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Nematocide activity of 6,7-diarylpteridines in three experimental models
- C. Ochoa, M. Rodríguez, L. Domínguez, J. Saldaña, R. Di Maio, P. Alonso-Villalobos, M.M. Martínez Grueiro
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- Journal:
- Journal of Helminthology / Volume 73 / Issue 4 / April 1999
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 April 2024, pp. 333-336
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The in vitro nematocide activity of seventeen 6,7-diarylpteridines has been tested using three different experimental models, Caenorhabditis elegans, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Heligmosomoides polygyrus. The method of evaluation of inhibition in the secretion of acetylcholinesterase by H. polygyrus seems to be the most indicated to avoid false positives. The in vivo activities, against Trichinella spiralis, of the most in vitro active pteridines have been assayed. All pteridine derivatives bearing 6,7-di-p-bromophenyl substituents have shown in vitronematocide activites in the three experimental models used. Amongst all the pteridines tested in vivo, only 2,4-pteridinedithione derivatives exhibited moderate activity.
Patterns, predictors, and patient-reported reasons for antidepressant discontinuation in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys
- Alan E. Kazdin, Meredith G. Harris, Irving Hwang, Nancy A. Sampson, Dan J. Stein, Maria Carmen Viana, Daniel V. Vigo, Chi-Shin Wu, Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, Jordi Alonso, Corina Benjet, Ronny Bruffaerts, José Miguel Caldas-Almeida, Graça Cardoso, Elisa Caselani, Stephanie Chardoul, Alfredo Cía, Peter de Jonge, Oye Gureje, Josep Maria Haro, Elie G. Karam, Viviane Kovess-Masfety, Fernando Navarro-Mateu, Marina Piazza, José Posada-Villa, Kate M. Scott, Juan Carlos Stagnaro, Margreet ten Have, Yolanda Torres, Cristian Vladescu, Ronald C. Kessler
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- Psychological Medicine / Volume 54 / Issue 1 / January 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 September 2023, pp. 67-78
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Background
Despite their documented efficacy, substantial proportions of patients discontinue antidepressant medication (ADM) without a doctor's recommendation. The current report integrates data on patient-reported reasons into an investigation of patterns and predictors of ADM discontinuation.
MethodsFace-to-face interviews with community samples from 13 countries (n = 30 697) in the World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys included n = 1890 respondents who used ADMs within the past 12 months.
Results10.9% of 12-month ADM users reported discontinuation-based on recommendation of the prescriber while 15.7% discontinued in the absence of prescriber recommendation. The main patient-reported reason for discontinuation was feeling better (46.6%), which was reported by a higher proportion of patients who discontinued within the first 2 weeks of treatment than later. Perceived ineffectiveness (18.5%), predisposing factors (e.g. fear of dependence) (20.0%), and enabling factors (e.g. inability to afford treatment cost) (5.0%) were much less commonly reported reasons. Discontinuation in the absence of prescriber recommendation was associated with low country income level, being employed, and having above average personal income. Age, prior history of psychotropic medication use, and being prescribed treatment from a psychiatrist rather than from a general medical practitioner, in comparison, were associated with a lower probability of this type of discontinuation. However, these predictors varied substantially depending on patient-reported reasons for discontinuation.
ConclusionDropping out early is not necessarily negative with almost half of individuals noting they felt better. The study underscores the diverse reasons given for dropping out and the need to evaluate how and whether dropping out influences short- or long-term functioning.
Biomarkers and clinical predictors of long-term course in obsessivecompulsive disorder: A prospective cohort study
- S. López-Rodriguez, P. Alonso Ortega, C. Segalàs Cosi, E. Real Barrero, S. Bertolín Triquell, C. Soriano Mas, Á. Carracedo Alvarez, J. M. Menchón Magriña
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S231
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Introduction
The purpose of the research project is to analyze the long-term evolution of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from of a study of a cohort of patients prospectively followed over a period ranging from 5 to 20 years, treated for according to therapeutic guidelines mediating serotonin reuptake inhibitors (IRS) and drug enhancers (antipsychotics) and cognitive behavioral therapy and evaluated in a standardized manner.
ObjectivesTo assess the long-term course of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in a cohort of patients treated according to current clinical guidelines; to analyse possible prognostic factors associated with the long-term course of the disorder including clinical and sociodemographic variables, as well as genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers, and their interaction, and finally to study neuroanatomical and functional cerebral connectivity changes after 15 years of treatment in a subsample of patients.
MethodsProspective, descriptive, and observational study of a cohort of OCD patients, receiving treatment at the Department of Psychiatry of Hospital de Bellvitge since 1998, according to a standardized protocol. Follow-up period ranges from 5 (n=423), to 10 (n= 247) and 15 years (123). Baseline clinical and sociodemographic assessment, long-term evolution and information on treatments provided are available for the whole sample. Data on whole exome sequencing is available for 300 of the patients included in the cohort and baseline structural neuroimaging and cerebral functional connectivity has been analysed in 168 subjects. To expand the analysis of genetic biomarkers, we propose the study of de novo variants through exome analysis of 50 trios (patient and both parents) selected among those subjects that have reached 15 years of follow-up (25 trios with patients within the “long-term remission” group and 25 trios with patients with chronic OCD). De novo variants detected in the trio analysis will be replicated in the rest of the sample. A structural and resting state MRI will be obtained in a subsample of 100 patients recruited among those who have completed a minimum follow-up period of 15 years, to assess cerebral changes associated with the long-term course of the disorder.
Resultsin the current moment the recruitment period of the study has ended and all the data is being statistically analysed in order to provide solid results in a short period of time.
ConclusionsThe identification of those factors associated with an increased risk of chronic disease is an element essential to offer personalized treatment to our patients and improve their prognosis, emphasizing the intensive use of those therapeutic strategies for which we can predict a better response and modifying to the extent of, if possible, environmental factors or factors of access to treatment that contribute to perpetuate obsessive symptoms.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Smoking treatments for patients with mental illness: case presentation and a brief literature review
- F. Garcia Sanchez, M. Gutierrez Rodriguez, C. Moreno Menguiano, M. A. Corral Alonso, J. J. Vazquez Vazquez, S. M. Bañon Gonzalez, V. Voces Domingo, J. A. Casado de la Hera
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S756
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Introduction
Smoking prevalence in patients with mental illness ranges between two to 4 times higher than general population. This higher prevalence has a multifactorial origin, and some of the possible causes are still unknown.
They have a higher prevalence of tobacco-associated diseases and higher mortality.
Additionally, these patients have greater difficulty in treating and quitting smoking.
A relationship has been found between severity of mental illness and smoking. Risk of suicide seems to be higher in patients with higher tobacco consumption. Schizophrenia is the mental illness that has been most closely related to smoking, with a prevalence close to 90%.
ObjectivesThe aim of this work is reviewing the current bibliography referring to smoking treatments for patients with mental illness
MethodsA literature search using electronic manuscripts available in PubMed database published during the last ten years and further description and discussion of a single-patient clinical case
ResultsThe treatment of tobacco dependence in patients with mental illnesses is sometimes waited until there is psychiatric stability, which can take a long time in those cases with more severe mental disorders, which can have negative physical and psychiatric consequences.
The combined treatment of cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacological treatment is the most effective approach. Nicotine replacement therapy can be useful, while combined use of antidepressants or anxiolytics is also recommended.
Bupropion has shown efficacy. In patients with schizophrenia it does not seem to worsen positive symptomatology, but improving the negative one. It should not be used in patients with bipolar disorder or bulimia.
Varenicline has shown efficacy in the general population, but limitations were established in patients with mental illness, although it is the drug that has shown greater efficacy. However, is not currently available in our country.
Cytisine is a drug with limited number of studies in the psychiatric population but it may be a reasonable treatment alternative.
ConclusionsThe prevalence of tobacco use in patients with mental illness is higher than the general population, especially in paranoid schizophrenia. The consequences on physical health and the evolution of psychiatric illness are very relevant. Based on above, a multidisciplinary and coordinated management involving psychiatrists and other specialists in the treatment of these patients should be desirable.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Acute mutism in a young female. A case report of a 20-year-old female who presents a 3-month mutism
- A. Gonzalez-Mota, A. Gonzalez-Gil, C. Martin-Gomez, J. A. Benito-Sanchez, I. M. Peso-Navarro, L. Fernandez-Alonso
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S177-S178
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Introduction
A 20-year-old female presents with a progressive 3-month mutism, hyporexia (20kg weight loss), abulia, anhedonia, apathy, social isolation,seeking company of her parents even at night, bradypsychia, sialorrhea, psychomotor slowdown and hypomimia. She is hospitalized in the Psychiatric Brief Hospitalization Unit (PBHU).Her parents relate the beginning of this symptomatology to a breakup and gender violence,which the patient confirms during the interview by eye/cephalic movements and single words jotted down.
ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to describe the evolution of the patient during her hospitalization in the PBHU of Salamanca and to look into the available bibliography about mutism related to stress and sialorrhea.
MethodsWe carried out a follow-up of the hospitalization of the patient and a structured search in PubMed with the keywords “mutism”,“sialorrhea” and “stress” in the last 10 years in English,Spanish and French.
ResultsFew or no articles where found.Therefore, the articles about mutism and stress were analyzed, which focused mostly in selective mutism. Regarding fear,the response to cope with the threat(fight, flight, freeze) is mediated by the autonomic system. The “Polyvagal Theory” speaks about the vagus nerve participating in emotion regulation (social communication and mobilization). Dissociation, in this context,has adaptive and defensive purposes and its threshold can be reduced by repeated stress situations.Long-term alteration of the autonomic nervous system has been described in selective mutism.This malfunction can be related to an elevated production of saliva due to the activation of the parasympathetic in the salivary glands, causing sialorrhea in our patient.
The patient began treatment with sertraline 100mg and risperidone 2mg with the aim of its antidepressive and major tranquilizer effects, she also began individual and family psychotherapy, we assured her sleep and intakes and she began to progressively recover her speech and mobility,identifying a possible trigger for the symptomatology: a physical beating of gender violence after her breakup.
ConclusionsDissociation and “freeze” response can be a maladaptative mechanism to fear.The malfunction of the autonomic nervous system can explain the disconnection,poor gaze,low facial and body expression and inability to speak.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Visual hallucinations and age-related macular degeneration: case presentation and a brief literature review
- M. M. Gutiérrez Rodríguez, F. García Sánchez, M. Á. Corral Alonso, J. J. Vázquez Vázquez, C. Moreno Menguiano
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S936-S937
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Introduction
age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an ocular disease involving central vision. It is one of the mainreasons of vision loss in people over 50. Seeing non-existing faces or shapes are described in AMD. Symtoms of visualhallucinations that occur as a result of vision loss is known as Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS). These patients haveintact cognition, do not have hallucinations in any other sensory modalities, and retain insight into the unreal nature oftheir hallucinations.
Objectivesthe aim of this work is analizing ethiology, demographic characteristics, clinica features and treatment inpatients with AMD and visual hallucinations
Methodsa literature search using electronic manuscripts available in PubMed database published during the last ten years with further description and discussion of a single-patient clinical case.
Resultsin different studies in patients diagnosed with AMD, the reported prevalence ranges between 15 up to 39percent. Patients with more significant vision loss may be more likely to experience visual hallucinations. In large caseseries, mean age is 70 to 85 years. Hallucinations can last few minutes or several hours. On average, people experiencethese hallucinations on and off for about 3 years. Those who experience hallucinations tend to see multiple types ofimages, particularly people and faces.The diagnosis of CBS is made when visual hallucinations occur in patients withvision loss in the absence of psychosis, delirium, or other causes.
There is no specific treatment for CBS: optimal ocular care, education and differents techniques to manage hallucinations(changing your lighting conditions and environment, blinking frequently or moving your eyes side-to-side rapidly whilekeeping your head still…). Antidepressants, anticonvulsants, anxiolytics and low-dose of antipsychotics have been used for CBS with positiveeffects in previous reports, but the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment is somewhat questionable and should bereserved for those who exhibit high levels of distress and have not responded to conventional intervention.
Case report: 80-years old woman who presented with a 4 month history of hallucinations and legally blind from AMD. Aworkup for other pathological causes of visual hallucinations was negative.
ConclusionsCBS is an under-recognized and under-reported disorder that involves visual hallucinations in visuallyimpaired individuals. It requires a multidisciplinary approach from neurologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners andophthalmologists. New studies are needed in order to understand its clinical presentation and to improve its management.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
GnRh agonists as precipitating components of psychiatric pathology. A case report.
- A. Guerrero Medina, J. S. García Eslava, A. C. Martín Rodriguez, L. Martinez Salvador, M. J. Alvarez Alonso, M. Aubareda Magriña
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S1042-S1043
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Introduction
GnRh agonists are drugs used in various gynecological pathologies, among which is endometriosis. They act by stimulating GnRh receptors in the pituitary gland. This sustained and continuous stimulation of GnRh, will initially generate an increase in the release of luteinizing hormones and follicle-stimulating hormones, subsequently losing sensitivity to the receptors, internalizing them, and thus suppressing the release of these hormones, which would entail an ovarian suppression, thereby inhibiting the release of estrogens and progesterone. Psychiatric adverse effects have been described. Gonzalez-Rodriguez et al (Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:479), described this association with changes in mood, and the presence of a series of cases where the link between GnRh agonist and the possibility of presenting psychotic symptoms is observed. Wieck (Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2011;8:173-87), Frokjaer (J Neurosci Res 2020;98(7):1283-1292), Brzezinski-Sinai et al (Front Psychiatry 2020;11:693) reported that this association could be related with the relationship of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, hormonal fluctuation and its relationship with the dopaminergic regulation, a genetic component that would increase the predisposition to trigger psychiatric pathology in patients with greater sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations, and the loss of neuroprotection generated by the decrease of estrogens in the central nervous system. All of this in the context of multiple environmental and genetic factors that participate together in the appearance of the disease.
ObjectivesTo describe the importance of detecting the risk factors that can precipitate a psychotic episode, including the use of certain drugs, such as GnRh agonists.
MethodsWe describe a case of a 45 year old patient with endometriosis with multiple organ involvement who went to the emergency room due to behavioral changes in the context of a brief psychotic disorder with “ad-integrum” recovery.
ResultsA retrospective analysis of the case is conducted, observing an association between the introduction of GnRh agonists and the presentation of a first psychotic episode.
ConclusionsThe importance of this case lies in the limited evidence of this association in the literature, and the implication of these drugs in the triggering of psychiatric pathology, being an aspect to be considered by psychiatrists in their patient’s follow-up.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Evidence of distant spiral arms in the Galactic disk quadrant IV from VVV red clump giants
- R. Kammers, R. K. Saito, E. Botan, D. Minniti, J. Alonso-García, L. C. Smith, P. W. Lucas
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- Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia / Volume 39 / 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 09 September 2022, e039
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The discovery of new clear windows in the Galactic plane using the VVV near-IR extinction maps allows the study of the structure of the Milky Way (MW) disk. The ultimate goal of this work is to map the spiral arms in the far side of the MW, which is a relatively unexplored region of our Galaxy, using red clump (RC) giants as distance indicators. We search for near-IR clear windows located at low Galactic latitudes ( $|b|< 1$ deg) in the MW disk using the VVV near-IR extinction maps. We have identified two new windows named VVV WIN 1607–5258 and VVV WIN 1475–5877, respectively, that complement the previously known window VVV WIN 1713–3939. We analyse the distribution of RC stars in these three clear near-IR windows and measure their number density along the line of sight. This allows us to find overdensities in the distribution and measure their distances along the line of sight. We then use the VVV proper motions in order to measure the kinematics of the RC stars at different distances. We find enhancements in the distance distribution of RC giants in all the studied windows, interpreting them as the presence of spiral arms in the MW disk. These structures are absent in the current models of synthetic population for the same MW lines of sight. We were able to trace the end of the Galactic bar, the Norma arm, as well as the Scutum–Centaurus arm in the far disk. Using the VVV proper motions, we measure the kinematics for these Galactic features, confirming that they share the bulk rotation of the Galactic disk.
Mental impact of Covid-19 among Spanish healthcare workers. A large longitudinal survey
- J. Alonso, G. Vilagut, I. Alayo, M. Ferrer, F. Amigo, A. Aragón-Peña, E. Aragonès, M. Campos, I. del Cura-González, I. Urreta, M. Espuga, A. González Pinto, J. M. Haro, N. López Fresneña, A. Martínez de Salázar, J. D. Molina, R. M. Ortí Lucas, M. Parellada, J. M. Pelayo-Terán, A. Pérez Zapata, J. I. Pijoan, N. Plana, M. T. Puig, C. Rius, C. Rodriguez-Blazquez, F. Sanz, C. Serra, R. C. Kessler, R. Bruffaerts, E. Vieta, V. Pérez-Solá, P. Mortier, MINDCOVID Working group
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- Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences / Volume 31 / 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 29 April 2022, e28
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Aims
Longitudinal data on the mental health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in healthcare workers is limited. We estimated prevalence, incidence and persistence of probable mental disorders in a cohort of Spanish healthcare workers (Covid-19 waves 1 and 2) -and identified associated risk factors.
Methods8996 healthcare workers evaluated on 5 May–7 September 2020 (baseline) were invited to a second web-based survey (October–December 2020). Major depressive disorder (PHQ-8 ≥ 10), generalised anxiety disorder (GAD-7 ≥ 10), panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PCL-5 ≥ 7), and alcohol use disorder (CAGE-AID ≥ 2) were assessed. Distal (pre-pandemic) and proximal (pandemic) risk factors were included. We estimated the incidence of probable mental disorders (among those without disorders at baseline) and persistence (among those with disorders at baseline). Logistic regression of individual-level [odds ratios (OR)] and population-level (population attributable risk proportions) associations were estimated, adjusting by all distal risk factors, health care centre and time of baseline interview.
Results4809 healthcare workers participated at four months follow-up (cooperation rate = 65.7%; mean = 120 days s.d. = 22 days from baseline assessment). Follow-up prevalence of any disorder was 41.5%, (v. 45.4% at baseline, p < 0.001); incidence, 19.7% (s.e. = 1.6) and persistence, 67.7% (s.e. = 2.3). Proximal factors showing significant bivariate-adjusted associations with incidence included: work-related factors [prioritising Covid-19 patients (OR = 1.62)], stress factors [personal health-related stress (OR = 1.61)], interpersonal stress (OR = 1.53) and financial factors [significant income loss (OR = 1.37)]. Risk factors associated with persistence were largely similar.
ConclusionsOur study indicates that the prevalence of probable mental disorders among Spanish healthcare workers during the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic was similarly high to that after the first wave. This was in good part due to the persistence of mental disorders detected at the baseline, but with a relevant incidence of about 1 in 5 of HCWs without mental disorders during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. Health-related factors, work-related factors and interpersonal stress are important risks of persistence of mental disorders and of incidence of mental disorders. Adequately addressing these factors might have prevented a considerable amount of mental health impact of the pandemic among this vulnerable population. Addressing health-related stress, work-related factors and interpersonal stress might reduce the prevalence of these disorders substantially. Study registration number: NCT04556565
Childhood adversities and mental disorders in first-year college students: results from the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative
- Mathilde M. Husky, Ekaterina Sadikova, Sue Lee, Jordi Alonso, Randy P. Auerbach, Jason Bantjes, Ronny Bruffaerts, Pim Cuijpers, David D. Ebert, Raùl Gutiérrez Garcia, Penelope Hasking, Arthur Mak, Margaret McLafferty, Nancy A. Sampson, Dan J. Stein, Ronald C. Kessler, WHO WMH-ICS collaborators
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- Psychological Medicine / Volume 53 / Issue 7 / May 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 January 2022, pp. 2963-2973
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Background
This study investigates associations of several dimensions of childhood adversities (CAs) with lifetime mental disorders, 12-month disorder persistence, and impairment among incoming college students.
MethodsData come from the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative (WMH-ICS). Web-based surveys conducted in nine countries (n = 20 427) assessed lifetime and 12-month mental disorders, 12-month role impairment, and seven types of CAs occurring before the age of 18: parental psychopathology, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, neglect, bullying victimization, and dating violence. Poisson regressions estimated associations using three dimensions of CA exposure: type, number, and frequency.
ResultsOverall, 75.8% of students reported exposure to at least one CA. In multivariate regression models, lifetime onset and 12-month mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders were all associated with either the type, number, or frequency of CAs. In contrast, none of these associations was significant when predicting disorder persistence. Of the three CA dimensions examined, only frequency was associated with severe role impairment among students with 12-month disorders. Population-attributable risk simulations suggest that 18.7–57.5% of 12-month disorders and 16.3% of severe role impairment among those with disorders were associated with these CAs.
ConclusionCAs are associated with an elevated risk of onset and impairment among 12-month cases of diverse mental disorders but are not involved in disorder persistence. Future research on the associations of CAs with psychopathology should include fine-grained assessments of CA exposure and attempt to trace out modifiable intervention targets linked to mechanisms of associations with lifetime psychopathology and burden of 12-month mental disorders.
Previous disorders and depression outcomes in individuals with 12-month major depressive disorder in the World Mental Health surveys
- Annelieke M. Roest, Ymkje Anna de Vries, Ali Al-Hamzawi, Jordi Alonso, Olatunde O. Ayinde, Ronny Bruffaerts, Brendan Bunting, José Miguel Caldas de Almeida, Giovanni de Girolamo, Louisa Degenhardt, Silvia Florescu, Oye Gureje, Josep Maria Haro, Chiyi Hu, Elie G. Karam, Andrzej Kiejna, Viviane Kovess-Masfety, Sing Lee, John J. McGrath, Maria Elena Medina-Mora, Fernando Navarro-Mateu, Daisuke Nishi, Marina Piazza, José Posada-Villa, Kate M. Scott, Juan Carlos Stagnaro, Dan J. Stein, Yolanda Torres, Maria Carmen Viana, Zahari Zarkov, Ronald C. Kessler, Peter de Jonge
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- Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences / Volume 30 / 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 November 2021, e70
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Aims
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterised by a recurrent course and high comorbidity rates. A lifespan perspective may therefore provide important information regarding health outcomes. The aim of the present study is to examine mental disorders that preceded 12-month MDD diagnosis and the impact of these disorders on depression outcomes.
MethodsData came from 29 cross-sectional community epidemiological surveys of adults in 27 countries (n = 80 190). The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to assess 12-month MDD and lifetime DSM-IV disorders with onset prior to the respondent's age at interview. Disorders were grouped into depressive distress disorders, non-depressive distress disorders, fear disorders and externalising disorders. Depression outcomes included 12-month suicidality, days out of role and impairment in role functioning.
ResultsAmong respondents with 12-month MDD, 94.9% (s.e. = 0.4) had at least one prior disorder (including previous MDD), and 64.6% (s.e. = 0.9) had at least one prior, non-MDD disorder. Previous non-depressive distress, fear and externalising disorders, but not depressive distress disorders, predicted higher impairment (OR = 1.4–1.6) and suicidality (OR = 1.5–2.5), after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. Further adjustment for MDD characteristics weakened, but did not eliminate, these associations. Associations were largely driven by current comorbidities, but both remitted and current externalising disorders predicted suicidality among respondents with 12-month MDD.
ConclusionsThese results illustrate the importance of careful psychiatric history taking regarding current anxiety disorders and lifetime externalising disorders in individuals with MDD.
Antidepressant use in low- middle- and high-income countries: a World Mental Health Surveys report
- Alan E. Kazdin, Chi-Shin Wu, Irving Hwang, Victor Puac-Polanco, Nancy A. Sampson, Ali Al-Hamzawi, Jordi Alonso, Laura Helena Andrade, Corina Benjet, José-Miguel Caldas-de-Almeida, Giovanni de Girolamo, Peter de Jonge, Silvia Florescu, Oye Gureje, Josep M. Haro, Meredith G. Harris, Elie G. Karam, Georges Karam, Viviane Kovess-Masfety, Sing Lee, John J. McGrath, Fernando Navarro-Mateu, Daisuke Nishi, Bibilola D. Oladeji, José Posada-Villa, Dan J. Stein, T. Bedirhan Üstün, Daniel V. Vigo, Zahari Zarkov, Alan M. Zaslavsky, Ronald C. Kessler, the WHO World Mental Health Survey collaborators
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- Psychological Medicine / Volume 53 / Issue 4 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 23 September 2021, pp. 1583-1591
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Background
The most common treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) is antidepressant medication (ADM). Results are reported on frequency of ADM use, reasons for use, and perceived effectiveness of use in general population surveys across 20 countries.
MethodsFace-to-face interviews with community samples totaling n = 49 919 respondents in the World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys asked about ADM use anytime in the prior 12 months in conjunction with validated fully structured diagnostic interviews. Treatment questions were administered independently of diagnoses and asked of all respondents.
Results3.1% of respondents reported ADM use within the past 12 months. In high-income countries (HICs), depression (49.2%) and anxiety (36.4%) were the most common reasons for use. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), depression (38.4%) and sleep problems (31.9%) were the most common reasons for use. Prevalence of use was 2–4 times as high in HICs as LMICs across all examined diagnoses. Newer ADMs were proportionally used more often in HICs than LMICs. Across all conditions, ADMs were reported as very effective by 58.8% of users and somewhat effective by an additional 28.3% of users, with both proportions higher in LMICs than HICs. Neither ADM class nor reason for use was a significant predictor of perceived effectiveness.
ConclusionADMs are in widespread use and for a variety of conditions including but going beyond depression and anxiety. In a general population sample from multiple LMICs and HICs, ADMs were widely perceived to be either very or somewhat effective by the people who use them.
Non-suicidal self-injury among first-year college students and its association with mental disorders: results from the World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) initiative
- Glenn Kiekens, Penelope Hasking, Ronny Bruffaerts, Jordi Alonso, Randy P. Auerbach, Jason Bantjes, Corina Benjet, Mark Boyes, Wai Tat Chiu, Laurence Claes, Pim Cuijpers, David D. Ebert, Arthur Mak, Philippe Mortier, Siobhan O'Neill, Nancy A. Sampson, Dan J. Stein, Gemma Vilagut, Matthew K. Nock, Ronald C. Kessler
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- Psychological Medicine / Volume 53 / Issue 3 / February 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 June 2021, pp. 875-886
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Background
Although non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an issue of major concern to colleges worldwide, we lack detailed information about the epidemiology of NSSI among college students. The objectives of this study were to present the first cross-national data on the prevalence of NSSI and NSSI disorder among first-year college students and its association with mental disorders.
MethodsData come from a survey of the entering class in 24 colleges across nine countries participating in the World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) initiative assessed in web-based self-report surveys (20 842 first-year students). Using retrospective age-of-onset reports, we investigated time-ordered associations between NSSI and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-IV) mood (major depressive and bipolar disorder), anxiety (generalized anxiety and panic disorder), and substance use disorders (alcohol and drug use disorder).
ResultsNSSI lifetime and 12-month prevalence were 17.7% and 8.4%. A positive screen of 12-month DSM-5 NSSI disorder was 2.3%. Of those with lifetime NSSI, 59.6% met the criteria for at least one mental disorder. Temporally primary lifetime mental disorders predicted subsequent onset of NSSI [median odds ratio (OR) 2.4], but these primary lifetime disorders did not consistently predict 12-month NSSI among respondents with lifetime NSSI. Conversely, even after controlling for pre-existing mental disorders, NSSI consistently predicted later onset of mental disorders (median OR 1.8) as well as 12-month persistence of mental disorders among students with a generalized anxiety disorder (OR 1.6) and bipolar disorder (OR 4.6).
ConclusionsNSSI is common among first-year college students and is a behavioral marker of various common mental disorders.
Thirty-day suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the Spanish adult general population during the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 pandemic
- P. Mortier, G. Vilagut, M. Ferrer, I. Alayo, R. Bruffaerts, P. Cristóbal-Narváez, I. del Cura-González, J. Domènech-Abella, M. Felez-Nobrega, B. Olaya, J. I. Pijoan, E. Vieta, V. Pérez-Solà, R. C. Kessler, J. M. Haro, J. Alonso, MINDCOVID Working group
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- Journal:
- Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences / Volume 30 / 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 17 February 2021, e19
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Aims
To investigate the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB; i.e. suicidal ideation, plans or attempts) in the Spanish adult general population during the first wave of the Spain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (March−July, 2020), and to investigate the individual- and population-level impact of relevant distal and proximal STB risk factor domains.
MethodsCross-sectional study design using data from the baseline assessment of an observational cohort study (MIND/COVID project). A nationally representative sample of 3500 non-institutionalised Spanish adults (51.5% female; mean age = 49.6 [s.d. = 17.0]) was taken using dual-frame random digit dialing, stratified for age, sex and geographical area. Professional interviewers carried out computer-assisted telephone interviews (1–30 June 2020). Thirty-day STB was assessed using modified items from the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Distal (i.e. pre-pandemic) risk factors included sociodemographic variables, number of physical health conditions and pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders; proximal (i.e. pandemic) risk factors included current mental disorders and a range of adverse events-experiences related to the pandemic. Logistic regression was used to investigate individual-level associations (odds ratios [OR]) and population-level associations (population attributable risk proportions [PARP]) between risk factors and 30-day STB. All data were weighted using post-stratification survey weights.
ResultsEstimated prevalence of 30-day STB was 4.5% (1.8% active suicidal ideation; n = 5 [0.1%] suicide attempts). STB was 9.7% among the 34.3% of respondents with pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders, and 1.8% among the 65.7% without any pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorder. Factors significantly associated with STB were pre-pandemic lifetime mental disorders (total PARP = 49.1%) and current mental disorders (total PARP = 58.4%), i.e. major depressive disorder (OR = 6.0; PARP = 39.2%), generalised anxiety disorder (OR = 5.6; PARP = 36.3%), post-traumatic stress disorder (OR = 4.6; PARP = 26.6%), panic attacks (OR = 6.7; PARP = 36.6%) and alcohol/substance use disorder (OR = 3.3; PARP = 5.9%). Pandemic-related adverse events-experiences associated with STB were lack of social support, interpersonal stress, stress about personal health and about the health of loved ones (PARPs 32.7–42.6%%), and having loved ones infected with COVID-19 (OR = 1.7; PARP = 18.8%). Up to 74.1% of STB is potentially attributable to the joint effects of mental disorders and adverse events−experiences related to the pandemic.
ConclusionsSTB at the end of the first wave of the Spain COVID-19 pandemic was high, and large proportions of STB are potentially attributable to mental disorders and adverse events−experiences related to the pandemic, including health-related stress, lack of social support and interpersonal stress. There is an urgent need to allocate resources to increase access to adequate mental healthcare, even in times of healthcare system overload.
Study registration numberNCT04556565
Comorbidity within mental disorders: a comprehensive analysis based on 145 990 survey respondents from 27 countries
- J. J. McGrath, C. C. W. Lim, O. Plana-Ripoll, Y. Holtz, E. Agerbo, N. C. Momen, P. B. Mortensen, C. B. Pedersen, J. Abdulmalik, S. Aguilar-Gaxiola, A. Al-Hamzawi, J. Alonso, E. J. Bromet, R. Bruffaerts, B. Bunting, J. M. C. de Almeida, G. de Girolamo, Y. A. De Vries, S. Florescu, O. Gureje, J. M. Haro, M. G. Harris, C. Hu, E. G. Karam, N. Kawakami, A. Kiejna, V. Kovess-Masfety, S. Lee, Z. Mneimneh, F. Navarro-Mateu, R. Orozco, J. Posada-Villa, A. M. Roest, S. Saha, K. M. Scott, J. C. Stagnaro, D. J. Stein, Y. Torres, M. C. Viana, Y. Ziv, R. C. Kessler, P. de Jonge
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- Journal:
- Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences / Volume 29 / 2020
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 12 August 2020, e153
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Aims
Epidemiological studies indicate that individuals with one type of mental disorder have an increased risk of subsequently developing other types of mental disorders. This study aimed to undertake a comprehensive analysis of pair-wise lifetime comorbidity across a range of common mental disorders based on a diverse range of population-based surveys.
MethodsThe WHO World Mental Health (WMH) surveys assessed 145 990 adult respondents from 27 countries. Based on retrospectively-reported age-of-onset for 24 DSM-IV mental disorders, associations were examined between all 548 logically possible temporally-ordered disorder pairs. Overall and time-dependent hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models. Absolute risks were estimated using the product-limit method. Estimates were generated separately for men and women.
ResultsEach prior lifetime mental disorder was associated with an increased risk of subsequent first onset of each other disorder. The median HR was 12.1 (mean = 14.4; range 5.2–110.8, interquartile range = 6.0–19.4). The HRs were most prominent between closely-related mental disorder types and in the first 1–2 years after the onset of the prior disorder. Although HRs declined with time since prior disorder, significantly elevated risk of subsequent comorbidity persisted for at least 15 years. Appreciable absolute risks of secondary disorders were found over time for many pairs.
ConclusionsSurvey data from a range of sites confirms that comorbidity between mental disorders is common. Understanding the risks of temporally secondary disorders may help design practical programs for primary prevention of secondary disorders.
Intermittent explosive disorder subtypes in the general population: association with comorbidity, impairment and suicidality
- K. M. Scott, Y. A. de Vries, S. Aguilar-Gaxiola, A. Al-Hamzawi, J. Alonso, E. J. Bromet, B. Bunting, J. M. Caldas-de-Almeida, A. Cía, S. Florescu, O. Gureje, C-Y. Hu, E. G. Karam, A. Karam, N. Kawakami, R. C. Kessler, S. Lee, J. McGrath, B. Oladeji, J. Posada-Villa, D. J. Stein, Z. Zarkov, P. de Jonge
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- Journal:
- Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences / Volume 29 / 2020
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 23 June 2020, e138
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Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is characterised by impulsive anger attacks that vary greatly across individuals in severity and consequence. Understanding IED subtypes has been limited by lack of large, general population datasets including assessment of IED. Using the 17-country World Mental Health surveys dataset, this study examined whether behavioural subtypes of IED are associated with differing patterns of comorbidity, suicidality and functional impairment.
MethodsIED was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview in the World Mental Health surveys (n = 45 266). Five behavioural subtypes were created based on type of anger attack. Logistic regression assessed association of these subtypes with lifetime comorbidity, lifetime suicidality and 12-month functional impairment.
ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of IED in all countries was 0.8% (s.e.: 0.0). The two subtypes involving anger attacks that harmed people (‘hurt people only’ and ‘destroy property and hurt people’), collectively comprising 73% of those with IED, were characterised by high rates of externalising comorbid disorders. The remaining three subtypes involving anger attacks that destroyed property only, destroyed property and threatened people, and threatened people only, were characterised by higher rates of internalising than externalising comorbid disorders. Suicidal behaviour did not vary across the five behavioural subtypes but was higher among those with (v. those without) comorbid disorders, and among those who perpetrated more violent assaults.
ConclusionsThe most common IED behavioural subtypes in these general population samples are associated with high rates of externalising disorders. This contrasts with the findings from clinical studies of IED, which observe a preponderance of internalising disorder comorbidity. This disparity in findings across population and clinical studies, together with the marked heterogeneity that characterises the diagnostic entity of IED, suggests that it is a disorder that requires much greater research.
Patterns of care and dropout rates from outpatient mental healthcare in low-, middle- and high-income countries from the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Survey Initiative
- Daniel Fernández, Daniel Vigo, Nancy A. Sampson, Irving Hwang, Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, Ali O. Al-Hamzawi, Jordi Alonso, Laura Helena Andrade, Evelyn J. Bromet, Giovanni de Girolamo, Peter de Jonge, Silvia Florescu, Oye Gureje, Hristo Hinkov, Chiyi Hu, Elie G. Karam, Georges Karam, Norito Kawakami, Andrzej Kiejna, Viviane Kovess-Masfety, Maria E. Medina-Mora, Fernando Navarro-Mateu, Akin Ojagbemi, Siobhan O'Neill, Marina Piazza, Jose Posada-Villa, Charlene Rapsey, David R. Williams, Miguel Xavier, Yuval Ziv, Ronald C. Kessler, Josep M. Haro
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- Journal:
- Psychological Medicine / Volume 51 / Issue 12 / September 2021
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 April 2020, pp. 2104-2116
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Background
There is a substantial proportion of patients who drop out of treatment before they receive minimally adequate care. They tend to have worse health outcomes than those who complete treatment. Our main goal is to describe the frequency and determinants of dropout from treatment for mental disorders in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.
MethodsRespondents from 13 low- or middle-income countries (N = 60 224) and 15 in high-income countries (N = 77 303) were screened for mental and substance use disorders. Cross-tabulations were used to examine the distribution of treatment and dropout rates for those who screened positive. The timing of dropout was examined using Kaplan–Meier curves. Predictors of dropout were examined with survival analysis using a logistic link function.
ResultsDropout rates are high, both in high-income (30%) and low/middle-income (45%) countries. Dropout mostly occurs during the first two visits. It is higher in general medical rather than in specialist settings (nearly 60% v. 20% in lower income settings). It is also higher for mild and moderate than for severe presentations. The lack of financial protection for mental health services is associated with overall increased dropout from care.
ConclusionsExtending financial protection and coverage for mental disorders may reduce dropout. Efficiency can be improved by managing the milder clinical presentations at the entry point to the mental health system, providing adequate training, support and specialist supervision for non-specialists, and streamlining referral to psychiatrists for more severe cases.
PW01-35 - A Prospective Study of Mixed Bipolar Patients: Ten Years of Follow Up
- A. Ugarte, J. García, S. Ruiz de Azúa, I. González, M. Sáenz, M. Gutierrez, C. Valcarcel, E. Zuhaitz, I. de la Rosa, R. Alonso, A. González-Pinto
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 25 / Issue S1 / 2010
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 17 April 2020, 25-E1437
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Introduction
Mixed Bipolar patients are those who have co-existing depressive symptoms during mania. These patients are supposed to have a worse evolution.
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes of patients who had at least one mixed episode with those who experienced only pure manic episodes.
Methods169 outpatients diagnosed of Bipolar I disorder and treated at least during two years were included. 120 patients (71%) complited the follow-up over 10 years. Baseline demographic and clinical variables were included.
ResultsThe patients with mixed episodes (37%) had a significantly younger mean age at onset comparing with those with manic episodes (25.3 years vs. 30.8 years; p=0.025) they also had more previous mood- incongruent psychotic symptoms χ2= 6.77, p=0.034), more number of hospitalizations (OR= 1.36, 95% CI = 1.14; -1.63; p< 0.001), and more number of episodes (OR= 1.21, 95% CI = 1.10-1.31; p< 0.001). There were no significant differences relating to depressive episodes, alcohol use, drug abuse, suicidal behaviour and suicide attempts.
DiscussionAge at onset differed significantly between the mixed episode and pure mania groups, with mixed episode patients having a younger age of onset. This is interesting as one of the major results of the study we have found that age at onset mediates some of the factors classically related to outcome in mixed episodes like alcohol abuse and suicide attempts. However, independently of age at onset, these patients represent a especially severe type of bipolar disorder.
The Catalan Healthcare Intercultural Mediation Training Project of “la Caixa” Social and Cultural Outreach Projects
- A. Qureshi, F. Collazos, H.W. Revollo, M. Ramos, C. Delgadillo, J. El Harrak, F. Rubio, T. Lizana, E. Alonso, F. Auquer, D. Muñoz, M. Cabré, P. Blanco, M. Simón, M. Casas
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 24 / Issue S1 / January 2009
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2020, 24-E962
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Known by many different names-culture broker, community interpreter, medical interpreter, and communication facilitator-the intercultural mediator has as a primary task the facilitation of communication and the therapeutic relationship in the presence of linguistic and/or cultural difference. The Immigration Plan of “la Caixa” Social and Cultural Outreach Projects has undertaken an ambitious project to train all of the cultural mediators in Spain, including both those currently working and those newly entering the field, to meet existing needs. In the first phase of the project, the training was developed in Catalunya, in collaboration with the the Catalan Department of Health, executed by the Psychiatry Department of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Autonomous University of Barcelona) and certified by the Health Studies Institute of the Department of Health. Drawing from the four years experience of the NGO SURT and the Department of Psychiatry of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, the program provides 200 hours of theoretical and 1200 hours of practical training. 50 currently employed intercultural mediators and 30 novices are being trained. In subsequent phases the training will be adapted to needs of other autonomous regions of Spain. Modules include medical anthropology, Western biomedicine, community health, linguistic interpretation, cultural competence, professional identity, and ethics. Small group supervision provides a supportive environment to facilitate the application of theory to practice. Finally, high quality training materials were developed specifically for the course. Preliminary evaluations of the project are positive despite some unanticipated complications.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and schizophrenia
- B. Verge, Y. Alonso, J. Valero, C. Miralles, E. Vilella, L. Martorell
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 26 / Issue 1 / January 2011
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 April 2020, pp. 45-56
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The poorly understood aetiology of schizophrenia is known to involve a major genetic contribution even though the genetic factors remain elusive. Most genetic studies are based on Mendelian rules and focus on the nuclear genome, but current studies indicate that other genetic mechanisms are probably involved. This review focuses on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), a maternally inherited, 16.6-Kb molecule crucial for energy production that is implicated in numerous human traits and disorders. The aim of this review is to summarise the studies that have explored mtDNA in schizophrenia patients and those which provide evidence for its implication in this illness. Alterations in mitochondrial morphometry, brain energy metabolism, and enzymatic activity in the mitochondrial respiratory chain suggest a mitochondrial dysfunction in schizophrenia that could be related to the genetic characteristics of mtDNA. Moreover, evidence of maternal inheritance and the presence of schizophrenia symptoms in patients suffering from a mitochondrial disorder related to an mtDNA mutation suggest that mtDNA is involved in schizophrenia. The association of specific variants has been reported at the molecular level; however, additional studies are needed to determine whether the mitochondrial genome is involved in schizophrenia.