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Introduction Insomnia is highly prevalent among individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, the biological mechanisms shared between both conditions is still elusive. We aimed to investigate whether insomnia's genomic component is able to predict ADHD in childhood and adolescence.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), comorbidity rates with disruptive behavior disorders and main negative outcomes in primary school students in Nampula, Mozambique. Methods: We selected a random sample of 748 students for ADHD screening from a population of around 43,000 primary school students. The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale version IV was applied to both parents and teachers. All students who screened positive (n=76) and a propensity score-matched random subset of students who screened negative (n=76) were assessed by a child psychiatrist. Results: The prevalence of ADHD was estimated at 13.4% (95%CI 11.5-19.2), and 30.6% of those with ADHD presented comorbid disruptive behavior disorders. Students with ADHD (n=36) had significantly higher rates of both substance use (alcohol, marijuana) (p < 0.001), and school failures than controls (n=96; p < 0.001). Comorbidity between ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders increased the chance of substance use (p < 0.001). Secondary analyses with more restrictive ADHD diagnostic criteria revealed a lower prevalence rate (6.7%; 95%CI 5.2-12.9) with similar patterns of associated factors and negative outcomes. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that ADHD is a prevalent mental disorder in Mozambique, and it is associated with similar comorbid profiles, predisposing factors, and negative outcomes, as in other cultures.

Objective: The Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence Risk Score (IDEA-RS) was recently developed in Brazil using data from the Pelotas 1993 Birth Cohort to estimate the individualized probability of developing depression in adolescence. This model includes 11 sociodemographic variables and has been assessed in longitudinal studies from four other countries. We aimed to test the performance of IDEA-RS in an independent, community-based, school-attending sample within the same country: the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort. Methods: Standard external validation, refitted, and case mix-corrected models were used to predict depression among 1442 youth followed from a mean age of 13.5 years at baseline to 17.7 years at follow-up, using probabilities calculated with IDEA-RS coefficients. Results: The area under the curve was 0.65 for standard external validation, 0.70 for the case mix-corrected model, and 0.69 for the refitted model, with discrimination consistently above chance for predicting depression in the new dataset. There was some degree of miscalibration, corrected by model refitting (calibration-in-the-large reduced from 0.77 to 0). Conclusion: IDEA-RS was able to parse individuals with higher or lower probability of developing depression beyond chance in an independent Brazilian sample. Further steps should include model improvements and additional studies in populations with high levels of subclinical symptoms to improve clinical decision making.

Summary: Background: Semi-structured diagnostic interviews and symptom checklists present similar internal reliability. We aim to investigate whether they differ in predicting poor life outcomes in the transition from childhood to young adulthood. Methods: For this longitudinal study, we used data from the Brazilian High Risk Cohort Study for Childhood Mental Health Conditions. Eligible participants were aged 6–14 years on the day of study enrolment (January to February, 2010) and were enrolled in public schools by a biological parent in Porto Alegre and São Paulo, Brazil. 2511 young people and their caregivers were assessed at baseline in 2010–11, and 1917 were assessed 8 years later (2018–19; 76·3% retention). Clinical thresholds were derived using semi-structured parent-report interview based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, according to the Developmental and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA), and clinical scores as defined by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; T-score ≥70 considered positive caseness). At 8 years, participants were assessed for a composite life-threatening outcome (a composite of death, suicide attempts, severe self-harm, psychiatric inpatient admission, or emergency department visits) and a composite poor life chances outcome (a composite of any criminal conviction, substance misuse, or school dropout). We evaluated the accuracy of DAWBA and CBCL to predict these outcomes. Logistic regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race or ethnicity, study site, and socioeconomic class. Findings: DAWBA and CBCL had similar sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and test accuracy for both composite outcomes and their components. Any mental health problem, as classified by DAWBA and CBCL, was independently associated with the composite life-threatening outcome (DAWBA adjusted odds ratio 1·62, 95% CI 1·20–2·18; CBCL 1·66, 1·19–2·30), but only CBCL independently predicted poor life chances (1·56, 1·19–2·04). Participants classified by both approaches did not have higher odds of the life-threatening outcome when compared with participants classified by DAWBA or CBCL alone, nor for the poor life chances outcome when compared with those classified by CBCL alone. Interpretation: Classifying children and adolescents based on a semi-structured diagnostic interview was not statistically different to symptom checklist in terms of test accuracy and predictive validity for relevant life outcomes. Classification based on symptom checklist might be a valid alternative to costly and time-consuming methods to identify young people at risk for poor life outcomes. Funding: Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico; Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo; and Medical Research Council, European Research Council. Translation: For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are present in numerous peripheral bodily fluids and function in critical biological processes, including cell-to-cell communication. Most relevant to the present study, EVs contain microRNAs (miRNAs), and initial evidence from the field indicates that miRNAs detected in circulating EVs have been previously associated with mental health disorders. Here, we conducted an exploratory longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of miRNA expression in serum EVs from adolescent participants. We analyzed data from a larger ongoing cohort study, evaluating 116 adolescent participants at two time points (wave 1 and wave 2) separated by three years. Two separate data analyses were employed: A cross-sectional analysis compared individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Anxiety disorders (ANX) and Attention deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with individuals without psychiatric diagnosis at each time point. A longitudinal analysis assessed changes in miRNA expression over time between four groups showing different diagnostic trajectories (persistent diagnosis, first incidence, remitted and typically developing/control). Total EVs were isolated, characterized by size distribution and membrane proteins, and miRNAs were isolated and sequenced. We then selected differentially expressed miRNAs for target prediction and pathway enrichment analysis. In the longitudinal analysis, we did not observe any statistically significant results. In the cross-sectional analysis: in the ADHD group, we observed an upregulation of miR-328-3p at wave 1 only; in the MDD group, we observed a downregulation of miR-4433b-5p, miR-584-5p, miR-625-3p, miR-432-5p and miR-409-3p at wave 2 only; and in the ANX group, we observed a downregulation of miR-432-5p, miR-151a-5p and miR-584-5p in ANX cases at wave 2 only. Our results identified previously observed and novel differentially expressed miRNAs and their relationship with three mental health disorders. These data are consistent with the notion that these miRNAs might regulate the expression of genes associated with these traits in genome-wide association studies. The findings support the promise of continued identification of miRNAs contained within peripheral EVs as biomarkers for mental health disorders.

Introduction Adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at elevated risk of a range of difficulties, among which emotion regulation, peer and co-occurring mental health problems are prominent challenges. To better support adolescents with ADHD, ecologically valid interventions that can be embedded in daily life to target the most proximal antecedents of these challenges are needed. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) designs are ideally suited to meeting this need.Methods and analyses In the mental health in the moment ADHD study, we will use an EMA design to capture the daily life experiences of approximately 120 adolescents aged 11–14 years with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD and the same number of age-matched and gender-matched peers without a diagnosis of ADHD. We will combine this with comprehensive information gathered from online surveys. Analysing the data using techniques such as dynamic structural equation modelling, we will examine, among other research questions, the role of emotion regulation and peer problems in mediating the links between characteristics of ADHD and commonly co-occurring outcomes such as anxiety, depression and conduct problems. The results can help inform interventions to support improved peer functioning and emotion regulation for adolescents with ADHD.Ethics and dissemination This study received a favourable ethical opinion through the National Health Service ethical review board and the University of Edinburgh PPLS Research Ethics panel. The results will be disseminated through journal publications, conferences and seminar presentations and to relevant stakeholders, such as those with ADHD, their families and clinicians.

Abstract Objectives Model configuration is important for mental health data harmonization. We provide a method to investigate the performance of different bifactor model configurations to harmonize different instruments. Methods We used data from six samples from the Reproducible Brain Charts initiative (N = 8,606, ages 5–22 years, 41.0% females). We harmonized items from two psychopathology instruments, Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and GOASSESS, based on semantic content. We estimated bifactor models using confirmatory factor analysis, and calculated their model fit, factor reliability, between‐instrument invariance, and authenticity (i.e., the correlation and factor score difference between the harmonized and original models). Results Five out of 12 model configurations presented acceptable fit and were instrument‐invariant. Correlations between the harmonized factor scores and the original full‐item models were high for the p‐factor (>0.89) and small to moderate (0.12–0.81) for the specific factors. 6.3%–50.9% of participants presented factor score differences between harmonized and original models higher than 0.5 z‐score. Conclusions The CBCL‐GOASSESS harmonization indicates that few models provide reliable specific factors and are instrument‐invariant. Moreover, authenticity was high for the p‐factor and moderate for specific factors. Future studies can use this framework to examine the impact of harmonizing instruments in psychiatric research.

In higher education, reasonable accommodations are increasingly made for students with a wide range of disabilities. However, rigorous assessment is paramount to ensure these students are supported while preventing ineligible students from gaining unfair advantages. In this context, we sought to identify under which circumstances a university student should be allowed academic accommodation for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to outline an evidence-based policy for use in Brazil based on the global experience. We reviewed the literature to acquire information on what documents are commonly required by disability services before accommodations for ADHD are provided (including detection of malingering) and scrutinized the eligibility criteria of leading universities worldwide. Finally, renowned experts in the field and national stakeholders were consulted. Despite an exhaustive search, we found no international standard for the assessment of students with ADHD who request academic accommodation; even renowned institutions worldwide differ in their approaches to granting accommodations on the grounds of ADHD. Therefore, we propose a unified set of nationwide criteria for Brazilian universities, which could be generalized internationally. Higher education institutions in Brazil and beyond may benefit from adoption of such criteria.

Abstract Crime is a major public problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and its preventive measures could have great social impact. The extent to which multiple modifiable risk factors among children and families influence juvenile criminal conviction in an LMIC remains unexplored; however, it is necessary to identify prevention targets. This study examined the association between 22 modifiable individual and family exposures assessed in childhood (5–14 years, n = 2511) and criminal conviction at a 7-year follow-up (13–21 years, n = 1905, 76% retention rate) in a cohort of young people in Brazil. Population attributable risk fraction (PARF) was computed for significant risk factors. Criminal convictions were reported for 81 (4.3%) youths. Although most children living in poverty did not present criminal conviction (89%), poverty at baseline was the only modifiable risk factor significantly associated with crime (OR 4.14, 99.8% CI 1.38–12.46) with a PARF of 22.5% (95% CI 5.9–36.1%). It suggests that preventing children’s exposure to poverty would reduce nearly a quarter of subsequent criminal convictions. These findings highlight the importance of poverty in criminal conviction, as it includes several deprivations and suggest that poverty eradication interventions during childhood may be crucial for reducing crime among Brazilian youth.

Abstract Little is known about the effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we carried out a 4 week randomized clinical trial in which patients aged 6–12 years old with an ADHD diagnosis received TEAS or sham TEAS. The primary outcome measure was the investigator-rated Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) score at week 4. Secondary outcomes included changes from baseline to week 4 in the investigator-rated Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) score, the Conners’ Parent/Teacher Rating Scales-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R: S/CTRS-R: S) score, go/no-go task performance, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-based oxygenated hemoglobin level within the prefrontal cortex. At week 4, the CGI-I score indicated improvement in 33.3% of the TEAS group compared with 7.7% of the sham group (P = 0.005). The TEAS group had a greater decrease in the mean CGI-S score (−0.87) than the sham TEAS group (−0.28) (P = 0.003). A greater enhancement in the mean cerebral oxygenated hemoglobin within the prefrontal cortex was found in the TEAS group (0.099 mM mm) compared with the sham TEAS group (0.005 mM mm) (P

Abstract Background The current investigation assessed a) the performance of the FOCUS ADHD mobile health application (App) in increasing pharmacological treatment adherence and improving patients’ knowledge of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and b) the impact of implementing a financial incentive for using the App (i.e., a discount on medication). Methods In a randomized, blind, parallel-group clinical trial, 73 adults diagnosed with ADHD were allocated into three groups for 3 months: a) Pharmacological treatment as usual (TAU); b) TAU and the App (App Group); and c) TAU and the App + a commercial discount on the purchase of medication prescribed for ADHD treatment (App + Discount Group). Results There was no significant difference in mean treatment adherence between groups, assessed as a medication possession ratio (MPR). However, the App + Discount Group exhibited greater medication intake registrations compared with the App Group during the initial phase of the trial. The financial discount also produced a 100% App adoption rate. App use did not increase ADHD knowledge, though knowledge scores were high at baseline. The usability and quality of the App were rated favorably. Conclusions The FOCUS ADHD App achieved a high adoption rate and positive evaluations by users. Use of the App did not increase adherence to treatment as measured by MPR, but, for App users, the addition of a financial incentive to use the App produced an increase in treatment adherence in terms of medication intake registrations. The present results offer encouraging data for combining incentives with mobile digital health solutions to positively impact treatment adherence in ADHD.

Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are promising analytical tools in machine learning applications. Characterizing atypical neurodevelopmental processes might be useful in establishing diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of psychiatric disorders. In this article, we investigate the potential of GANs models combined with functional connectivity (FC) measures to build a predictive neurotypicality score 3-years after scanning. We used a ROI-to-ROI analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from a community-based cohort of children and adolescents (377 neurotypical and 126 atypical participants). Models were trained on data from neurotypical participants, capturing their sample variability of FC. The discriminator subnetwork of each GAN model discriminated between the learned neurotypical functional connectivity pattern and atypical or unrelated patterns. Discriminator models were combined in ensembles, improving discrimination performance. Explanations for the model’s predictions are provided using the LIME (Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic) algorithm and local hubs are identified in light of these explanations. Our findings suggest this approach is a promising strategy to build potential biomarkers based on functional connectivity.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly heterogeneous psychiatric disorder that can have three phenotypical presentations: inattentive (I-ADHD), hyperactive-impulsive (HI-ADHD), and combined (C-ADHD). Environmental factors correlated with the gut microbiota community have been implicated in the development of ADHD. However, whether different ADHD symptomatic presentations are associated with distinct microbiota compositions and whether patients could benefit from the correction of aberrant bacterial colonization are still largely unclear. We carried out metagenomic shotgun analysis with 207 human fecal samples to characterize the gut microbial profiles of patients with ADHD grouped according to their phenotypical presentation. Then, we transplanted the candidate low-abundance bacteria identified in patient subgroups into ADHD rats and evaluated ADHD-associated behaviors and neuronal activation in these rats. Patients with C-ADHD had a different gut microbial composition from that of healthy controls (HCs) (p = .02), but not from that of I-ADHD patients. Eight species became progressively attenuated or enriched when comparing the compositions of HCs to those of I-ADHD and C-ADHD; in particular, the abundance of Bacteroides ovatus was depleted in patients with C-ADHD. In turn, Bacteroides ovatus supplementation ameliorated spatial working memory deficits and reversed θ electroencephalogram rhythm alterations in ADHD rats. In addition, Bacteroides ovatus induced enhanced neuronal activation in the hippocampal CA1 subregion. These findings indicate that gut microbial characteristics that are unique to patients with C-ADHD may be masked when considering a more heterogeneous group of patients. We link the gut microbiota to brain function in an ADHD animal model, suggesting the relevance of testing a potential bacteria-based intervention for some aspects of ADHD.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition for which curative treatments are lacking. Whilst pharmacological treatments are generally effective and safe, there is considerable inter-individual variability among patients regarding treatment response, required dose, and tolerability. Many of the non-pharmacological treatments, which are preferred to drug-treatment by some patients, either lack efficacy for core symptoms or are associated with small effect sizes. No evidence-based decision tools are currently available to allocate pharmacological or psychosocial treatments based on the patient's clinical, environmental, cognitive, genetic, or biological characteristics. We systematically reviewed potential biomarkers that may help in diagnosing ADHD and/or stratifying ADHD into more homogeneous subgroups and/or predict clinical course, treatment response, and long-term outcome across the lifespan. Most work involved exploratory studies with cognitive, actigraphic and EEG diagnostic markers to predict ADHD, along with relatively few studies exploring markers to subtype ADHD and predict response to treatment. There is a critical need for multisite prospective carefully designed experimentally controlled or observational studies to identify biomarkers that index inter-individual variability and/or predict treatment response.

Abstract Despite major advances in the study of the brain, investigations on neurochemistry in vivo still lack the solid ground of more established methods, such as structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a technique that might potentially fill in this gap. Nevertheless, studies using this approach feature great methodological heterogeneity, such as varying voxel of choice, differences on emphasized metabolites, and absence of a standardized unit. In this study, we present a methodology for creating a systematic review and meta-analysis for this kind of scientific evidence using the prototypical case of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Systematic review registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), CRD42018112418.

Objective: Maternal attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has not been investigated in relation to parenting skills in adolescent mothers. This study investigated whether maternal inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms early in pregnancy predict poorer parenting skills and infant maltreatment during the first year of life in adolescent mothers living in adverse environmental conditions. Methods: The participants in this study were 80 adolescent mothers aged 14-19 years and their babies who were taking part in a randomized controlled trial on the effects of a home-visiting program on infant development. Symptoms of maternal attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were assessed in the first trimester of pregnancy. Parenting skills (maternal competence, attachment to the baby, home environment) and child maltreatment were assessed when the infants were aged 6 and 12 months. Multilevel linear regression models were constructed to test the extent to which prenatal maternal inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms predicted these parenting variables during the first year of the infant’s life. Results: Prenatal inattention symptoms significantly predicted lower maternal competence and attachment, a poorer home environment, and greater maltreatment during the first year of life. Hyperactivity did not significantly predict parenting skills or maltreatment. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that inattention symptoms may interfere with parenting abilities in adolescent mothers and should be considered in early intervention programs.

Objective: Population neuroscience is an emerging field that combines epidemiology and neuroscience to study how genes and the environment shape typical and atypical brain functioning. The objective of this study was to review key studies on population neuroscience from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and to identify potential gaps vis-à-vis studies conducted in high-income countries. Methods: We conducted a systematic review to search for longitudinal cohort studies investigating the development of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in LMICs. We performed an electronic search in the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception to July 5th, 2019. Results: We found six cohorts from four countries that met our search criteria: three cohorts from Brazil, one from China, one from South Africa, and one from Mauritius. Relevant examples of findings from these studies are reported. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate the impact of the valuable science output these cohort designs promote, allowing LMICs to have a share in frontline global psychiatry research. National and international funding agencies should invest in LMIC population neuroscience in order to promote replication and generalization of research from high-income countries.

Background The high level of care needs for adolescents with mental health conditions represents a challenge to the public sector, especially in low and middle-income countries. We estimated the costs to the public purse of health, education, criminal justice and social care service use associated with psychiatric conditions among adolescents in Brazil; and examined whether the trajectory of psychopathology and its impact on daily life, and parental stigma towards mental illness, was associated with service utilisation and costs. Methods Data on reported service use among adolescents from a prospective community cohort (n = 1,400) were combined with Brazilian unit costs. Logistic regression and generalised linear models were used to examine factors associated with service use and associated costs, respectively. Results Twenty-two percent of those who presented with a psychiatric disorder used some type of service for their mental health in the previous twelve months. Higher odds of service use were associated with having a diagnosed mental disorder (either incident, [OR = 2.49, 95%CI = 1.44–4.30, p = 0.001], remittent [OR = 2.16, 95%CI = 1.27–3.69, p = 0.005] or persistent [OR = 3.01, 95%CI = 1.69–5.36, pConclusion The impact of mental health problems on adolescents’ daily lives and parental stigmatising attitudes toward mental illness were the main predictors of both service use and costs.

Este artigo apresenta o processo de ideação e prototipação de um aplicativo para auxílio de pacientes com TDAH no autogerenciamento de hábitos diários para uma maior adesão ao tratamento e no gerenciamento de tempo, agregando assim muito valor à sociedade. Este processo foi proposto na primeira edição do evento “Experiência HCPA – TDAH Hackathon”. O método usado foi a pesquisa de campo com pacientes com TDAH e validação de hipóteses. Justifica-se pela necessidade de uma ferramenta confiável, permitindo que os pacientes com TDAH possam centralizar as ações em apenas um aplicativo no celular: seus compromissos, lembretes de medicação e gerenciamento de tempo, entre outras facilidades, sendo o meio mais viável e efetivo para a adesão ao tratamento.

Background: Thalamic volume measures have been linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents. However, it is unclear if alterations in thalamic volumes occur before or after symptom onset and if there is a relation to the presence of sub-clinical obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS). Here, we explore the relationship between OCS and the rate of thalamic volume change in a cohort of children and youth at high risk to develop a mental disorder. A secondary aim was to determine if there is a relationship between OCS and the individual's OCD polygenic risk score (OCD-PRS) and between the rate of thalamic volume change and the OCD-PRS.Methods: The sample included 378 children enrolled in the longitudinal Brazilian High-Risk Cohort for Mental Conditions. Participants were assessed for OCS and the symmetrized percent change (SPC) of thalamic volume across two time-points separated by 3 years, along with the OCD-PRS. Zero-altered negative binomial models were used to analyze the relationship between OCS and thalamic SPC. Multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relationship between thalamic SPC and OCD-PRS.Results: A significant relationship between OCS and the right thalamus SPC (p = 0.042) was found. There was no significant relationship between changes in thalamic volume SPC and OCD-PRS.Conclusions: The findings suggest that changes in the right thalamic volume over the course of 3 years in children may be associated to OCS. Future studies are needed to confirm these results and further characterize the specific nature of OCS symptoms associated with thalamic volumes.

Background: The characterization of adolescents at high risk for developing depression has traditionally relied on the presence or absence of single risk factors. More recently, the use of composite risk scores combining information from multiple variables has gained attention in prognostic research in the field of mental health. We previously developed a sociodemographic composite score to estimate the individual level probability of depression occurrence in adolescence, the Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence Risk Score (IDEA-RS).Objectives: In this report, we present the rationale, methods, and baseline characteristics of the Identifying Depression Early in Adolescence Risk Stratified Cohort (IDEA-RiSCo), a study designed for in-depth examination of multiple neurobiological, psychological, and environmental measures associated with the risk of developing and with the presence of depression in adolescence, with a focus on immune/inflammatory and neuroimaging markers.Methods: Using the IDEA-RS as a tool for risk stratification, we recruited a new sample of adolescents enriched for low (LR) and high (HR) depression risk, as well as a group of adolescents with a currently untreated major depressive episode (MDD). Methods for phenotypic, peripheral biological samples, and neuroimaging assessments are described, as well as baseline clinical characteristics of the IDEA-RiSCo sample.Results: A total of 7,720 adolescents aged 14–16 years were screened in public state schools in Porto Alegre, Brazil. We were able to identify individuals at low and high risk for developing depression in adolescence: in each group, 50 participants (25 boys, 25 girls) were included and successfully completed the detailed phenotypic assessment with ascertainment of risk/MDD status, blood and saliva collections, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Across a variety of measures of psychopathology and exposure to negative events, there was a clear pattern in which either the MDD group or both the HR and the MDD groups exhibited worse indicators in comparison to the LR group.Conclusion: The use of an empirically-derived composite score to stratify risk for developing depression represents a promising strategy to establish a risk-enriched cohort that will contribute to the understanding of the neurobiological correlates of risk and onset of depression in adolescence.

Abstract Background Longitudinal studies have consistently reported that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen can to lead to an increased risk of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder during childhood. This study aimed to investigate the association between intrauterine exposure to acetaminophen and the presence of emotional and behavioral problems at the ages of 6 and 11 years in a low-middle income country. Methods We performed a prospective longitudinal population-based study using data from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort. From the 4231 initial cohort participants, 3722 and 3566 children were assessed at 6 and 11 years of age, respectively. The outcomes were assessed using the parent version of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The cut-off points established for the Brazilian population were used to categorize the outcomes. Crude and adjusted odds ratio were obtained through logistic regression. Results Acetaminophen was used by 27.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 26.1–28.9) of the mothers at least once during pregnancy. The prevalence of emotional problems at 6 and 11 years was 13.6 and 19.9%, respectively. For hyperactivity problems, prevalence was 13.9 and 16.1%, respectively. Intrauterine exposure to acetaminophen increased the odds of having emotional (odds ratio [OR] = 1.47; 95% CI: 1.07–2.02) and hyperactivity/inattention (OR = 1.42; 95% CI: 1.06–1.92) problems in 6-year-old boys. At the age of 11, a small decrease in the effect was observed for both outcomes after adjustment: OR = 1.31 (95% CI: 0.99–1.73) for emotional problems and OR = 1.25 (95% CI: 0.95–1.65) for hyperactivity/inattention in boys. No association for any phenotypes at both ages was observed for girls. Conclusion The effect of intrauterine exposure to acetaminophen in emotional and hyperactivity symptoms was dependent on sex in a Brazilian cohort. While it seemed to be important for boys, mainly at 6 years of age, for girls, no association was observed.

Abstract Introduction The effects of socioeconomic disparities on cognitive development tend to emerge early in infancy and to widen throughout childhood, and may perpetuate later in life. Although the study of how poverty affects early childhood has increased in the last 20 years, many of the effects remain largely unknown, especially during the first year of life. Aim To investigate the influence of socioeconomic status (SES) and maternal education on infants’ language, motor and cognitive development. Methods The cognitive, language and motor skills of 444 infants aged 6 to 9 months selected from a poor neighborhood in São Paulo, Brazil, were evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. A questionnaire on socioeconomic background was administered to the participants’ families. Results A positive association was found between SES and infants’ performance on language and motor scales. Additionally, higher maternal education was associated with higher language and cognitive scores. Conclusion Our findings indicate that SES effects are detectable very early in infancy. This result has implications for the timing of both screening and intervention efforts to help children overcome the consequences of living in poverty.

Abstract This study compared the effects of two metacognitive interventions on writing, working memory (WM), and behavioral symptoms of students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The disorder was clinically diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team according to DSM-IV criteria. The first approach consisted of a combined intervention in text production and WM while the second focused only on WM. Participants were 47 students from the fifth to ninth grades of two public elementary schools in Porto Alegre (Brazil), randomized to one of the two interventions groups. Writing and WM were assessed before, immediately after, and 3 months after the interventions. The results suggest that both interventions contributed to improving behavior and school performance, whereas only the combined intervention increased the overall quality of narrative text, organization of paragraphs, and denouement.

Abstract Background Addressing impaired foetal growth is recognized as a public health priority. Certain risk factors for this condition, such as poor nutritional status at birth, have been found to be highly correlated with poverty. However, the role of psychosocial factors, specifically the mother’s mental health and exposure to violence during pregnancy, have yet to be further explored. Our objective was to determine if there is a measurable association between combined psychosocial factors, specifically domestic violence and mental disorders, and birth outcomes, specifically birth nutritional status and preterm delivery. Methods We followed 775 women from an underserved, urban area, beginning their 28th week of gestation. Diagnostic interviews were performed to determine if any of the mothers had any of the following disorders: mood disorder, anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), substance dependence, psychotic disorder, or anti-social personality disorder. Physical, psychological, and sexual domestic violence were also assessed. Results Domestic violence and mental disorders were highly correlated in our sample. About 27.15% of the women in our study experienced domestic violence, and about 38.24% of them were diagnosed with mental disorders. The main association we found between combined psychosocial factors and neonate outcomes was between anxiety (IRR = 1.83; 95%CI = 1.06–3.17)/physical violence (IRR = 1.95; 95%CI = 1.11–3.42) and the rate of small-for-gestational age (SGA) in new-borns. More specifically, the combination of anxiety (beta = −0.48; 95%CI = −0.85/−0.10) and sexual violence (beta = −1.58; 95%CI = −2.61/−0.54) was also associated with birth length. Maternal risk behaviours such as smoking, drinking, inadequate prenatal care, and inadequate weight gain could not sufficiently explain these associations, suggesting that these psychosocial factors may be influencing underlying biological mechanisms. Conclusion Domestic violence against women and mental disorders amongst pregnant women are extremely prevalent in under-resourced, urban areas and ultimately, have detrimental effects on birth outcomes. It is imperative that actions be taken to prevent violence and improve mental health during pregnancy.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the prevalence of some mental disorders and suicide risk, and the association between them in youths. METHODS Data from the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort (Brazil) was used. The prevalence of mental disorders at 22 years [major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorders type 1 and 2 (BD1; BD2), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and antisocial personality disorder (APD)] and of suicide risk were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (n = 3,781). Comorbidity between disorders was also assessed. Association of each mental disorder and the number of disorders with suicide risk was assessed using Poisson regression. RESULTS The prevalence of any mental disorder was 19.1% (95%CI 17.8–20.3), and GAD was the most prevalent (10.4%; 95%CI 9.5–11.4). The prevalence of current suicide risk was 8.8% (95%CI 5.9–9.7). All disorders (except APD) and the suicide risk were higher among women. Mental disorders were associated with a higher suicide risk, with the highest risks being observed for MDD (RR = 5.6; 95%CI 4.1–7.8) and PTSD (RR = 5.0; 95%CI 3.9–6.3). The higher the number of co-occurring mental disorders, the higher the risk of suicide. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that about 20% of the youths had at least one mental disorder. However, this prevalence is underestimated since other relevant mental disorders were not assessed. Mental disorders were associated with higher suicide risk, especially the comorbidity between them.

Purpose: Psychotic experiences in childhood (such as hearing voices or being suspicious) represent an important phenotype for early intervention. However, these experiences can be defined in several ways: self-reported psychotic experiences (SRPE) rely exclusively on the child’s report, clinically validated psychotic experiences (CRPE) are based on clinical assessment, and attenuated psychotic symptoms (APS) represents a categorization to do with clinical relevance in relation to severity. Very few studies have investigated how these distinctions impact clinical and other domains. The present study aims to compare SRPE, CRPE, and APS among children and adolescents.Methods: This study is part of the Brazilian High-Risk Cohort Study for Psychiatric Disorders, in which 2,241 individuals aged 6–14 years provided self-ratings of 20 psychotic experiences using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE). A trained psychologist conducted an interview to validate or reject reported experiences and to rate the presence of APS and affective flattening. In parallel, parents provided information about child mental health to an independent interviewer. We tested the association of mutually exclusive categories of non-validated SRPE (nSRPE), clinically validated PE below the threshold for APS (nCRPE), and APS (nSRPE = 33%, nCRPE = 11%, APS = 6%), with parents’ information about the child’s positive attributes and levels of psychopathology and psychologist assessment of blunted affect.Results: Most associations were qualitatively similar, and there was a dose–response in the strength of associations across categories, such that APS > nCRPE > nSRPE. Experiences in all three categories were associated with female sex. nSRPE were associated with overall levels of psychopathology, but to a lesser degree than nCRPE and APS. APS and nCRPE were associated with less positive attributes, with APS more so than nCRPE. Only APS was associated with affective flattening.Conclusions: In children and adolescents, SRPE, CRPE, and APS all index liability for psychopathology, but as clinician rated relevance increases, associations get stronger and become evident across more domains.

Functional brain hubs are key integrative regions in brain networks. Recently, brain hubs identified through resting-state fMRI have emerged as interesting targets to increase understanding of the relationships between large-scale functional networks and psychopathology. However, few studies have directly addressed the replicability and consistency of the hub regions identified and their association with symptoms. Here, we used the eigenvector centrality (EVC) measure obtained from graph analysis of two large, independent population-based samples of children and adolescents (7–15 years old; total N = 652; 341 subjects for site 1 and 311 for site 2) to evaluate the replicability of hub identification. Subsequently, we tested the association between replicable hub regions and psychiatric symptoms. We identified a set of hubs consisting of the anterior medial prefrontal cortex and inferior parietal lobule/intraparietal sulcus (IPL/IPS). Moreover, lower EVC values in the right IPS were associated with psychiatric symptoms in both samples. Thus, low centrality of the IPS was a replicable sign of potential vulnerability to mental disorders in children. The identification of critical and replicable hubs in functional cortical networks in children and adolescents can foster understanding of the mechanisms underlying mental disorders.

Introduction Prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE) is associated with neurobehavioral problems during childhood and adolescence. Early activation of the inflammatory response may contribute to such changes. Our aim was to compare inflammatory markers (IL-6 and IL-10) both in umbilical cord blood and in maternal peripheral blood at delivery between newborns with history of crack/cocaine exposure in utero and non-exposed newborns. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 57 newborns with a history of crack/cocaine exposure in utero (EN) and 99 non-exposed newborns (NEN) were compared for IL-6 and IL-10 levels. Sociodemographic and perinatal data, maternal psychopathology, consumption of nicotine and other substances were systematically collected in cases and controls. Results After adjusting for potential confounders, mean IL-6 was significantly higher in EN than in NEN (10,208.54, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1,328.54-19,088.55 vs. 2,323.03, 95%CI 1,484.64-3,161.21; p = 0.007; generalized linear model [GLM]). Mean IL-10 was also significantly higher in EN than in NEN (432.22, 95%CI 51.44-812.88 vs. 75.52, 95%CI 5.64-145.39, p = 0.014; GLM). Adjusted postpartum measures of IL-6 were significantly higher in mothers with a history of crack/cocaine use (25,160.05, 95%CI 10,958.15-39,361.99 vs. 8,902.14, 95%CI 5,774.97-12,029.32; p = 0.007; GLM), with no significant differences for IL-10. There was no correlation between maternal and neonatal cytokine levels (Spearman test, p ≥ 0.28 for all measures). Conclusions IL-6 and IL-10 might be early biomarkers of PCE in newborns. These findings could help to elucidate neurobiological pathways underlying neurodevelopmental changes and broaden the range of possibilities for early intervention.

Objective: To explore the ADHD diagnostic performance of a screening instrument, and which DSM-5 ADHD number of symptoms (criterion A) was best associated with impairment in a sample of students from 106 primary schools in Nampula, Mozambique. Methods: A random sample of 748 students were assessed using SNAP-IV and 152 youths (76 positive and 76 negative screeners) were invited for psychiatric diagnostic confirmation. Results: The performance of the screening instrument for predicting ADHD diagnosis was poor (all AUCs < 0.53). No other cut-off worked best in predicting impairment than the six symptoms cutoff suggested by DSM-5 for both inattention (AUC = 0.78; 95% CI [0.69, 0.86]) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (AUC = 0.75; 95% CI [0.67, 0.84]). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the adequacy of the DSM-5 ADHD criterion A in an African culture but indicate low diagnostic performance of a screening instruments only based in parent or teacher reports on symptoms to predict ADHD diagnosis.

Objective: To review the options for acute and maintenance pharmacological treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, including the treatment of bipolar depression and comorbid attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: Narrative review of randomized clinical trials and open-label studies published from 2000 to 2012. The PubMed and PsycINFO websites were queried. Case series were included when a higher level of evidence was not available. Results: Published data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in acute mania/hypomania with significant responses are available for lithium, topiramate, risperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole. Open trials of lithium and lamotrigine show that these drugs may be effective in the treatment of depressive episodes. No trials of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been conducted. In the treatment of comorbid ADHD, there are encouraging findings with mixed amphetamine salts and atomoxetine; conflicting results are observed with methylphenidate. Conclusions: Published RCTs of traditional mood stabilizers are scarce, but the best available evidence (results from meta-analytic regression) suggests that second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) as a group are more effective in reducing manic symptoms. Risperidone was the only one included in head-to-head comparisons (vs. lithium and divalproex), showing superiority in terms of efficacy, but with more metabolic side effects, which were also more common in most of the SGAs. There are few studies addressing the treatment of ADHD and depression. Brazilian guidelines for the treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder should also include some SGAs (especially risperidone and aripiprazole) as first-line treatment, and these drugs should be provided by the public health services.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the role of the Val66Met polymorphism at the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene on the performance of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder [juvenile bipolar disorder (JBD)] on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). METHODS: Children and adolescents were assessed by the K-SADS-PL and a clinical evaluation for BD and comorbid conditions. Manic and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Young Mania Rating Scale and the Children Depression Rating Scale - Reviewed. The Val66Met polymorphism at the BDNF was genotyped from a blood sample. Patients' IQ and executive functions were assessed by a standard cognitive flexibility test (WCST). RESULTS: Fifty-three subjects were included in the study. No significant difference was observed between the Val/Val and Val/Met+Met/Met groups on any WCST scores in the MANCOVA (F48,5 = .76; p = .59; Perseverative Errors, p = .66; Nonperseverative Errors, p = .58; Categories Completed, p = .34; Attempts to Reach First Category, p=.64; and Percentage of Conceptual Level Responses, p = .99). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings from this sample of children and adolescents with BD do not replicate results from studies of adults and suggest the existence of differences in the neurobiology of this disorder across the life cycle. Investigations of larger samples are necessary to confirm these data.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study is to investigate the association between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-I) and prenatal, delivery and early postnatal complications (PDPC). METHOD: In a case-control design, we assessed a sample of 124 children and adolescents with ADHD-I and 124 non-ADHD controls (6-17 years old) from both a non-referred (n = 200) and a clinical sample (n = 48). Cases and controls, matched by gender and age, were systematically evaluated through structured diagnostic interviews. Prenatal, delivery and early postnatal complications (PDPC), as well as potential confounders were evaluated by direct interview with biological mothers. RESULTS: Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that children and adolescents whose mothers presented more PDPC had a significantly higher risk for ADHD-I (p = 0.005; OR = 1.25; CI 95%: 1.1-1.5). CONCLUSIONS: In a case-control study, we expanded to ADHD-I previous findings suggesting the association between perinatal factors and broadly defined ADHD. Due to the preventable nature of some of these PDPC, our results have clear impact in public mental health policies.OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse estudo é investigar a associação entre complicações perinatais (complicações ocorridas nos períodos pré, peri e pós-natal imediato -CPPs) e transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) do subtipo desatento (TDAH-D). MÉTODO: Em um estudo de casos e controles, foram avaliadas 124 crianças e adolescentes (6-17 anos) com TDAH-D e 124 controles sem a doença, provenientes tanto de uma amostra populacional (n = 200), quanto de uma amostra clínica (n = 48). Casos e controles, pareados por gênero e idade, foram sistematicamente avaliados através de entrevistas diagnósticas estruturadas. Informações sobre as complicações ocorridas durante os períodos pré, peri e pós-natal imediato (CPPs), assim como sobre potencias confundidores, foram obtidas através de entrevistas realizadas diretamente com as mães biológicas. RESULTADOS:A análise de regressão logística condicional mostrou que para as crianças e adolescentes cujas mães apresentaram maior número de CPPs, o risco de TDAH-D foi significativamente mais elevado (p = 0.005; OR = 1.25; IC 95%: 1.1-1.5). CONCLUSÕES: Em um estudo de caso-controle, foi possível expandir, para o TDAH predominantemente desatento, os achados prévios que sugeriam a associação entre complicações perinatais e TDAH sem um subtipo específico. Em virtude da possibilidade de prevenção de algumas dessas complicações, nossos resultados podem exercer impacto sobre políticas públicas de saúde.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common psychiatric condition of children worldwide. This disorder is defined by a combination of symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Diagnosis is based on a sufficient number of symptoms causing impairment in these two domains determining several problems in personal and academic life. Although genetic and environmental factors are important in ADHD etiology, how these factors influence the brain and consequently behavior is still under debate. It seems to be consensus that a fronto-subcortical dysfunction is responsible, at least in part, for the ADHD phenotype spectrum. The main results from association and pharmacogenetic studies performed in Brazil are discussed. The investigations performed so far on ADHD genetics in Brazil and elsewhere are far from conclusive. New plausible biological hypotheses linked to neurotransmission and neurodevelopment, as well as new analytic approaches are needed to fully disclose the genetic component of the disorder.

Objective: To investigate hematologic variables related to iron deficiency and food intake in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Method: The sample comprised 62 children and adolescents (6-15 years old) divided into three groups: Group 1: 19 (30.6%) patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder using methylphenidate for 3 months; Group 2: 22 (35.5%) patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder who were methylphenidate naïve and Group 3: 21 (33.9%) patients without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, nutritional diagnostic parameters - Body Mass Index Coefficient, food surveys were evaluated among the groups. Results: The attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder group drug naïve for methylphenidate presented the highest red cell distribution width among the three groups (p = 0.03). For all other hematologic and food survey variables, no significant differences were found among the groups. No significant correlation between dimensional measures of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms and ferritin levels was found in any of the three groups. Conclusion: Peripheral markers of iron status and food intake of iron do not seem to be modified in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but further studies assessing brain iron levels are needed to fully understand the role of iron in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder pathophysiology.Objetivo: Investigar as variáveis hematológicas relacionadas à deficiência de ferro e à ingestão alimentar no transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade. Método: Sessenta e duas crianças e adolescentes (6-15 anos) divididos em três grupos: Grupo 1: 19 (30,6%) pacientes com transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade com uso de metilfenidato durante três meses; Grupo 2: 22 (35,5%) pacientes com transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade sem uso de medicamento; e Grupo 3: 21 (33,9%) pacientes sem transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade. Ferro sérico, ferritina, transferrina, hemoglobina, volume corpuscular médio, amplitude de distribuição dos eritrócitos, concentração da hemoglobina corpuscular média, parâmetros de diagnóstico nutricional - Coeficiente de Índice de Massa Corporal, inquérito alimentar e a correlação entre os sintomas do transtorno e os níveis de ferritina foram avaliados. Resultados: O grupo com transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade não medicado com metilfenidato apresentou maior amplitude de distribuição dos eritrócitos dentre os três grupos (p = 0,03). Nas outras variáveis hematológicas e inquéritos alimentares não encontramos diferença significativa entre os grupos. Não observamos correlação entre os sintomas do transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade e ferritina. Conclusão: Marcadores periféricos do estado nutricional de ferro e a ingestão alimentar de ferro não parecem estar modificados em crianças com transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade, mas mais estudos avaliando os níveis de ferro no cérebro são necessários para compreensão plena do papel do ferro na fisiopatologia do transtorno de déficit de atenção/hiperatividade.

Os transtornos de ansiedade são muito prevalentes em crianças e adolescentes, causando sérios prejuízos quando não tratados. O tratamento farmacológico desses transtornos ainda é pouco pesquisado, não havendo consenso sobre sua indicação. O objetivo deste estudo é verificar a eficácia e a tolerabilidade dos psicofármacos indicados para esses transtornos em crianças e adolescentes, no contexto da medicina baseada em evidências. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, consultando-se as principais bases de dados disponíveis e contatando-se os autores. Foram encontrados, ao todo, sete artigos de qualidade A e B, conforme critérios da Colaboração Cochrane. Os resultados foram satisfatórios para os inibidores da recaptação da serotonina, pouco significativos ou desfavoráveis para benzodiazepínicos e imipramina. Alguns estudos apresentam problemas metodológicos. Sugere-se melhoria no planejamento de futuros ensaios clínicos.Anxiety disorders are very prevalent in children and adolescents, causing serious impairments. The pharmacological treatment for these disorders is not much investigated in children and adolescents. Thus, there is no consensus about its indication. The present study aims to check the efficacy and tolerability of drugs used for the treatment of anxiety disorders in children and adolescents in the context of evidence based medicine. A systematic literature review was carried out in the main databases. In addition, authors were contacted. We found seven studies classified as A or B according to criteria established by the Cochrane Collaboration. Findings suggest efficacy for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, insignificant or unfavorable results for benzodiazepines and imipramine. Some studies present methodological problems. Methodological improvements are needed in futures clinical trials.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o conhecimento da população sobre o transtorno do déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) e de médicos, psicólogos e educadores sobre aspectos clínicos do transtorno. MÉTODOS: 2.117 indivíduos com idade > 16 anos, 500 educadores, 405 médicos (128 clínicos gerais, 45 neurologistas, 30 neuropediatras, 72 pediatras, 130 psiquiatras) e 100 psicólogos foram entrevistados pelo Instituto Datafolha. A amostra da população foi estratificada por região geográfica, com controle de cotas de sexo e idade. A abordagem foi pessoal. Para os profissionais (amostra aleatória simples), os dados foram coletados por telefone em Belém, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba e Porto Alegre. resultados: Na população, > 50% acreditavam que medicação para TDAH causa dependência, que TDAH resulta de pais ausentes, que esporte é melhor do que drogas como tratamento e que é viável o tratamento psicoterápico sem medicamentos. Dos educadores, > 50% acreditavam que TDAH resulta de pais ausentes, que tratamento psicoterápico basta e que os esportes substituem os medicamentos. Entre psicólogos, > 50% acreditavam que o tratamento pode ser somente psicoterápico. Dos médicos, > 50% de pediatras e neurologistas acreditavam que TDAH resulta de pais ausentes. CONCLUSÕES: Todos os grupos relataram crenças não respaldadas cientificamente, que podem contribuir para diagnóstico e tratamento inadequados. É urgente capacitar profissionais e estabelecer um programa de informação sobre TDAH para pais e escolas.OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge of the general population concerning attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and of physicians, psychologists and teachers concerning clinical aspects of the disorder. METHODS: 2,117 individuals (age > 16 years), 500 teachers, 405 physicians (128 general practitioners, 45 neurologists, 30 neuropediatricians, 72 pediatricians, 130 psychiatrists) and 100 psychologists were interviewed by an independent research institute (Datafolha). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a population sample stratified by geographic region, controlled by sex and age. Telephone interviews were conducted with the professional groups in Belém, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba and Porto Alegre (simple random sampling). RESULTS: Of the general population, > 50% believed that ADHD drugs lead to addiction, that ADHD results from absent parents, that sports are a better treatment than drugs and that treatment with psychotherapy without drugs is feasible. Among teachers, > 50% believed that ADHD results from absent parents, that ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy alone and that sports can replace drugs. Among psychologists, > 50% believed that ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy alone. Among physicians, > 50% of pediatricians and neurologists believed that ADHD results from absent parents. CONCLUSION: All the groups reported beliefs that are not based on scientific evidence and that may contribute to inadequate diagnosis and treatment. It is urgent that these professional groups be trained and that an information program on ADHD be established for parents and schools.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between adult mood disorders and childhood psychological trauma in a developing country. METHOD: Adults with and without mood disorders were assessed in a case-control study using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Assessment of childhood trauma included physical and sexual abuse, frequent exposure to violence, and parental loss. RESULTS: In two independent multivariate analyses, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found a higher odds ratio for frequent exposure to violence in the community (p = .037) and for physical abuse by parents or caregivers during childhood/adolescence (p = .012) in the group with mood disorders than in the control group. In secondary analyses splitting the mood disorder group in two subgroups (manic episode, and major depressive episodes/ dysthymia), only manic patients showed significantly higher rates of frequent exposure to violence in the community (p = 0.01) and physical abuse during childhood (p = 0.02) than did patients in the control group. In addition, maniac patients had significantly higher rates of sexual abuse than did controls (p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings document an association between violence during childhood and adult mood disorders, especially for manic patients, in a developing country.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de ser filho único sobre as caraterísticas de relacionamento com amigos e pais, desempenho escolar, comportamento social e sexual. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo, incluindo um total de 360 adolescentes identificados no terceiro ano do ensino médio de uma escola privada de Porto Alegre, em 2000 e 2001. Adolescentes do sexo masculino e feminino, com idade entre 15 e 19 anos foram selecionados para participar de um estudo transversal. Um questionário anônimo, pré-testado e auto-administrado foi preenchido em sala de aula com dados demográficos, educação dos pais, ordem de nascimento (filho único, primogênito e não primogênito), tabagismo, consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, uso de drogas ilícitas, desempenho escolar, comportamento social e sexual e outras características. RESULTADOS: Identificaram-se 8% de adolescentes filhos únicos, 35% primogênitos e 57% não primogênitos em uma amostra socioeconomicamente homogênea. Comportamento social, relacionamento com os pais e amigos, prática de esportes, tabagismo e uso de drogas não se associaram com ordem de nascimento. Os filhos únicos menos freqüentemente relataram intoxicação alcoólica (39%) comparativamente aos primogênitos (68,9%; p=0,03) e adolescentes com irmãos (72,3%; p

O transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) é um dos transtornos mais comuns da infância e adolescência, afetando entre 3% a 6% das crianças em idade escolar. Essa patologia caracteriza-se por sintomas de desatenção, hiperatividade e impulsividade, apresentando ainda uma alta heterogeneidade clínica. Embora as causas precisas do TDAH não estejam esclarecidas, a influência de fatores genéticos é fortemente sugerida pelos estudos epidemiológicos, cujas evidências impulsionaram um grande número de investigações com genes candidatos. Atualmente, apesar da ênfase dada a este tópico, nenhum gene pode ser considerado necessário ou suficiente ao desenvolvimento do TDAH, e a busca de genes que influenciam este processo ainda é o foco de muitas pesquisas. O objetivo desse artigo é, portanto, sumarizar e discutir os principais resultados das pesquisas com genes candidatos no TDAH.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder, being one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders in childhood. The neural substrates associated with this condition, both from structural and functional perspectives, are not yet well established . Recent studies have highlighted the relevance of neuroimaging not only to provide a more solid understanding about the disorder but also for possible clinical support. The ADHD-200 Consortium organized the ADHD-200 global competition making publicly available, hundreds of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI (fMRI) datasets of both ADHD patients and typically developing controls for research use. In the current study, we evaluate the predictive power of a set of three different feature extraction methods and 10 different pattern recognition methods. The features tested were regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and independent components analysis maps (RSN). Our findings suggest that the combination ALFF+ReHo maps contain relevant information to discriminate ADHD patients from typically developing controls, but with limited accuracy. All classifiers provided almost the same performance in this case. In addition, the combination ALFF+ReHo+RSN was relevant in combined vs inattentive ADHD classification, achieving a score accuracy of 67%. In this latter case, the performances of the classifiers were not equivalent and L2-regularized logistic regression (both in primal and dual space) provided the most accurate predictions. The analysis of brain regions containing most discriminative information suggested that in both classifications (ADHD vs typically developing controls and combined vs inattentive), the relevant information is not confined only to a small set of regions but it is spatially distributed across the whole brain.