = 1.43; 95%CI 1.10 - 1.85), and sleep score from 5 to 7 of daytime dysfunction (PR = 2.51; 95%CI 2.06 - 3.07) were risk factors for EDS. Economic class D/E was a protective factor for EDS (PR = 0.47; 95%CI 0.27 - 0.85). Conclusion: More than one-third of adolescents had EDS. Adolescents at higher risk need to improve their sleeping habits and lifestyle so that they no longer have EDS and can improve their quality of life.

Prevalence of depression among patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE) in patients with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis (pre-PTB, defined by cough lasting ≥ 3 weeks) and compare it between patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and without PTB. Methods: Patients with pre-PTB (n=260) were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Those individuals with scores ≥ 10 were subsequently assessed with the depression module of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus) to confirm diagnosis. Associations of categorical variables with PTB and MDE were calculated using the chi-square test and OR. Results: PTB was confirmed in 98 patients (37.7%). A high proportion of both groups (active PTB and no PTB) screened positive for depression (60.2 vs. 62.1%, respectively). Among 159 patients who screened positive for depression, a subset of 97 (61.0%) were further evaluated with the MINI-Plus; current MDE was confirmed in 54.6% (53/97). On univariate and multivariate analysis, female sex was the only factor associated with the diagnosis of current MDE (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The prevalence of MDE was high among individuals with prolonged respiratory symptoms, independent of PTB diagnosis. This is consistent with other studies of depression in primary care in Brazil.

Factores de riesgo para intento de suicidio en personas con trastorno depresivo en atención secundaria / Risk factors for suicide attempts in people with depressive disorders treated in secondary health care

Background: Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in people with suicidal behavior. The knowledge of its risk factors should help to design preventive strategies. Aim: To describe suicidal behavior and risk factors for attempted suicide in people with major depressive disorders (MDD). Material and Methods: A 12-month follow-up study was conducted in 112 outpatients at three psychiatric care centers of Ñuble, Chile, with baseline and quarterly assessments. Demographic, psychosocial and clinical factors as potential risk factors of suicide attempts, were assessed. A clinical interview with DSM-IV diagnostic criteria checklist, Hamilton Depression Scale and the List of Threatening Experiences and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were applied. Results: Sixty seven percent of participants had suicidal ideation and 43.8% had attempted suicide. Suicide risk was significantly higher in participants with a single major depressive episode (odds ratio [OR] = 3.98; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1,29-12,32 p = 0.02) and those with previous suicide attempts (OR = 13.15; 95% CI = 3,87-44.7 p < 0.01). Young age, not having a partner, being unemployed, having a severe major depressive episode, having psychotic symptoms, having a personality disorder and being devoid of medical illness increased the risk of suicide attempts, but they did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Significant risk factors should be specially considered when designing suicide preventive strategies in patients with MDD.

Riesgo para el desarrollo de trastorno depresivo mayor al existir alteraciones en la sintomatología menopaúsica en mujeres de Guadalajara, Jalisco / Risk for the development of major depressive disorder when there are alterations in menopausal symptoms in women from Guadalajara, Jalisco

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El Trastorno Depresivo Mayor (TDM) puede presentarse durante el inicio de la menopausia, variando su prevalencia de acuerdo a diferentes factores de riesgo clínicos y sociodemográficos; presentándose una mayor asociación al existir alteraciones en la sintomatología menopaúsica. Ante esto, se buscará determinar el riesgo para desarrollar TDM al presentar alteraciones en la sintomatología menopaúsica. Metodología: Es un diseño transversal analítico que incluyó a 252 mujeres iniciando su menopausia (48±1.7 años), atendidas en centros de salud de Guadalajara, Jalisco. Las variables analizadas fueron antecedentes sociodemográficos, utilizando el Inventario de Depresión de Beck para identificar el TDM y la Escala de Valoración de la Menopausia para determinar alteraciones en los principales dominios sintomatológicos de la menopausia. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y de asociación por medio de Odds Ratio (OR), aplicando finalmente una regresión logística. Resultados: La prevalencia de TDM fue de 40.5%, teniendo asociación con el antecedente de uso de anticonceptivos y con el agravamiento en la sintomatología menopaúsica. El análisis ajustado determinó que hay más riesgo de presentar TDM cuando existen alteraciones en los dominios sintomatológicos, tales como en el somático (OR 3.96, IC95% 1.58-9.95), el urogenital (OR 4.29, IC95% 2.13-8.65) y el psicológico (OR 13.55, IC95% 3.97-46.30). Conclusión: La presencia de alteraciones en la sintomatología menopaúsica se encuentra asociado con un mayor riesgo de presentar TDM, sobre todo si el dominio psicológico está afectado, por lo cual es necesario que el personal de salud identifique estas alteraciones y brinde un manejo temprano en esta etapa de la vida.

ABSTRACT Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) can occur during the onset of the menopause, varying its prevalence according to different clinical and sociodemographic risk factors; presenting a greater association with the existence of alterations in the menopausal symptomatology. Given this, we will seek to determine the risk to develop MDD by presenting alterations in the menopausal symptoms Methodology: It is an analytical cross-sectional design that included 252 women beginning their menopause (48±1.7 years old), and who were attended in health centers of Guadalajara, Jalisco. The analyzed variables were their sociodemographic background, using the Beck Depression Inventory to identify the MDD and the Menopause Rating Scale to determine alterations in the main symptomatological domains of the menopause. Descriptive and association analyzes were performed by means of Odds Ratio (OR), subsequently applying a logistic regression model. Results: The prevalence of MDD was 40.5%, with significant associations with the history of contraceptive use and the worsening of menopausal symptoms. The adjusted analysis allowed us to determine that there is more risk for developing MDD when there were alterations in the symptomatological domains, such as in the somatic (OR 3.96, 95% CI 1.58-9.95), the urogenital (OR 4.29, IC95% 2.13-8.65) and in the psychological (OR 13.55, IC95% 3.97-46.30). Conclusion: The presence of alterations in the menopausal symptomatology is associated with an increased risk of developing MDD, especially if the psychological domain is affected, which is why it is necessary for health personnel to identify these alterations and provide early management in this stage of live.

Effects of cognitive-behavioral therapy on neurotrophic factors in patients with major depressive disorder

Objective: To correlate neurotrophic factors - brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and beta-nerve growth factor (beta-NGF) - and severity of depressive symptoms in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, participants were selected by convenience and received 16 sessions of CBT. The outcomes of interest were severity of depressive symptoms and changes in neurotrophic factor levels after CBT. The differences between variables before and after treatment (deltas) were analyzed. Results: Patients had significant changes in symptom severity after treatment. No significant associations were found between Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores and any independent variable. No correlations were observed between BDNF or GDNF levels and BDI scores before or after treatment, although there was a trend toward significant differences in beta-NGF levels. Conclusion: BDNF, beta-NGF, and GDNF were not influenced by the effects of CBT on depressive symptoms.

Quality of life, anxiety and depression in patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a cross-sectional study in Salvador, Brazil

Abstract The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy marked a major gain in efficacy of HIV/AIDS treatment and a reduction in morbidity and mortality of the infected patients. However, high levels of adherence are required to obtain virologic suppression. In Brazil, the policy of free and universal access to antiretroviral therapy has been in place since 1996, although there are reports of poor adherence. Objective To define the clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics, and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. To be included in the study patients had to be 18 through 65 years old, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, having the two previous viral loads above 500 copies, a surrogate for poor adherence to antiretrovirals. The following instruments were applied to all eligible patients: the sociodemographic questionnaire "Adherence Follow-up Questionnaire", the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. Results 47 patients were evaluated, 70.2% were female, mean age of 41.9 years (±10.5), 46.8% were single, 51.1% self-reported adherence ≥95%, 46.8% mentioned depression as the main reason for not taking the medication, 59.5% presented symptoms of moderate to severe depression, and 44.7% presented symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. Finally, regarding health-related quality of life these patients obtained low scores in all dimensions, physical component summary of 43.96 (±9.64) and mental component summary of 33.19 (±13.35). Conclusion The psychological component is considered to be fundamental in the management of HIV/AIDS patients. Psychoeducation should be conducted at the initial evaluation to reduce negative beliefs regarding antiretroviral therapy Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms should be done throughout therapy as both psycological conditions are associated with patient adherence, success of treatment, and ultimately with patients' quality of life.

Câncer e suicídio em idosos: determinantes psicossociais do risco, psicopatologia e oportunidades para prevenção / Cancer and suicide among the elderly: psychosocial determinants of risks, psychopathology and opportunities for prevention

Resumo O suicídio é um sério problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. O avanço da idade está diretamente associado ao aumento da incidência de câncer e as limitações físicas e funcionais decorrentes da doença são fatores associados ao comportamento suicida em idosos. Este estudo teve por objetivo revisar criticamente a literatura sobre os fatores de risco associados ao suicídio em pacientes idosos com câncer, publicada entre 2000 e 2015. Foram examinados os determinantes psicossociais de risco e a psicopatologia em 20 artigos selecionados. Os estudos consistentemente identificam um conjunto de fatores que têm sido associados ao comportamento suicida em idosos com câncer, que incluem comprometimento físico e mental (particularmente depressão maior), isolamento social e o modo como esses fatores e outros interagem entre si. Dada a importância do tema, novas pesquisas se fazem necessárias para examinar se a educação do profissional de saúde e o incremento de suas habilidades de avaliação e manejo do risco suicida poderiam ter efeitos positivos na redução das taxas de suicídio observadas entre idosos com câncer. Considerações para estudos futuros encorajam a adoção de intervenções baseadas em evidências empíricas para o manejo individualizado do paciente oncológico idoso.

Abstract Suicide is a serious public health problem worldwide. Increasing age is directly associated with the rising rates of cancer and physical and functional limitations are important factors regarded as being associated with suicidal behavior among the elderly. This study sought to conduct a critical review of the literature on the risk factors associated with suicide among elderly cancer patients published between 2000 and 2015. Psychosocial precipitants of risks and psychopathology in 20 selected articles were conducted. The studies consistently identified a number of factors that have been considered to be associated with suicidal behavior among the elderly diagnosed with cancer. These include physical and mental health constraints (particularly major depression), social isolation, and the manner in which these factors and others interact. Further research is needed given the importance of the issue and to examine whether further education for healthcare providers and their abilities in suicide risk assessment and management could have positive effects on reducing the suicide rates among elderly patients with cancer. Considerations for upcoming studies encourage the adoption of empirically supported interventions for individualized management of the elderly cancer patient.

Association of interleukin-10 levels with age of onset and duration of illness in patients with major depressive disorder

Objective: To investigate peripheral levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) and evaluate the relationship between IL-10, age of disease onset, and duration of illness. Methods: Case-control study nested in a population-based cohort of 231 individuals (age 18-24 years) living in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Participants were screened for psychopathology using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I). Serum IL-10 was measured using commercially available immunoassay kits. Results: Peripheral levels of IL-10 were not significantly different in individuals with MDD or BD as compared to controls. However, higher IL-10 levels were found in MDD patients with a later disease onset as compared with controls or early-onset patients. In addition, IL-10 levels correlated negatively with illness duration in the MDD group. In the BD group, age of onset and duration of illness did not correlate with IL-10 levels. Conclusion: Higher levels of IL-10 are correlated with late onset of MDD symptoms. Moreover, levels of this cytokine might decrease with disease progression, suggesting that an anti-inflammatory balance may be involved in the onset of depressive symptoms and disease progression in susceptible individuals.

Suicide risk and alcohol and drug abuse in outpatients with HIV infection and Chagas disease

Objective: To evaluate psychiatric comorbidities in outpatients receiving care for HIV and Chagas disease at Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Evandro Chagas (IPEC), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a consecutive sample of 125 patients referred to an outpatient psychiatric clinic from February to December 2010. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used. Factors associated with more frequent mental disorders were estimated by odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) by multiple logistic regression. Results: Seventy-six (60.8%) patients with HIV, 40 (32%) patients with Chagas disease, and nine (7.2%) patients with human T-lymphotropic virus were interviewed. The majority were women (64%), with up to 8 years of formal education (56%), and unemployed (81.6%). The median age was 49 years. Suicide risk (n=71) (56%), agoraphobia (n=65) (52%), major depressive episode (n=56) (44.8%), and alcohol/drug abuse (n=43) (34.4%) predominated, the latter being directly associated with lower family income (OR = 2.64; 95%CI 1.03-6.75) and HIV infection (OR = 5.24; 95%CI 1.56-17.61). Suicide risk was associated with non-white skin color (OR = 2.21; 95%CI 1.03-4.75), unemployment (OR = 2.72; 95%CI 1.01-7.34), and diagnosis of major depression (OR = 3.34; 95%CI 1.54-7.44). Conclusion: Measures targeting adverse socioeconomic conditions and psychiatric and psychological monitoring and care should be encouraged in this population, considering the association with abuse of alcohol/other psychoactive drugs and suicide risk. .

Factors associated with a diagnosis of major depression among HIV-infected elderly patients

Introduction Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is being increasingly reported among the elderly and major depression (MD) may be associated with suboptimal adherence to treatment. Methods Cross-sectional study on factors associated with MD among 72 HIV-infected elderly individuals. Results Twenty (27.7%) patients were found to have MD. The female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 10.65; p = 0.00586), a low CD4 count during the study (OR = 1.005247; p = 0.01539), and current smoking status (OR = 12.89; p = 0.01693) were independently associated with MD. Conclusions Our data underscore the need to attentively search and treat MD among HIV-infected elderly patients. .

Major depressive disorder during teenage pregnancy: socio-demographic, obstetric and psychosocial correlates

OBJECTIVES: To describe the prevalence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) during pregnancy in teenage mothers and to assess its association with socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and psychosocial variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of pregnant teenagers enrolled in the national public health system in the urban area of Pelotas, southern Brazil. MDD was assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Abuse Assessment Screen was used to identify physical abuse within the last 12 months and during pregnancy, and social support was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Survey Social Support Scale. RESULTS: Forty-three (4.94%) potential subjects refused to participate, resulting in 828 total participants. The prevalence of MDD was 17.8%, 9.2% reported they had been subjected to violence within the last 12 months, while 5.8% had suffered violence during pregnancy, and the mean (SD) overall social support score was 87.40 (11.75). After adjustment, we found the highest incidence of MDD in adolescents with less than 8 years of education, followed by those with previous episodes of MDD and those with lower overall social support. CONCLUSIONS: MDD is a relatively common condition in pregnant teenagers and appears to be more prevalent in young mothers who are both socioeconomically and psychosocially underprivileged.

Depressão, aspectos emocionais e sociais na vivência do aborto: comparação entre duas capitais Brasileiras / Depression, emotional and social aspects in the abortion context: a comparison between two brazilian capitals

OBJETIVO: Avaliar aspectos emocionais e sociais na vivência do aborto e o diagnóstico de depressão maior comparando mulheres de duas capitais brasileiras (São Paulo e Natal). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado de janeiro de 2009 a maio de 2010, envolvendo a realização de entrevistas semidirigidas com mulheres em situação de abortamento (interrupção até a 22a semana de gestação) atendidas em hospitais universitários de São Paulo (n = 166) e Natal (n = 150). Para o diagnóstico de depressão, foi aplicada a versão em português do instrumento Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD). RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa (p = 0,223) na proporção de abortamentos provocados: Natal (7,3 por cento) e São Paulo (12,0 por cento). O diagnóstico de depressão foi elevado nas mulheres em situação de abortamento, em proporção significativamente maior na cidade de Natal do que em São Paulo (50,7 por cento contra 32,5 por cento, respectivamente, p < 0,01). Quanto aos aspectos emocionais, não houve diferença na ocorrência de sentimentos de culpa (Natal 27,7 por cento; São Paulo 23,3 por cento; p = 0,447). A participação do companheiro foi satisfatória pelas mulheres em proporção semelhante nas capitais (Natal 62,0 por cento; São Paulo 59,0 por cento; p = 0,576). Não se constata diferença na proporção de mulheres que relatam ter sofrido violência, relacionada ou não ao aborto (Natal 22,9 por cento; São Paulo 16,6 por cento; p = 0,378). CONCLUSÃO: Embora não tenha sido constatada diferença entre os aspectos emocionais e sociais na comparação entre as duas capitais, verificou-se elevada proporção de mulheres com depressão maior, sendo mais frequente na cidade de Natal, o que denota a importância de suporte psicossocial nos serviços de atenção à saúde da mulher.

OBJECTIVE: To assess emotional and social aspects in the experience of abortion and the diagnosis of major depression, comparing women from two Brazilian cities (São Paulo - SP, Natal - RN). METHODS: A transversal study was carried out from January 2009 to May 2010, through semi-directed interviews with women undergoing an abortion (up to 22 weeks gestation) treated at university hospitals in São Paulo - SP (n = 166) and Natal - RN (n = 150). The Portuguese version of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) instrument was applied for the diagnosis of depression. RESULTS: There was no significant difference (p = 0.223) in the proportion of induced abortions when comparing the two capital cities: Natal (7.3 percent) and São Paulo (12.0 percent). The diagnosis of depression was high among women undergoing an abortion and was significantly higher in Natal than in São Paulo (50.7 percent vs. 32.5 percent, p < 0.01). Regarding emotional aspects, there was no difference in the occurrence of guilt feelings (Natal 27.7 percent; São Paulo 23.3 percent; p = 0.447). The partner's involvement was considered satisfactory by women in similar proportions in the two capitals (Natal 62.0 percent; São Paulo 59.0 percent, p = 0.576). No difference was found in the proportion of women who reported violence, related or not to the abortion (Natal 22.9 percent; São Paulo 16.6 percent; p = 0.378). CONCLUSION: Although there was no difference between the emotional and social aspects in the comparison between the two capitals, there was a high proportion of women with major depression, more frequent in the city of Natal than in São Paulo, which demonstrates the importance of psychosocial support in the women's healthcare system.

The association of major depressive episode and personality traits in patients with fibromyalgia

INTRODUCTION: Personality traits have been associated with primary depression. However, it is not known whether this association takes place in the case of depression comorbid with fibromyalgia. OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated the association between a current major depressive episode and temperament traits (e.g., harm avoidance). METHOD: A sample of 69 adult female patients with fibromyalgia was assessed with the Temperament and Character Inventory. Psychiatric diagnoses were assessed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview severity of depressive symptomatology with the Beck Depression Inventory, and anxiety symptomatology with the IDATE-state and pain intensity with a visual analog scale. RESULTS: A current major depressive episode was diagnosed in 28 (40.5 percent) of the patients. They presented higher levels of harm avoidance and lower levels of cooperativeness and self-directedness compared with non-depressed patients, which is consistent with the Temperament and Character Inventory profile of subjects with primary depression. However, in contrast to previous results in primary depression, no association between a major depressive episode and self-transcendence was found. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight specific features of depression in fibromyalgia subjects and may prove important for enhancing the diagnosis and prognosis of depression in fibromyalgia patients.

Reliability and validity of a Brazilian version of the Hypomania Checklist (HCL-32) compared to the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) / Confiabilidade e validação da versão brasileira do Questionário de Hipomania (HCL-32 VB) comparado ao Questionário de Transtornos de Humor (MDQ)

OBJECTIVE: Bipolar disorders are often not recognized and undertreated. The diagnosis of current or past episodes of hypomania is of importance in order to increase diagnostic certainty. The Hypomania Checklist-32 is a self-applied questionnaire aimed at recognizing these episodes. As part of the international collaborative effort to develop multi-lingual versions of the Hypomania Checklist-32, we aimed to validate the Brazilian version and to compare its psychometric properties with those of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. METHOD: Adult outpatients with bipolar disorder I (n = 37), bipolar disorder II (n = 44) and major depressive disorder (n = 42) of a specialized mood disorder unit were diagnosed according to DSM-IV-TR using a modified version of the SCID. We analyzed the internal consistency and discriminative ability of the Hypomania Checklist-32 Brazilian version in relation to the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the Brazilian Hypomania Checklist-32, analyzed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, was 0.86. A score of 18 or higher in the Hypomania Checklist-32 Brazilian version distinguished between bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, with a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.58, compared to 0.70 and 0.58, respectively, for the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (score > 7). The Hypomania Checklist-32 Brazilian version showed a dual factor structure characterized by "active/elated" and "risk-taking/irritable" items. Hence, the Hypomania Checklist-32 Brazilian version was found to have a higher sensitivity but the same specificity as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian version of the Hypomania Checklist-32 has adequate psychometric properties and helps discriminating bipolar disorder from major depressive disorder (but not bipolar disorder I from bipolar disorder II) with good sensitivity and specificity indices, similar to those of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire.

OBJETIVO: O transtorno bipolar muitas vezes não é reconhecido e deixa de ser tratado adequadamente. O diagnóstico de episódios atuais ou passados é importante, a fim de aumentar a certeza diagnóstica. O Questionário de Autoavaliação de Hipomania-32 é um questionário autoaplicável para o rastreamento desses episódios. Como parte do desenvolvimento em vários idiomas do Questionário de Autoavaliação de Hipomania-32, nós objetivamos validar a versão brasileira e comparar suas propriedades psicométricas com o Questionário de Transtornos do Humor. MÉTODO: Em uma unidade especializada em transtornos do humor foram selecionados pacientes ambulatoriais adultos com transtorno bipolar I (n = 37), transtorno bipolar II (N = 44) e transtorno depressivo maior (N = 42) de acordo com a DSM-IV-TR, utilizando uma versão modificada do SCID. Analisou-se a consistência interna e capacidade discriminativa do Questionário de Autoavaliação de Hipomania-32 versão brasileira comparada ao Questionário de Transtornos do Humor. RESULTADOS: A consistência interna do Questionário de Autoavaliação de Hipomania-32 versão brasileira é boa, com alfa de Cronbach 0,86. Um escore de 18 ou mais no Questionário de Autoavaliação de Hipomania-32 versão brasileira distingue entre o transtorno bipolar e o transtorno depressivo maior com uma sensibilidade de 0,75 e especificidade de 0,58, e para o Questionário de Transtornos do Humor, para um escore de 7 ou mais, de 0,70 e 0,58, respectivamente. O Questionário de Autoavaliação de Hipomania-32 mostrou uma estrutura caracterizada pela predominância de dois fatores (ativação/elação e irritabilidade/correr riscos). Assim, o Questionário de Autoavaliação de Hipomania-32 versão brasileira tem maior sensibilidade, mas a mesma especificidade que o Questionário de Transtornos do Humor. CONCLUSÃO: A versão brasileira do Questionário de Autoavaliação de Hipomania-32 possui propriedades psicométricas adequadas e ajuda a discriminar o transtorno bipolar do transtorno depressivo maior (mas não transtorno bipolar I de transtorno bipolar II), com boa sensibilidade e especificidade, semelhante ao Questionário de Transtornos do Humor.

Effect of aerobic training on EEG alpha asymmetry and depressive symptoms in the elderly: a 1-year follow-up study

The effect of physical exercise on the treatment of depressive elderly adults has not been investigated thus far in terms of changes in cortical hemispheric activity. The objective of the present study was to identify changes in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and cortical asymmetry produced by aerobic activity. Elderly subjects with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (DSM-IV) were included. Twenty patients (70 percent females, 71 ± 3 years) were divided into an exercise group (pharmacological treatment plus aerobic training) and a control group (undergoing pharmacological treatment) in a quasi-experimental design. Pharmacological treatment was maintained stable throughout the study (antidepressants and anxiolytics). Subjects were evaluated by depression scales (Beck Depression Inventory, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale) and the Short Form Health Survey-36, and electroencephalographic measurements (frontal and parietal alpha asymmetry) before and after 1 year of treatment. After 1 year, the control group showed a decrease in cortical activity on the right hemisphere (increase of alpha power), which was not observed in the exercise group. The exercise group showed a significant decrease of depressive symptoms, which was not observed in the control group. This result was also accompanied by improved treatment response and remission rate after 1 year of aerobic exercise associated with treatment. This study provides support for the effect of aerobic training on alpha activity and on depressive symptoms in elderly patients. Exercise facilitates the treatment of depressive elderly adults, leading to clinical and physical improvement and protecting against a decrease in cortical activity.

Recognition of depressive symptoms by physicians

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the recognition of depressive symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) by general practitioners. INTRODUCTION: MDD is underdiagnosed in medical settings, possibly because of difficulties in the recognition of specific depressive symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 316 outpatients at their first visit to a teaching general hospital. We evaluated the performance of 19 general practitioners using Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders (PRIME-MD) to detect depressive symptoms and compared them to 11 psychiatrists using Structured Clinical Interview Axis I Disorders, Patient Version (SCID I/P). We measured likelihood ratios, sensitivity, specificity, and false positive and false negative frequencies. RESULTS: The lowest positive likelihood ratios were for psychomotor agitation/retardation (1.6) and fatigue (1.7), mostly because of a high rate of false positive results. The highest positive likelihood ratio was found for thoughts of suicide (8.5). The lowest sensitivity, 61.8%, was found for impaired concentration. The sensitivity for worthlessness or guilt in patients with medical illness was 67.2% (95% CI, 57.4-76.9%), which is significantly lower than that found in patients without medical illness, 91.3% (95% CI, 83.2-99.4%). DISCUSSION: Less adequately identified depressive symptoms were both psychological and somatic in nature. The presence of a medical illness may decrease the sensitivity of recognizing specific depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Programs for training physicians in the use of diagnostic tools should consider their performance in recognizing specific depressive symptoms. Such procedures could allow for the development of specific training to aid in the detection of the most misrecognized depressive symptoms.

Factores asociados con la hipertensión no tratada en los adultos mayores: resultados del estudio nacional sobre salud y envejecimiento en México, 2001 / Factors associated with untreated hypertension among older adults: results of the Mexican health and aging study, 2001

OBJETIVO: Determinar los factores asociados con la falta de adhesión al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial (HTA) diagnosticada en una muestra representativa de adultos mayores mexicanos que viven en la comunidad. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 2 029 personas de 65 años o más con diagnóstico de HTA, participantes en el Estudio Nacional sobre Salud y Envejecimiento en México realizado en el verano de 2001. La encuesta recabó información sobre algunas características sociodemográficas (edad, sexo, escolaridad, si vivía solo y si realizaba algún trabajo remunerado, entre otras), las enfermedades crónicas, los síntomas depresivos, el deterioro cognoscitivo, el índice de masa corporal, el tabaquismo, el consumo de bebidas alcohólicas y las dificultades para realizar actividades básicas (ABVD) e instrumentales (AIVD) de la vida diaria, entre otras. Se evaluó la asociación entre las variables estudiadas y el autoinforme de hipertensión arterial no tratada (HTNT) mediante análisis de regresión logística simple y multifactorial. RESULTADOS: De los 2 029 participantes, 437 (21,5 por ciento) declararon no seguir tratamiento alguno para controlar la HTA, 1 584 (78,1 por ciento) afirmaron seguir un tratamiento y 8 (0,4 por ciento) no respondieron a esa pregunta. El análisis multifactorial ajustado por posibles variables confusoras (edad, sexo, síntomas depresivos y deterioro cognoscitivo) mostró que solo la baja escolaridad (razón de posibilidades [odds ratio, OR] ajustada = 1,70; intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento [IC95 por ciento]: 1,10 a 2,64; P = 0,02 para la escolaridad de 1 a 6 años y OR ajustada = 3,32; IC95 por ciento: 2,10 a 5,24; P < 0,01 para los no escolarizados), consumir bebidas alcohólicas (OR ajustada = 1,52; IC95 por ciento: 1,14 a 2,03; P = 0,01) y padecer de incontinencia urinaria (OR ajustada = 1,61; IC95 por ciento: 1,15 a 2,26; P < 0,01) resultaron asociadas independientemente con la HTNT. CONCLUSIONES: La HTNT es ...

OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with failure to adhere to treatment for diagnosed hypertension among a representative sample of older Mexican adults living in the community. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 2 029 individuals 65 years of age or older with diagnosed hypertension who participated in the Mexican Health and Aging Study, carried out during the summer of 2001. The survey collected information on several demographics (age, sex, schooling, whether living alone, and employment status, among others), any chronic illnesses, symptoms of depression, cognitive deterioration, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and difficulty performing basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Simple and multifactorial logistical regression analyses were used to evaluate the association among the study variables and self-reported untreated high blood pressure. RESULTS: Of the 2 029 participants, 437 (21.5 percent) reported not following any treatment whatsoever for controlling their hypertension; 1 584 (78.1 percent) affirmed they were complying with treatment; and 8 (0.4 percent) did not respond to this question. The multifactorial analysis adjusted for confounding variables (age, sex, symptoms of depression, and cognitive deterioration) showed that only a low number of years of schooling (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.70; 95 percent confidence interval [95 percentCI]: 1.10-2.64; P = 0.02 for 1-6 years of schooling and adjusted OR = 3.32; 95 percentCI: 2.10-5.24; P < 0.01 for no schooling), alcohol consumption (adjusted OR = 1.52; 95 percentCI: 1.14-2.03; P = 0.01), and urinary incontinence (adjusted OR = 1.61; 95 percentCI: 1.15-2.26; P < 0.01) were independently associated with hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is a common and important issue among older adults in Mexico. To obtain better medication compliance, doctors prescribing or modifying hypertension treatment should taken into account whether or not the ...

Mujeres con depresión severa: relación entre trauma infantil y gravedad de síntomas clínicos / Women with sever depression: relationship between childhood trauma and gravity of clinic symptoms

La depresión es uno de los problemas de mayor importancia para la salud pública en Chile y el mundo. Diversos estudios han demostrado que uno de los factores de riesgo más importantes para el desarrollo de la depresión, de sus manifestaciones más graves y asociaciones a comorbilidad se derivan de aspectos biográficos traumáticos. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar empíricamente si existen diferencias significativas en mujeres con depresión severa en la gravedad de su sintomatología, de sus relaciones interpersonales y rol social, entre las que tienen antecedentes de poli trauma infantil, y aquellas que no los presentan. El estudio se realizó con una muestra de 136 pacientes, de las cuales 87 presentaban antecedentes de politrauma infantil y 49 no los presentaban. Todas fueron evaluadas a su ingreso con la Escala de Hamilton para la Depresión (HAM-D) y OQ 45.2 (outcome questionnaire, cuestionario de resultados) de Lambert. Se analizaron los datos con la versión 12.0 del SPSS (p < 0,05). Los resultados mostraron que en las pacientes con politrauma el promedio del Hamilton fue de 34,25 puntos versus 24,67 (t= 5,731 p < 0,001) en las pacientes sin politrauma. En el OQ 45 los promedios fueron de 113,71 puntos en las primeras y de 85,56 puntos en las pacientes sin ese antecedente (t = 5,329 p < 0,001). Se puede concluir que las pacientes con depresión severa, en el subgrupo de pacientes con poli trauma infantil hay una mayor asociación a gravedad en la sintomatología depresiva y en todos los ítems clínicos del OQ45

Depression is one of the most important public health problems in Chile and globally. Many studies confirm that traumatic childhood experiences are one of the most important risks factors for the development of depression, for the gravity of symptoms and for comorbidity with other pathologies. The objective of this study was to determine empirically whether quantitative differences exists between women that are severely depressed and have antecedents of multiple traumatic events in their childhoods versus women without them. We studied a sequential sample of 136 patients, with 87 that presented antecedents of multiple traumatic events in their childhood, and 49 without them. All of them were evaluated at beginning with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) and OQ 45.2 (outcome questionnaire) of Lambert. Data base were analyzed with 12.0 version of SPSS (p < 0.05). We found a mean of 34.25 points in the HADM-D in patients remembering politraumatic antecedents and 24.67 in Hamilton Scale in patients without them. In the OQ 45 the means were 113,71 in patients with multiple traumatic antecedents, versus 85.56 points in women without them (t = 5.329 p < 0.001). We conclude that in patients with severe depression, the subgroup with memories of politraumatic events in their childhood presented a major association with gravity of depressive symptoms