Vertex Revista Argentina de Psiquiatría

Issuance of a Disability ID due to Autism in Buenos Aires: longitudinal analysis

Agustina Aragón-Daud — 2025-01-10

Objective: Effective access to essential services is critical for some individuals with autism. In Argentina, the Unique Disability ID ensures essential rights and benefits for people with autism. Analyzing the demand for autism-related Disability IDs can offer valuable insights into the needs of this population. Method: This study examined official data on Unique Disability IDs for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Buenos Aires from 2016 to 2021. Results: Results showed most Disability IDs were issued to males and for Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Notably, almost half of the Disability IDs were granted to individuals over 8 years old, being these consistent trends over the years. We observed a significant drop in Disability ID issuance in 2020. Conclusions: Our findings highlight challenges regarding delayed and non-specific diagnosis, leading to delayed access to rights and less targeted treatments. These patterns on spontaneous assistance requests for state services related to autism can shape well- nformed public policies and optimize resource allocation.

Prospective study of neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms post-stroke

Waleska Berrios — 2025-01-10

Introduction: Stroke is a risk factor for neurocognitive disorder. Studies report that post- troke neurocognitive disorder is present in 20 % to 80 % of cases. Neuropsychiatric symptoms are also reported, with depression being the most common. This study aims to establish the prevalence of neurocognitive disorder, depression, and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in individuals with a first ischemic stroke. Methods: Adult patients with a first ischemic stroke were evaluated at 3- and 12-months post- event using standard neuropsychological assessment, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Cummings Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Patients were classified as having normal cognitive performance and minor or major neurocognitive disorder according to DSM-5 criteria. Results: A total of 36 patients with a mean age of 60.97 ± 16.98 years were included. Neurocognitive disorder (major and minor) was recorded in 63.8 % of cases at three months and 66.6 % at one year. Behavioral symptoms, according to the europsychiatric Inventory, were observed in 69.4 % of cases at three and 50 % at one year, while depressive symptoms, according to the Beck Depression Inventory-II, were present in 16.6 % of cases at three months and 22.2 % at one year. Arterial hypertension was the most common modifiable risk factor in this population and correlated with the presence of neurocognitive disorder. Discussion: Detecting neurocognitive disorders and neuropsychiatric symptoms after a stroke is necessary based on their high prevalence reported, thereby allowing for proper management and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Quality analysis and other things related to the sleep of Argentines during the last days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional study

Stella Maris Valiensi — 2025-01-10

Objective: To evaluate the quality, habits and some sleep disorders days before the declaration of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Cross-sectional observational study. Online survey distributed through a web platform from March 1 to April 15, 2023. The analysis considered: demographic information, sleep quality and some changes in habits/behaviors. Results: N=2081 responses were evaluated. The mean age was 37 ± 12 (16-86 years). We found that 56.5 % of the responses were from the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area and 70.7 % were women. 68.3 % had poor sleep quality. 31.8 % slept with pets. 44.2 % reported sleep problems and 34.9 % reported sleeping less than six hours. 25.5 % reported that their sleep efficiency was less than 75 %. 25.3 % reported alterations in sleep main-tenance; snoring 15 %; nightmares 16.4 %, bruxism 20.4 %; restless legs syndrome 14.8 %. Poor sleep quality was associated with female sex (p=0.00), with those who lived in the Metropolitan Area (p=0.01) and with those who slept with pets (p=0.00). Females had a higher prevalence of restless legs syndrome symptoms (p=0.00). Conclusions: The analysis identified that more than half of the population reported poor sleep quality, mainly women, residents of the metropolitan area and those who slept with pets.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding diagnosis and management of delirium at the Cayetano Heredia Hospital

Grethel Díaz-Vargas — 2025-01-10

Introduction: delirium is a prevalent syndrome in clinical practice. The objective of this study was to identify the knowledge, attitudes and practices about delirium among medical professionals in a tertiary referral hospital, as well as to evaluate the validity of the instrument created for this purpose. Methods: A 3 phase cross sectional study was carried out: 1- content validation, 2- application of the instrument and 3- Construct validation. Results: After satisfactory content validation, the instrument was applied to 148 participants. Regarding knowledge about delirium, there was an average of 57.8% correct answers (95% CI 52.5- 3.1) with no significant difference between attending physicians, residents and final year medical students. 25% (n=37) reported using the Confusion Assessment Method, 31.1% (n=46) reported feeling confident in the use of antipsychotics in the management of delirium, and 86.5% (n=128) reported using at least one non-pharmacological measure. Conclusions: Deficiencies in knowledge and management of delirium were evident in healthcare workers. The instrument had optimal content validation but unsatisfactory construct validation. Emphasizing the importance of doing a psychometric analysis with individuals prior to applying the instrument.

Frontal Systems Behavior Scale: normative data for adults from Buenos Aires, Argentina

Natalia Camilotto — 2025-01-10

Introduction and objective: The Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) is a self-administered scale hat evaluates behavioral changes (apathy, disinhibition and executive dysfunction) following a brain injury. The aim of this study was to obtain performance indicators of the total score and the subscales of the FrSBe for Spanish-speaking adults in the Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, analyze the effect of demographic variables and obtain normative data for the instrument. Materials and methods: 169 participants and 83 family members of these participants from Buenos Aires were included. They completed a survey for demographic data and the Spanish version of the FrSBe. Descriptive statistics were calculated and multiple linear regression models were applied to analyze the effect of age, education, and gender on the scores. Results: The variables that showed an effect on the total score of the FrSBe Self-Rating Form were age and education. There was no effect of gender and the model was not significant for the Family Rating Form. Performance means for participants on the scale were obtained, and the normative data are presented grouped into three age groups, each of them into two education groups, similiar to the original version of the instrument. Conclusion: This study provide the first normative data for adults from Buenos Aires in the FrSBe. This represents a crucial contribution to the use of this instrument in this region.

Cultural adaptation of cognitive stimulation therapy

Nancy Medel — 2025-01-10

Introduction: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) originated in the UK and has demonstrated benefits in cognition and quality of life in patients with dementia, through a multicenter, randomized, controlled design study. It was adapted and implemented in more than 30 countries, consisting of 14 group sessions, weekly for 6 to 8 participants. Method: In his paper we present the cultural adaptation of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy following the guidelines for the adaptation of Cognitive estimulation therapy to ther cultures translated into Spanish to be used in our country. The adaptation method, called “Formative Model for Adapting Psychotherapy” (FMAP), from the “bottom up” is community- ased. We started the process with he translation of the manual, then adapted it with feedback from consultations with patients, family members, caregivers and health professionals. Finally, we tested the feasibility and cultural adequacy of the therapy in Spanish. Results: Some modifications, especially related to linguistic issues, were required in 10 of the 14 sessions. We were able to make a culturally appropriate adaptation of this Therapy for Argentina. The systematization and cultural adaptation manual is ready to be used for large scale implementation and validation in this country.

First Argentine Consensus on the management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in adults. Part 1: introduction, working methodology and generalities

Andrea Abadi — 2025-01-10

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has traditionally been understood as a condition primarily associated with childhood. However, growing evidence indicates that ADHD persists into adulthood, manifesting in various ways. Despite its prevalence and significant impact on daily life, adult ADHD has been considerably underestimated and underdiagnosed, resulting in a substantial burden for affected individuals, as well as their families and social environment. This comprehensive review aims to explore the complexity of ADHD in adulthood by addressing its etiology, definition, clinical presentation, risk factors, common comorbidities, evaluation methods, and neuropsychological aspects, alongside both pharmacotherapeutic and non- pharmacotherapeutic approaches for treatment. Additionally, the implications for diagnosis and treatment are examined, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of this condition. Through this document, the Argentine Association of Biological Psychiatry (Asociación Argentina de Psiquiatría Biológica, AAPB) not only seeks to compile and analyze the evidence on adult ADHD but also to provide a practical guide for healthcare professionals treating this disorder. The ultimate goal of this article is to contribute to the development of effective strategies for the evaluation and management of ADHD, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients.

Prevention, early detection and postvention of suicide risk: a narrative review

María Florencia Grande Ratti — 2025-01-10

Suicide represents a critical public health challenge. The present narrative review aimed to update the available evidence on risk detection and prevention, to promote lines of action for the early and comprehensive approach to this complex and multi-causal problem; evaluate the possibility of strengthening policies, programs, and actions to enhance existing resources and promote the creation of new ones. Prevention highlights the need for personalized strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Early detection involves identifying risk profiles, especially in those who have tried multiple times, which can guide more effective interventions. Training health professionals is crucial to detect and address risk. Using web technologies, co-production in prevention, telephone support and brief contact are promising strategies.

Rodolfo Senet: Another Perspective on Misogyny in Argentine “publicism

Norberto Aldo Conti — 2025-01-10

Incluye algunas opiniones sobre la obra: ¿Es superior el hombre a la mujer? (1912), Buenos Aires, de Rodolfo Senet (1872-1938).

Mental Health and Psychiatry in Primary Health Care Practice

Juan Carlos Stagnaro — 2025-01-10

Book review: Salud Mental y Psiquiatría en la práctica de Atención Primaria de la Salud, edited by Juan Pablo Giménez and Julia Acuña y Albert Botto. Instituto Milenio para la Investigación en Depresión y Personalidad, MIDAP, Santiago de Chile, 2024.

Editorial

Juan Carlos Stagnaro — 2025-01-10

Índice

Comité de redacción — 2025-01-10