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Shear viscosity measures the amount of internal friction in a simple fluid. In kinetic theory shear viscosity is related to momentum transport by quasi-particles, and the uncertainty relation implies that the ratio of shear viscosity eta to entropy density s is bounded by a constant multiplied by hbar/k_B, where hbar is Planck's constant and k_B is Boltzmann's constant. A specific bound has been proposed on the basis of string theory. In a large class of theories that can be studied using string theory methods the constant is 1/(4\pi). Experiments at RHIC indicate that eta/s of the quark gluon plasma is close to this prediction. We will refer to a fluid that saturates the string theory bound as a perfect fluid. In this contribution we summarizes the theoretical and experimental information on the fluidity of the main classes of strongly interacting quantum fluids., Comment: 4 pages, prepared for the proceedings of CIPANP 09, San Diego, USA, March 26-31, 2009

OBJECTIVE: To examine the factor structure of the Rutter Teacher Questionnaire in Portuguese primary school children. METHOD: The Rutter Teacher Questionnaire, a 26-item scale covering a variety of behavioral problems, was completed by teachers of 877 children, aged 6 to 11 years. Data were subjected to factor analysis using the principal components solution with varimax rotation. RESULTS: The factorial analysis in total sample revealed three factors explaining 38.88% of the total variance. The factors contained items representing hyperactivity/conduct (Factor 1), anxious/depressive (Factor 2) and truancy/stealing (Factor 3). The highest correlations between factors scores were for Factor 1 and Factor 3. These Factors scores were higher in boys than girls and correlated with lower social class. All three Factors scores correlated with school performance. The comparison between separate factorial structures for the samples of boys and girls revealed a considerable overlap. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of the items contained on Factor 1 appears to be related with the category of hyperkinetic conduct disorder used by the International Classification of Diseases-10. Results suggest that the Portuguese language version of the Rutter Teacher Questionnaire possesses good psychometric properties and may be considered a useful instrument for measuring children's behavior problems.

In Portugal, the medical school selection process relies exclusively on past academic results, involving the most stringent criteria of all courses, with no attention given to the personality traits of the students. In a competitive context, perfectionism dimensions may be relevant to consider. Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP) has been correlated with Neuroticism, while Self-Oriented Perfectionism (SOP) is strongly associated with Conscientiousness. These domains of personality have been linked (lower levels of Neuroticism and higher levels of Conscientiousness) to academic and professional success in Medicine. The premedical syndrome describes premedical students as overachieving, excessively competitive, cynical, dehumanized, overspecialized and narrow. Our main objective was to compare SPP and SOP levels between Medical and Humanities students, as they may be possible indicators of the premedical syndrome among Portuguese medical students.The Portuguese version of the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale was administered to 908 undergraduate students from Medicine and Humanities courses of Coimbra University. The sample covered students from the 1st to the 5th year of the courses but most of the students were from the 1st year (n=436).With respect to SPP, significant statistical differences were found, with Medicine students showing lower levels (mean 48.60+/-11.02; p=0.023) than Humanities students (mean 50.00+/-9.56). No significant differences were found in SOP.Our results are reassuring, suggesting the lack of a negative impact of the medical school selection process in the personality traits of the students and the probable absence of the premedical syndrome.

Objectives: The main objective was to explore which are the dimensions of perfectionism that are linked to disordered eating behaviour (EB) in a large non-clinical sample of both genders. Method: One thousand one hundred and sixty-three undergraduate students of the University of Coimbra completed the Portuguese versions of the multidimensional perfectionism scale (MPS) and the eating attitudes test (EAT-40). Results: In both genders, the MPS total score was associated with the EAT total score and all EAT dimensions (except for socially prescribed perfectionism in females). Self-oriented perfectionism (SOP) and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) were associated with EAT total score, diet concerns (DC) and bulimic behaviour (BB) in females while in males the social prescribed perfectionism (SPP) was the useful predictor of EAT total score, BB and social pressure to eat (SPE). Conclusion: These results confirm that in general high levels of perfectionism are associated with abnormal EB. This was the case for both genders for SPP but for SOP for females only. The association for other oriented perfectionism (OOP) was greater for males than for females. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

Excessive and repetitive negative thinking (RTN) about past experiences or worries about the future is present across a large range of psychological disorders and appears to be involved in the maintenance of emotional problems. Studies have supported that RNT is characterized by the same process across disorders and can be reliably distinguished from other forms of recurrent cognitions and functional forms of repeated thinking, leading Harvey and colleagues (2004) to propose it as a definite transdiagnostic process. As a transdiagnostic phenomenon, RNT is underexplored in fibromyalgia (FM), a highly prevalent syndrome characterized by chronic, medically unexplained widespread musculoskeletal pain that causes significant disability. FM is associated with a high prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity, mostly anxiety and depression, and a large variety of psychological processes. In these patients, cognitive processes and cognitions may play an important role as mediating mechanisms between FM and psychological distress. The content of RNT in patients with FM may be related with excessive monitorization of pain and other physical signs, leading to higher pain intensity and more pain-related fear-avoidance behaviour. In this way, persistence on RNT works as a maladapative coping strategy, impairing emotional regulation and perpetuating psychological distress. Improvement in the understanding of the cognitive processes implicated in FM that could be targeted in cognitive interventions may have positive results in reducing the burden of the syndrome.

Introduction Perfectionism is a personality traitcharacterized by a person's striving for flawlessness and setting excessivelyhigh performance standards, accompanied by overly critical self-evaluations andconcerns regarding others' evaluations. This trait has been associated with abroad range of psychopathological conditions, starting in adolescence. In this context, prevention of its effects must start early, and the efficacyof reducing perfectionist levels in adolescents must be empirically investigated. Objective Toanalyse, for the first time, if one session to cope with perfectionism has theeffect of reducing the levels of this trait after two and six months later. Method:868 adolescents (610 girls),aged 15.73±1.571 years, from two secondary schools in Coimbra, Portugal, answered the Portuguese validated version of the Child and AdolescentPerfectionism Scale (CAPS). Two groups were formed: intervention group receivedone skill session oriented to reduce perfectionism (N=615); control group withoutintervention (N=253). Both groupsanswered CAPS again after two/T1 and six/T2 months. Results No significant differences betweengenders were found in Total CAPS, Self Oriented Perfectionism/SOP and SelfPrescribed Perfectionism/SPP. At T1 significant mean reductions were observedin SOP at the intervention group (T0= 39.58±8.554 vs. T1: 38.44±8.676 t= 3.498,p=.001) but not at the control group (T0= 40.48±8.998 vs. T1: 39.34±7.753 t=1.894, p=.061). No differences significant differences were found in Total CAPSand SPP. At T2, SOP reduction remained in the intervention group (T1=38.44±8.676 vs. T2: 38.67±8.375 t= -.640, p=.020). Conclusions Adolescents are sensitive to short interventionsaiming to reduce perfectionism.

Introduction Perfectionism and Perseverative negative thinking/PNT are both associatedwith OC symptoms. PNT is a prime candidate when investigating the pathway thatlinks perfectionism to psychopathology. Objectives To investigate if PNT mediates the relationshipbetween perfectionismcognitions and OC symptoms. Methods 464 (72.5%females) students (mean age 22.5±4.5 years) participated in an online surveyincluding the Portuguese validated versions of Maudsley O-C Inventory/MOCI (toassess Doubting and Rumination/DR, Checking and Cleaning), PerseverativeThinking Questionnaire/PTQ-15 (Repetitive Thought/RT, Cognitive interferenceand unproductiveness/CIU), Multidimensional Perfectionism CognitionsInventory/MPCI (Concern over Mistakes/CM, Personal Standards/PS, Pursuit of Perfection/PP). Negative affect/NA was assessed with the Profile of Mood States. Results Significantpredictors of MOCI_Total were PP (b=.131),RT (b=.228)and CIU (b=.254)(all p DR waspredicted by CM (b=.107),PP (b=.107),RT (b=.333)and CIU (b=.281)(all p Checkingwas predicted by PP (b=.120), RT (b=.154) andCIU (b=.267)(all p Cleaning wasonly predicted by PP (b=.174; p=.001). QPP-15_Totaland IMCP_Total were mediators of the association of MOCI_Total (and itsdimensions DR and Checking) with NA.

Introduction Perfectionism and perseverative negative thinking/PNT are both associatedwith eating disorders symptoms. PNT is a prime candidate when investigating the pathway that links perfectionism to psychopathology. Objectives To investigate if PNT mediates the relationshipbetween perfectionismcognitions and ED symptoms. Methods 114 young women(mean age=23.78±6.340; mean BMI=21.59±3.127; 49.4% students) fill in the Portuguese validated versions of Eating Attitudes Test/EAT-25 (to evaluateBulimic behaviors, Diet and Social pressure to eat), MultidimensionalPerfectionism Cognitions Inventory (Concern over mistakes/CM, Personal standards/PS,Pursuit of Perfection) and Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire/PTQ-15(Repetitive Thought/RT, Cognitive interference and unproductiveness). Onlyvariables significantly correlated with the outcomes (EAT-25_Total and itsdimensions) were entered in the multiple regression models. Mediation analysesusing Preacher and Hayes bootstrapping methodology were performed. Results Significantpredictors of EAT_Total were CM (b=.180)and RT (b=.169)(both p Bulimicbehaviors were predicted by the same variables (b=.359;b=.154;p Conclusion Although PNT mediates the relationship between perfectionist cognitions andbulimic behavior, the effect of the perfectionism on other disordered eatingdimensions, such as diet and SPE, seems to be independent of the PNT levels. Aspreviously reported in other studies with community samples, disordered eatingbehaviors are associated to negative perfectionism dimensions, but also todimensions that have been considered not entirely maladaptive.

In this paper we review some of the best available evidence to argue that screening for perinatal depression should be systematically conducted since pregnancy. Our view is organized in ten topics: (1) perinatal depression high prevalence; (2) its potential negative consequences, including maternal, conjugal, foetal, infantile, and child effects; (3) its under-detection and treatment; (4) its stigma; (5) the professionals and women misconceptions related to perinatal depression; (6) the availability of valid and short self-report screening instruments for perinatal depression and (7) their acceptability; (8) the increase in recognition, diagnosis, and treatment rates in comparison with routine practice; (9) the opportunity, given the large number of contacts that women have with health professionals in the perinatal period; and (10) perinatal depression screening potential cost-effectiveness.

The authors review the role of cognitive processes and mechanisms involved in the relationship between maladaptive aspects of perfectionism and psychological distress. A brief introduction to the concept of perfectionism is made, giving particular relevance to its multidimensional nature that encompasses positive and negative aspects. The later facets and its relationship with a broad range of psychopathological conditions are emphasized. The main cognitive processes and cognitions underlying perfectionist behavior and its negative emotional consequences are analyzed. Special importance is given to the role of repetitive negative thinking (RNT) and how this cognitive process mediates the relationship between perfectionism and psychological distress. The authors propose a multilevel cognitive model in which the metacognitive beliefs about the value of RNT may explain the onset and maintenance of the cognitive mechanisms involved in perfectionism and its relationship with emotional disturbances. In this context, it is important to develop and test this model empirically, with instruments designed to investigate the metacognitive processes involved in perfectionism.

Introduction Immigration involves significant changes in the psychosocial context, due to losses, relationship breakdowns, lack of social support, not feeling at home, novelty, discrimination, resettlement demands (occupation, language). These life stressors might lead to psychological distress, including depression. Objectives/Aims To explore if there are differences in the prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms in immigrant and Portuguese women during the perinatal period. Methods The sample comprises 397 women. 348 (87.7%) of them were Portuguese and the remaining 49 (12.4%) were born in other Countries (5.8% Other/European, 3.8% African, 2.8% South America). They were both interviewed at the last trimester of pregnancy (T0) and at 3 months postpartum (T1), using the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies , which allows CID-10 and DSM-IV diagnoses of depression. Both at T0 and T1, they also completed the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) to evaluate depressive symptoms. Results Immigrants compared with Portuguese women did not differ in respect to a CID-10/DSM-IV depression diagnosis and in respect to PDSS total scores at T0 and T1. Being immigrant is associated with higher levels of passive suicidal ideation ( death seem the only way out of this nightmare ) (rs=.116, p Conclusions Being immigrant might contribute to higher levels of depressive symptoms during the perinatal period, including suicidal ideation. These findings have clinical implications, while working with immigrants.

Introduction Perfectionism has been associated to Perseverative Negative Thinking [PNT]. Both are transdiagnostic processes. PNT (in the form of worry and rumination) is a prime candidate when investigating negative components of perfectionism (Macedo et al., 2013). Objectives To investigate if PNT mediates the relationship between perfectionism and negative affect [NA]. Methods 344 university students (68.4% girls) were evaluated using Portuguese validated versions of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire (two subscales:’Repetitive Thought’ [RT] and’Cognitive Interference and Unproductiveness’ [CIU]), Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Profile of Mood States and Perceived Stress Scale, with an additional item to evaluate perceived social support [PSS]. Only variables significantly correlated with the outcomes [NA] were entered in the hierarchic multiple regression models. Mediation analyses using Preacher and Hayes bootstrapping methodology were performed. Results Perceived Stress [PS] ((=.245), PSS ((=-.257), Self-Oriented Perfectionism [SOP] ((=-.126), Self-Prescribed Perfectionism [SPP] ((=.122; p=.011), Concern over Mistakes [CM] ((=.102), Doubts about Actions [DA] ((=.115) and CIU ((=.110) were significant predictors (all p Conclusion PNT potentiates the relationship between negative perfectionism and NA. Positive perfectionism is associated with NA, only in the presence of PNT.

Introduction The Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II] (Beck et al., 1996) is the self-report instrument to depressive symptoms most widely used. A 2-factor structure is frequently obtained in clinical and nonclinical samples. Our group found an identical 2-factor solution in pregnant (3rd trimester) and postpartum women (3 months); the two factors were: Cognitive-Affective and Somatic-Anxiety (Bos et al., 2009). Objectives To investigate the BDI-II factor structure in a sample of childbearing age women who were not pregnant or that did not have children in the last year and to compare the structure of depression symptoms experienced by women in the perinatal period versus outside the perinatal period. Methods 120 non-perinatal women (students and employees at health and education institutions), aged 18-44 (M=29.42±7.159 years), currently or in the last year unpregnant, were asked to to fill in the BDI-II. A principal components analysis with Varimax rotation was performed. Results The internal consistency coefficient Cronbach alpha (α) was of .82. Following the Kaiser and the Cattel's Scree Plot criteria, a two factors structure was selected, which explained 43.56% of the variance [EV]. Based on items content, Factor [F] 1 (EV=33.55%; a=.83) and F2 (EV=10.26%; a=.82) were respectively denominated’Somatic-Anxiety’ and’Cognitive-Affective’. The dimensions composition completely overlapped with the Bos et al. (2009) structure, obtained with perinatal women. Conclusions The BDI-II factorial structure in non-perinatal childbearing age women is robust and meaningful. Our results support the view that the structure of depressive symptoms does not differ between perinatal and non-perinatal women.

Introduction Factors associated with postpartum/PPT anxiety have been insufficiently investigated. Objective To identify correlates of PPT anxiety. Methods 201 3-months postpartum women completed the Portuguese versions of Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS), Beck Depression Inventory/BDI-II, Profile of Mood States, Difficult Infant Temperament Questionnaire/DITQ, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and questions on sociodemographic variables, Lifetime history of insomnia/LTHD, Lifetime history of depressive symptomatology/LTHDS, Current insomnia, Health perception/HP, Stress perception/SP, Perceived social support/PSS, Quality of life/QOL, Health problem/complication postpartum, Sensibility to hormonal fluctuations, Type of delivery and Type of feeding. Postpartum anxiety was measured with the Anxiety/Insecurity (AI) subscale of the PDSS. Results AI significantly correlated with LTHDS (rS=.32), LHI (rS=.18), Current insomnia (rS=.32), BDI-II (r=.76), SP (rS=.38), PSS (rS=.25), Perceived QOL (rS=.37), Health perception (rS=.29), Health problem in the postpartum (rS=.26), Negative Affect/NA (r=.66), Positive Affect/PA (r=.58), Conditional Acceptance/CA (r=.29) and DIT (r=.38) (all p M-1DP) DIT, CA, NA and low vs. high PA had significantly higher mean scores in AI (all p Conclusion Our findings are in accordance with previous research and contribute to the progress on this topic.

Introduction Knowledge about the mechanisms underlying the relationship between perfectionism and eating behaviors in overweight/obese women is very scarce. Objectives To investigate the relationship between perfectionism, eating behaviors and affect in overweight women. Methods The Portuguese validated versions of the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire/EDEQ, the Multidimensional Perfectionism Questionnaire and the Profile of Mood States were administered to an outpatient sample of 276 women (Mean age = 43.85 ± 11.89; Mean BMI = 32.82 ± 5.43) attending a weight loss treatment in a public hospital. Results Correlations between Social Prescribed Perfectionism/SPP and EDEQ total (T) and its dimensional scores (Weigh and Shape Concern and Dissatisfaction/WSCD, Eating Concern/EC, Restraint) were all moderate (r > .30) and significant (p > .001). Self-Oriented Perfectionism/SOP was also significantly correlated with EDEQ-T, WSCI and Restraint (r = .20). Positive affect/PA was negatively correlated and Negative affect/NA was positively correlated with all EDEQ dimensions (r > .25; p > .001). SPP, but not SOP, was significantly correlated with PA (r = −.27) and NA (r = .34). Participants with high (>M+SD) vs. low ( Conclusions As in studies with other type of samples, SPP is related to disordered eating in overweight women.

Introduction Postpartum depressive symptomatology is highly prevalent and has negative impact in the entire family. Objective To identify correlates of postpartum depressive symptomatology. Methods 201 3-months postpartum women completed the Portuguese versions of Postpartum Depression Screening Scale/PDSS, Profile of Mood States, Difficult Infant Temperament Questionnaire/DITQ, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and questions on sociodemographic variables (marital status, work status, educational level, parity), Lifetime history of insomnia/LTHD, Lifetime history of depressive symptomatology /LTHDS, Current insomnia, Sleep needs, Health perception/HP, Stress perception/SP, Perceived social support/PSS, Quality of life/QOL, Health problem/complication postpartum, Sensibility to hormonal fluctuations, Type of delivery and Type of feeding. Results Total PDSS significantly correlated with LTHDS (rs=.35), LHI (rs=.22), Current insomnia (rs=.37), SP (rs=39), PSS (rs=.25), Perceived QOL (rs=.31), Health perception (rs=.28), Health problem or complication in the postpartum (rs=.16), Negative Affect/NA (r=.59), Positive Affect/PA (r=-.67), Conditional Acceptance/CA(r=.29) and DIT (r=.40) (all p M-1DP) DIT, CA, NA and low vs. high PA had significantly higher mean scores in AI (all p Conclusion These results are in line with previous findings and contribute to the progress on this topic.

Introduction Positive affect (PA) is correlated to several positive outcomes and might be a constituent of happiness (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005). Objectives To investigate the correlates of PA in pregnancy and postpartum. Methods 397 pregnant women (T0) were also followed at 3 months postpartum (T1). At both time-points, they completed a questionnaire, the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS), the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and were also interviewed with some sections of the Diagnostic Interview for Genetic studies (DIGS). Descriptive and correlation analyses were performed. Results T0/T1 PA scores were correlated (p Conclusions PA is a protective emotional trait, a good indicator of physical/mental health, and well-being in perinatal period. Mother's PA influences her perception of the infant temperament and may contribute positively to the dyadic interaction.

Introduction It has been shown that perfectionism constitutes a risk factor both for insomnia and postpartum depression. Objective To analyse the relationship between perfectionism, depressive symptoms and insomnia in the postpartum. Methods 201 3-months postpartum women (M=12.27 ± .91 weeks postpartum) completed the Portuguese versions of Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) and Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS). Three MPS dimensions derived by factorial analysis with data from this sample were used: Self-Oriented Perfectionism/SOP, Social Prescribed Perfectionism-Conditional Acceptance/SPP-CA and SPP-Others Highs Standards/OHS. Women also answered 5 questions about sleep, considering the previous month, based on which three insomnia groups were formed: Good Sleepers/GS (women without insomnia symptoms or daytime impairment); Insomnia Symptoms Group (women with at least one insomnia symptom but no daytime impairment); Insomnia Syndrome Group/ISG (women with at least one insomnia symptom and sleep related daytime impairment). Results Insomnia and PDSS were correlated (r = .39, pr .25, pr Conclusion SPP-C is a relevant correlate of postpartum insomnia.

Introduction Although developed for postpartum depression, the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS; Beck & Gable, 2002) is accurate to screen for antenatal depression (Pereira et al., 2011). Nonetheless, as any screening instrument should be valid, short and easy it is important to develop a PDSS short form to use in pregnancy. Objectives To develop PDSS short version to use in pregnancy and to determine its cut-off points and associated conditional probabilities to screen for antenatal depression according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria. Methods 441 pregnant women in their last trimester of pregnancy (M = 32.6 ± 3.47 weeks of gestation) completed the Portuguese PDSS adapted to pregnancy and were interviewed using the Mood Disorders Section/Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. A factor analysis was performed to select the items (factor loadings > .60). ROC analysis was applied and cut-off points adjusted to the prevalence were determined. Results Four factors were extracted, making a total of 24 items selected to the short version (PDSS-24). For major depression/DSM-IV the cut-off point (CO) of 44, resulted in sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 78.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) 8.5% and negative predictive value (NPV) 99.7%; for depressive disorder/ICD-10 the CO of 42 determined sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 79.2%, PPV 11.9%, NPV 99.4%; for mild/moderate depression with somatic syndrome or severe depression without psychotic symptoms/ICD-10 the CO of 46 was associated to sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 82.2%, PPV 9.3% and NPV 99.7%. Conclusions The PDSS-24 is a good alternative to the 35-items version, equally valid, but more economic, faster and easier.

IntroductionScreening for perinatal depression is essential. The Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS; Beck & Gable, 2002) is a self-report instrument, composed of 35 items. The Portuguese version of the PDSS revealed to be a valid instrument to screen for perinatal depression (Pereira et al., 2010a,b).ObjectivesTo develop PDSS short version and to determine its cut-off points and associated conditional probabilities to screen for depression according to DSM-IV and ICD-10 criteria.MethodsParticipants were 452 women in their third month post-partum (M = 13.07 weeks post-partum; SD = 1.808). All women completed the Portuguese PDSS and were interviewed using the Mood Disorders Section/Diagnostic Interview for Genetic Studies. To select items for the short version the items that showed the highest correlations with their respective seven dimension scores were retained. ROC analysis was applied and both cut-off points and associated conditional probabilities adjusted to the real prevalence were determined.ResultsFor major depression/DSM-IV the cut-off point of 15, resulted in sensitivity of 77.8%, specificity of 88.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 21.7% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 98.9%; for depressive disorder/ICD-10 the cut-off point of 14 determined sensitivity 77.3%, specificity 84.0%, PPV 19.7%, NPV 98.6%; for mild/moderate depression with somatic syndrome or severe depression without psychotic symptoms/ICD-10 the cut-off point of 18 was associated to sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 94.5%, PPV 31.4% and NPV 99.8%.ConclusionsThe Portuguese short version of PDSS is a good alternative to the 35-items version, equally valid and precise, but more economic, faster and easier.

Aim:The objective of this study was to examine the sleep patterns of medical students and its associations with significant health behaviours.Methods:Sleep was assessed with a self-response questionnaire covering a wide range of sleep-wake habits and difficulties. A factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed with seventeen items of the questionnaire and four factors were extracted: Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Timing, Insufficient Sleep and Dreams/Nightmares. The questionnaire also included questions on coffee use, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and physical exercise. The sample consisted of 212 females (M age=20.32 years, SD=1.26) and 128 males (M age=20.19 years, SD=1.23) third year medical students.Results:Habitual alcohol intake was reported by 6.5% of the students (males=14.8% vs females=1.4%; p=.000) and regular physical exercise by 37.9% (males=47.7% vs females=32.1%; p=.004); The mean number of coffee cups used per day was 2.16±1.16 (males M=2.18±1.35 vs females M=2.13±1.03; NS) and the mean number of cigarettes smoked per day was 3.69±5.71 (males M=4.41+6.55 vs females M=3.25±5.10; NS). Students who regularly practice physical exercise reported less Sleep Disturbance (p=.004). Habitual alcohol intake was significantly associated with Sleep Timing (p=.051) and Insufficient Sleep (p=.007). Significant correlations were also found between cigarette smoking and Sleep Timing (p=.000), Dreams/nightmares (p=.023) and Insufficient Sleep (p=.001). Coffee use was correlated only with Sleep Timing (p=.000).Conclusion:In this sample of healthy young adults habitual alcohol intake and cigarette smoking was associated with Insufficient Sleep and regular physical exercise was associated with less Sleep Disturbance.

Aim:This study examines the relationship between the personality traits of Neuroticism and Extroversion and sleep patterns and others sleep behaviours in medical students.Method:Neuroticism and Extroversion were assessed using the Portuguese version of the Eysenck Personality Inventory. Sleep was assessed with a self-response questionnaire covering a wide range of sleep-wake habits and difficulties. A factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed with seventeen items of the questionnaire and four factors were extracted: Sleep Disturbance, Sleep Timing, Insufficient Sleep and Dreams/Nightmares. A total of 203 third year medical students (127 females, 62.6%) mean age 20.01 (SD=1.09; Range=18-24) participated in the study.Results:There were no significant gender differences in Neuroticism and Extroversion mean scores (Neuroticism: p=.454; Extroversion: p=.891). Extroversion was significantly correlated with Sleep Timing (p=.000), whereasthere was a trend for Neuroticism to be associated with Sleep Disturbance (p=.095). Concerning the relationship of Neuroticism and Extroversion mean scores with other Sleep problems, Neuroticism was found associated with concentration difficulties in the morning (p=.006), inadequate sleep duration (p=.001), sleep problems (p=.012), and use of sleep medication (p=.052). No significant associations were found with Extroversion.Conclusion:Neuroticism was significantly associated with sleep problems, use of sleep medication, inadequate sleep duration, and concentration difficulties in the morning. Extroversion was correlated only with later Sleep Timing.

IntroductionBipolar Disorder is a serious, common and disabling mental disorder which is associated to high morbidity and high suicide attempt rates.ObjectivesTo identify clinical and social-demographic variables associated to suicidal behaviour in Bipolar Disorder.MethodsThe samples comprises 124 patients (62.1% females) diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (ICD-10 diagnosis following DIGS/OPCRIT). The variables selected to the analysis were extracted from DIGS and OPCRIT.ResultsSuicidal behaviour occurs in 27.1% of the patients; the most used method was voluntary drug poisoning; it's more frequent in females, with males using more violent methods - remaining results still unavailable.ConclusionsThis study identifies several clinical and social-demographic variables that can help the clinician to delineate a suicidal profile among his Bipolar patients, hence improving his ability to develop an early intervention plan and suicide prevention strategies.

Aim:To investigate associations between perfectionism dimensions and psychological distress 421 pregnant women (M=29.8, SD=4.48 years) completed measures of Self-Oriented Perfectionism (SOP), Socially-Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP) (MPS; Hewitt & Flett, 1991; Soares et al., 2003), mood (POMS; McNair et al., 1971; Azevedo et al., 1991) and depressive symptomatology (BDI-II; Beck et al., 1996; Coelho et al., 2002).Methods:A 2-factor model of Perfectionism with SOP and SPP dimensions and a 3-factor model with SOP, SPP-Others’ High Standards and SPP-Conditional Acceptance factors were explored. Correlations and Linear Regressions were calculated between perfectionism factors and mood variables/depressive symptoms.Results:Higher levels of SPP factors were in general associated with increased Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Fatigue and Confusion, with decreased Vigour and with more severe depressive symptomatology. SPP dimension and both SPP sub-scales explained depressive symptoms.Conclusion:Our results, in contrast with those from the study of Campbell and DiPaula (2002) did not confirm a preferential association between SPP-Conditional Acceptance and psychological distress (PD), revealing that both components of SPP were associated with PD.

Introduction In Portugal there are no national epidemiologic registers on the prevalence/incidence of suicidal ideation and attempts. Although there is no evidence that suicide is higher in University students than in other people of the same age, it is a cause of premature death. Aims To analyze the prevalence and characteristics of suicidality in university students Methods 549 University students (80.1% females) filled in a booklet of questionnaires that included the Suicidal Behaviour Section of the Diagnostic Interview of Genetic Studies (Azevedo et al, 1993; Nurnberger et al., 1994), which was slight modified. Results 0.4% reported lifetime poor psychological health and 1.3% reported lifetime hospitalizations due to emotional/behavioural problems. Lifetime thoughts of death, lifetime active suicidal ideation, and lifetime suicidal attempts were described by 20.4%, 11.9% and by 2.3% of the students, respectively. Regarding the more severe lifetime suicide attempt (N=15) the method used was predominantly self-poisoning (medication) (9/13), 40% (6/15) were hospitalized after this attempt, 53.3% (8/15) reported death wishes when the act was performed, and 60% (9/15) considered that death could be the consequence of the act. During last month suicidal ideation occurred in 1.9% of the students. During the last two weeks suicidal ideation without planning was found in 2.2% and 0.2% refereed they are going to attempt suicide if they will have an opportunity. Conclusions In university students recent, frequent and severe suicide ideation might occur. Results highlighted the need for suicidality prevention/early intervention and that Health University Care Services should screen systematically suicidal ideation.

Aim:To investigate the role of perfectionism in the development of disordered eating behaviours.Method:382 female university students completed the Hewitt & Flett MPS and the EAT-40 at baseline, one year after (T1) and two years later (T2).Results:Perfectionism at baseline was significantly associated with long-term abnormal eating attitudes/behaviours. Self-Oriented Perfectionism (SOP) and Socially Prescribed Perfectionism (SPP) were significant predictors of disordered eating behaviours. SOP at baseline was predictive of diet concerns, at T1 and T2. Baseline SPP was correlated with overall eating disturbance at T1 and T2. Regression analysis revealed that only SPP was a significant predictor of bulimic behaviours and social pressure to eat at T1, but not at T2.Conclusion:Our findings contribute to a more clear understanding of the association between perfectionism and eating disorders. SOP and SPP were prospectively associated with abnormal eating attitudes/behaviours and SOP was found to be predictive of diet concerns.