ŘEHÁKOVÁ, Radka. A Personal Assistance for People with Mental Disorder in Chosen Areas. Praha: Philosophical Faculty, Charles University, 2012, 72 pp. Master's Thesis. The diploma thesis attends to personal assistance for people with mental disorder. The thesis is divided on theoretic and experimental part. The theoretic section describes people with mental disorder and summarises problems of personal assistance comprehensively. This part also gives an overview of contemporary services and trends in care for people with mental infliction in the Czech Republic. The experimental section consists of two parts. The first part focuses on mapping and basic characteristics of organization offering personal assistance to people with mental disorderb in Královéhradecký region and Prague. The data found out in both regions are comapared to each other. The aim of the second part of the research is to learn information and attitude of users' parents to service provided in chosen regions. Keywords: personal assistance, people with mental disorder, personal assistant, organization providing personal assistance, parents of users of personal assistance

Une attention de plus en plus importante est accordée à la santé mentale au travail en raison, entre autres de la perte de bien-être chez les personnes atteintes d’un trouble mental courant (ex. trouble anxieux, trouble dépressif), ainsi que des coûts associés à l’absentéisme. Quand il est question d’invalidité au travail, plusieurs acteurs sont normalement impliqués dont le médecin de famille et le psychiatre lorsque nécessaire. Dans le cadre de ce mémoire conçu sous le format d’articles, deux articles sont présentés. Le premier article aborde plusieurs dilemmes auxquels les médecins traitants sont confrontés lors de la gestion de la reprise professionnelle d’un patient avec un trouble mental courant. Ces dilemmes sont illustrés par trois vignettes cliniques et appuyés par la littérature scientifique. Les trois vignettes portent sur les dilemmes relatifs aux thèmes suivants: 1) l’évaluation du potentiel thérapeutique des arrêts de travail; 2) le rôle d’expert octroyé aux médecins traitants et au processus d’évaluation de la capacité à travailler; 3) les aspects administratifs liés à cette évaluation; 4) la relation thérapeutique médecin-patient. La littérature nous indique que ce sont des dilemmes récurrents chez les médecins traitants dans le contexte de la gestion de la reprise professionnelle à la suite d’un trouble mental courant. Dans une suite logique, le deuxième article présente une étude qualitative effectuée auprès de médecins de famille et de psychiatres. Les objectifs de cette étude sont de documenter les tâches de ces cliniciens liées à la gestion d’une invalidité en raison d’un trouble mental courant, d’identifier les éléments facilitants et entravants qu’ils perçoivent dans le processus d’arrêt de travail et de retour au travail. Il est par ailleurs question de dégager les besoins de formation et d’outils qui pourront éventuellement être mis en place pour les aider dans l’accomplissement de leurs tâches. La collecte de données a été faite via des groupes de discussion (focus groups) totalisant trois groupes de médecins de famille et deux groupes de psychiatres (N=28). Tous les enregistrements ont été retranscrits en verbatim et par la suite codifiés. Les réponses générées par les groupes de discussion ont fait émerger 180 unités thématiques réparties sur 4 grands thèmes, lesquels sont récurrents pour chaque objectif de recherche : 1) évaluer/documenter, 2) prescrire/traiter, 3) communiquer/collaborer/réseauter avec les autres acteurs et 4) arbitrer/défendre. Les unités thématiques démontrent l’importance de la collaboration entre les acteurs et d’une communication efficace entre ces derniers. Il ressort également que ces cliniciens aimeraient être mieux formés pour arrimer connaissances et pratiques. La santé mentale au travail est une thématique qui prend de plus en plus d’ampleur et de préoccupation au sein de notre société. La mise en place d’outils et de formation adaptés pour aider les médecins de famille et psychiatres à mieux exécuter leurs tâches ne pourrait qu’avoir un impact positif sur la pratique de ces cliniciens et leurs patients. / An increasing amount of attention is being given to mental health in the workplace, due in part to the loss of well-being for individuals with common mental disorders (ex. anxiety disorder, depressive disorder), as well as the costs associated with absenteeism. In the context of this paper-based master, two articles will be presented. The first article will address three clinical vignettes and the dilemmas physicians may encounter in managing the vocational rehabilitation of a patient struggling with a common mental disorder. The vignettes will be supported by literature. Three clinical cases address dilemmas related to the following themes: 1) the assessment of the therapeutic potential of work absence, 2) the expert role given to clinicians and the process of assessing work disability, 3) the administrative aspects related to this assessment and 4) the impact of this assessment on therapeutic alliance between the clinician and his/her patient with common mental disorders. The literature tells us that these are recurring dilemmas for clinicians when managing the return to work of their patients with common mental disorders. The second article will present a qualitative study carried out among family physicians and psychiatrists. The objectives of this study are to document the clinical tasks related to the management of a disability due to a common mental disorder, identify the facilitators and barriers perceived in this process and identify training needs which could potentially help these clinicians perform their tasks, thereby enabling sustainable recovery of the worker. This is a qualitative study which collects data through focus groups, including three groups of family physicians and two groups of psychiatrists (N=28). All recordings were transcribed as stated and coded. The responses generated by the focus groups identified 180 thematic units distributed over 4 main themes, which are recurring for each research objective: 1) assess/document; 2) prescribe/treat; 3) communicate/collaborate/network with other stakeholders and 4) arbitrate/defend. The thematic units demonstrate the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and having effective communication among them. It also emerges that these clinicians would like to be better trained to align knowledge and practice. Mental health in the workplace is a topic which is becoming increasingly important and of concern within our society. The implementation of adapted tools and training to help family physicians and psychiatrists to better perform their tasks can only have a positive impact on the practice of these clinicians and their patients.

Le trouble de l’usage de cannabis (TLUC) est une problématique complexe particulièrement lorsqu’il est comorbide à un trouble mental sévère (TMS). D’une part, aucune pharmacothérapie n’a été approuvée pour son traitement et d’une autre part, les psychothérapies existantes offrent au mieux une efficacité faible et non maintenue dans le temps. L’émergence de la réalité virtuelle (RV) en psychiatrie pourrait augmenter l’efficacité considérant le potentiel qu’elle a démontré pour une variété de conditions psychiatriques. Actuellement, aucune intervention ayant incorporé la RV visant le traitement du TLUC n’a fait l'objet de recherche. L’intervention Avatar pour le TLUC se veut une approche innovante utilisant la RV en tant qu’outil thérapeutique afin de faire des apprentissages et les pratiquer au moment où les cravings et les émotions sont d’intensité similaire à celle de leur quotidien. Cette intervention comprenant huit séances utilise des techniques provenant de thérapie recommandée (ex., thérapie cognitivo-comportementale, entrevue motivationnelle). Durant les périodes d’immersion, les participants ont interagi avec un avatar représentant une personne significative en lien avec leur consommation dont le thérapeute joue le rôle. Cet essai clinique pilote a visé l’évaluation de l’efficacité ainsi que la faisabilité et l’acceptabilité à court terme chez 19 participants ayant un double diagnostic de TMS et TLUC. Les résultats ont montré une réduction significative modérée de la quantité de cannabis consommée (d=0,545; p=0,017), laquelle a été confirmée par quantification du THC-COOH dans les urines. Une tendance a été observée pour la fréquence de l’usage (d=0,313; p=0,052). Concernant la sévérité du TLUC et la motivation aux changements, une petite (d=0,474; p=0,046) et modérée (d=0,523; p=0,046) taille d’effet ont été obtenues respectivement. Aucun effet significatif n’a été observé pour la qualité de vie et les symptômes psychiatriques sont restés stables. Les résultats à moyen et long terme seront évalués lorsque les participants auront terminé les suivis à 3, 6 et 12 mois. Un essai randomisé contrôlé à simple insu comparant l’intervention Avatar pour TLUC à une intervention classique en toxicomanie est en cours. / Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a complex issue, particularly when it is comorbid with a severe mental disorder (SMD). On one hand, no pharmacotherapy has been approved for its treatment. On the other hand, existing psychotherapies offer, at best, low efficacy that is not sustained over time. The emergence of virtual reality (VR) in psychiatry could increase efficacy, given the potential it has demonstrated for a variety of psychiatric conditions. To date, no intervention incorporating VR for the treatment of CUD has been developed. The Avatar intervention for CUD is an innovative approach using VR as a therapeutic tool to learn and practice in real-time when cravings and emotions are of similar intensity to their everyday lives. This eight-session intervention uses techniques from commonly used therapeutic approaches (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing). During immersive sessions, participants interacted with an avatar played by the therapist, representing a significant person intrinsically linked with their consumption. This pilot clinical trial was designed to assess efficacy at short-term, feasibility, and acceptability in 19 participants with a dual diagnosis of SMD and CUD. Results showed a significant moderate reduction in the amount of cannabis consumed (d=0.545, p=0.017), which was confirmed by the quantification of THC-COOH in urine. Regarding the severity of TLUC and motivation to change, a small (d=0.474; p=0.046) and moderate (d=0.523; p=0.046) effect size were obtained, respectively. No significant effect was obtained for quality of life, and psychiatric symptoms remained stable. Once participants have completed the 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups, medium- and long-term results will also be assessed. A single-blind randomized controlled trial is currently underway to compare the Avatar intervention for CUD with a conventional addiction intervention.

Introdução: Os transtornos mentais que ocorrem na comunidade e em culturas diversas são temas de grande interesse frente às constantes transformações sociais no mundo. A mudança do foco de pesquisa para os transtornos freqüentes na comunidade possibilitou aperfeiçoamentos metodológicos e desenvolvimento de instrumentos sensíveis para a sua detecção. A inclusão da variável cultural no estudo da psiquiatria, por sua vez, questiona o universalismo psicopatológico, a taxonomia ocidental e o diagnóstico de síndromes culturalmente específicas. Uma amostra desta visão psiquiátrica, ancorada na questão cultural e de transtornos da comunidade, são as pesquisas envolvendo neurastenia, um transtorno neurótico comum entre os chineses. O presente trabalho é um estudo observacional e transversal dos transtornos mentais comuns entre os indivíduos chineses da comunidade. Objetivo: Avaliar a psicopatologia não-psicótica dos chineses residentes na cidade de São Paulo, através de instrumentos padronizados. Material e Método: Os sujeitos da comunidade (n = 211), chineses e seus descendentes, preencheram um questionário de auto-avaliação e foram entrevistados por pesquisadores treinados. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12), Escala de Sintomas Físicos, Escala de Eventos Vitais, Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI), Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado (IDATE) e Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN). Os dados foram analisados através de estatística descritiva, análise univariada (testes de qui-quadrado, Fisher e t de Student), análise multivariada (regressão logística), análise da curva ROC, análise fatorial exploratória (CHQ-12) e análise de correlação. Resultados: A probabilidade dos indivíduos pontuar alto no CHQ-12 ou ser casos prováveis de transtornos mentais comuns associou ao fato de ser do sexo feminino (OR = 2,31; IC95%: 1,12–4,75) e fluentes em chinês mandarim (OR = 3,37; IC95%: 1,68–6,78). Além disso, aqueles sujeitos com queixas físicas (OR = 4,20; IC95%: 1,70–10,40), relato de eventos-vitais no último ano (OR = 4,91; IC95%: 1,51–16,00) e pontuação alta no BDI (OR = 1,29; IC95%: 1,20–1,41) também tiveram maior chance de apresentar transtornos. O coeficiente de consistência interna &#61537; de Cronbach do CHQ-12 foi de 0,71 e a correlação item-total variou de 0,25 a 0,55, mostrando boa fidedignidade e homogeneidade deste instrumento. Adotando SCAN como critério-padrão, o melhor ponto de corte de CHQ-12 foi 2/3. Os seguintes indicadores de validade foram calculados a partir deste critério: sensibilidade 75%, especificidade 71%, valor preditivo positivo 55%, valor preditivo negativo 86% e taxa de classificação incorreta 28%. A curva ROC foi utilizada para avaliar a capacidade discriminante do instrumento, tendo uma área sob a curva de 0,728. O questionário CHQ-12 também se correlacionou significativamente com Escala de Sintomas Físicos (p < 0,005), Escala de Eventos Vitais (p < 0,005), BDI (p < 0,0005) e IDATE (p < 0,05). Na análise fatorial exploratória, três dimensões psicopatológicas explicaram 47,8% da variância total do CHQ-12. O conteúdo sintomatológico avaliado por este instrumento pode ser descrito como tridimensional, contendo fator somático, depressivo e de preocupação. As entrevistas do SCAN (n = 25) geraram diagnósticos de distimia, depressão e insônia não orgânica (CID-10). Os item-grupos “mau funcionamento subjetivo" (p < 0,005) e “características especiais de depressão" (p < 0,005) predominaram no perfil sintomatológico dos casos positivos de SCAN. Conclusão: Os transtornos mentais comuns predominantes na comunidade chinesa de São Paulo são os transtornos neuróticos, muito sugestivos de neurastenia. Os sujeitos chineses da comunidade apresentam uma psicopatologia própria, semelhante àquela dos indivíduos do seu país de origem. O CHQ-12 é um instrumento de rastreamento culturalmente sensível, que apresenta evidências de confiabilidade e validade para ser aplicado em outras populações de chineses. / Introduction: Community and culturally specific mental disorders have attracted much interest lately as a consequence of the constant social changes in the world. The shift of research focus to community-specific disorders has permitted methodological improvements and the development of tools for their detection. The inclusion of the cultural variable in the study of psychiatry questions psychopathological universality, Western taxonomy, and the diagnosis of culturally specific syndromes. The research of neurasthenia, a common neurotic disorder among the Chinese, is an example of the psychiatric approach based on cultural issues and on community disorders. This is an observational and transversal study of the common mental disorders among Chinese individuals in the community. Objective: to assess the non-psychotic psychopathology of the Chinese who live in the city of São Paulo, using standardized instruments. Materials and Methods: Individuals of the community (n = 211), Chinese and their descendants, filled out a self-evaluation questionnaire and were interviewed by trained researchers. The instruments used were: Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12), Physical Symptom Scale, Life Event Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Trait-State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN). The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, univariate analysis (chi-square, Fisher and Student’s t tests), multivariate analysis (logistic regression), ROC curve analysis, exploratory factor analysis (CHQ-12), and correlation analysis. Results: The likelihood of an individual scoring high in CHQ-12 or having a probable common mental disorder is associated to the fact of being female (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.12–4.75) and fluent in Mandarin Chinese (OR = 3.37; 95% CI: 1.68–6.78). Moreover, those with physical complaints (OR = 4.20; 95% CI: 1.70–10.40), reporting life events in the previous year (OR = 4.91; 95% CI: 1.51–16.00) and scoring high in BDI (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.20–1.41) also had a greater likelihood of presenting disorders. CHQ-12’s Cronbach’s &#61537; coefficient of internal consistency was 0.71 and the item-total correlation ranged from 0.25 to 0.55, showing that this instrument is reliable and homogeneous. Using SCAN as a standard criterion, the best cut-off point for CHQ-12 was 2/3. The other validity indicators were calculated based on that criterion: sensitivity 75%, specificity 71%, positive predictive value 55%, negative predictive value 86%, and misclassification rate 28%. ROC curve was used to evaluate the discriminating capacity of the instrument, having an area under the curve of 0.728. CHQ-12 questionnaire also correlated significantly with the Physical Symptom Scale (p < 0.005), Life Event Scale (p < 0.005), BDI (p < 0.0005), and STAI (p < 0.05). In the exploratory factor analysis, three psychopathologic dimensions explained 47.8% of the total variance of CHQ-12. The symptomatological content evaluated by this instrument may be described as three-dimensional, including somatic, depressive and preoccupation factors. SCAN interviews (n = 25) led to diagnoses of dysthymia, depression and non-organic insomnia (ICD-10). The item-groups “poor subjective functioning" (p < 0.005) and “special features of depression" (p < 0.005) prevailed on the symptomatological profile of SCAN-positive cases. Conclusion: the most common mental disorders in São Paulo’s Chinese community are the neurasthenia-like neurotic disorders. The individuals of the Chinese community presented a unique psychopathology, resembling that of their country of origin. CHQ-12 is a culturally sensitive screening instrument, which seems to be reliable and valid enough to be used in other Chinese populations.

O início do século XXI é marcado por diversas questões que correlacionam os problemas da privação da liberdade e sua interface com a Saúde Pública, como nas discussões sobre o uso problemático de álcool e outras drogas e o aumento do encarceramento desses indivíduos, assim como na temática do denominado \"louco infrator\", que, apesar da Reforma Psiquiátrica, continua sem acesso aos seus direitos fundamentais. O presente trabalho tem como problemática central investigar, à luz dos princípios da Reforma Psiquiátrica, como se processa a dinâmica das transferências de pessoas internadas nos Hospitais de Custódia e Tratamento Psiquiátrico do Estado de São Paulo para os Hospitais Psiquiátricos Comuns, Centros de Atenção Psicossocial e Residências Terapêuticas, sob ordem judicial. Tem como objetivos identificar os motivos que determinam transferências, sua legalidade, assim como os discursos das áreas jurídicas, psiquiátricas e de saúde mental que se constituem em torno da pessoa com transtorno mental em conflito com a lei e caracterizar como se apresenta a relação Justiça e Saúde na dinâmica dessas transferências como mecanismo jurídico-sanitário, identificando implicações, alcances e limitações e o lugar da transinstitucionalização nesse processo. Do ponto de vista metodológico, trata-se de pesquisa de natureza documental e qualitativa. Como documentos foram identificados acórdãos, processos de execução criminal de medida de segurança e processos de internação compulsória, entre outros de natureza cível, relacionados a pessoas com transtorno mental em conflito com a lei, que tramitam ou tramitavam no Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de São Paulo. Articula-se a questões emergentes da pesquisa documental, a realização de entrevistas, em profundidade, via Roteiro Temático, com dois grupos de sujeitos de pesquisa, profissionais da área jurídica, assim como, profissionais da área da saúde, com experiência de trabalho relacionada à temática. A discussão e interpretação de dados e narrativas revelam que a noção da periculosidade se apresentou como eixo central para a determinação das transferências. A prática da Internação Compulsória com Interdição, após a extinção da medida de segurança, apresenta-se como forma de continuidade do cumprimento da medida de segurança. A desinternação condicional, como medida exclusivamente jurídica, onde os cuidados em saúde ocupam aspecto secundário, fazendo com que a área da Saúde atue sob a égide da Justiça, representa um aspecto limitador para o processo de transinstitucionalização, com vistas a desinstitucionalização. A desinternação e a imposição de suas condições meramente punitivas representa um grande desafio para o cenário das execuções da medida de segurança com o aumento do número de reinternações, caracterizando o fenômeno do \"revolving door\" ou \"porta giratória\", como forma de gestão em \"circuitos\", que geram \"novos crônicos\". Diante de tal prática, a atuação autônoma dos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial, a expansão das Residências Terapêuticas, assim como o investimento em políticas públicas de inclusão social apresentam-se como condições necessárias para a desinstitucionalização das pessoas com transtorno mental em conflito com a lei. / The beginning of the 21st century is marked by several issues that correlate the problems of deprivation of liberty and its interface with Public Health, such as discussions about the problematic use of alcohol and other drugs and the increasing incarceration of these individuals, as well as the theme. the so-called \"insane offender\" who, despite the Psychiatric Reform, still has no access to his fundamental rights. The present work has as its central problem to investigate, in the light of the principles of Psychiatric Reform, how the dynamics of the transference of hospitalized people in the Custody and Psychiatric Treatment Hospitals of the State of São Paulo to the Common Psychiatric Hospitals, Psychosocial Care Centers and Therapeutic Residences, under court order. It aims to identify the motives that determine transfers, their legality, as well as the discourses of the legal, psychiatric and mental health areas that constitute around the person with mental disorder in conflict with the law and to characterize how the relationship between Justice and Health in the dynamics of these transfers as a legal-health mechanism, identifying implications, scope and limitations and the place of transinstitutionalization in this process. From the methodological point of view, this is a documentary and qualitative research. As documents were identified judgments, proceedings for criminal enforcement of security measure and cases of compulsory detention, among others of a civil nature, related to people with mental disorder in conflict with the law, who are processing or proceeding in the Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo. It is linked to emerging issues of documentary research, conducting in-depth interviews via Thematic Roadmap, with two groups of research subjects, legal professionals, as well as health professionals, with work experience related to thematic. The discussion and interpretation of data and narratives reveal that the notion of dangerousness was presented as the central axis for the determination of transfers. The practice of Compulsory Detention with Interdiction, after the safety measure has been extinguished, is presented as a way of continuing compliance with the safety measure. Conditional withdrawal, as an exclusively legal measure, where health care occupies a secondary aspect, making the Health area act under the aegis of Justice, represents a limiting aspect for the transinstitutionalization process, with a view to deinstitutionalization. The disinternation and imposition of its merely punitive conditions represents a major challenge for the scenario of executions of the security measure with the increase in the number of readmissions, characterizing the phenomenon of revolving door as a form of management in \"Circuits\" that generate \"new chronicles\". Given this practice, the autonomous performance of the Psychosocial Care Centers, the expansion of Therapeutic Residences, as well as the investment in public policies for social inclusion are necessary conditions for the deinstitutionalization of people with mental disorders in conflict with the law.

Background Mental health problems among older adults are a central public health problem. Depressive disorders are among the most prevalent mental disorders in later life. Maintaining good health and experiencing well-being in later life are important for the growing population of older adults, enabling them to enjoy life and participate in society for longer. Aims The overall aim of the thesis is to examine how mental health and mental well-being can be promoted and how the incidence and prevalence of depressive symptoms and disorders can be prevented among older adults. The specific aims of the included studies are to examine the associations between mental ill-health (depression and psychological distress) and social capital among older adults, as well as to collect and evaluate the effect of psychosocial interventions for the primary prevention of depressive disorders. Another specific aim is to provide a better understanding of how social capital influences the experienced mental well-being among older adults. Methods Population-based survey data collected in Finland and Sweden in 2008 and 2010 were used and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between depression and psychological distress among older adults (65+) and various social capital components. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the effect of psychosocial interventions on depressive symptoms, functional level and quality of life. Furthermore, two independent sets of qualitative data material – collected through two focus group interviews and an open-ended question included in a Finnish population-based survey from 2008 – were used in order to identify views on the causal mechanisms between mental well-being and social capital in later life (60+). Results Restricted social networks with regard to both quantity and quality aspects were found to associate with depression and psychological distress in later life as defined in this thesis. Low structural and cognitive social capital are both significant depression covariates in older adults, although the findings were somewhat inconclusive from the association studies. Low frequency of social contacts with friends and neighbours and experienced mistrust in friends were all significantly related to depression, while no statistically significant connection was found between depression and experienced mistrust in neighbours. Further, restricted access to instrumental social support was statistically significantly associated with depression, while other cognitive components of social capital, such as experienced general mistrust, as well as having a limited number of people to count on or who are concerned about you were significantly associated with psychological distress. In addition, based on both quantitative and qualitative data the findings of this thesis highlight the effectiveness and subjective importance of social activities for the maintenance of mental health and well-being among older adults. The social activities are an important mental health resource among older adults because of the accompanied sense of belonging to a social group, as well as feelings of purpose with regard to everyday life and hope for the future. The social activities evaluated in the systematic review and meta-analysis significantly reduced depressive symptoms when compared to no-intervention controls. However, the systematic review also revealed the scarce research base of psychosocial interventions, as only a small number of studies were included and many were characterised by a small or no effect. Conclusions The findings illustrate the need to actively maintain the social networks and interactions of older people in order to promote mental health and prevent mental ill-health. Older people experiencing low-level social capital are more likely to suffer from mental ill-health and this risk group should have access to initiatives that empower social networking and a maintained rich social life. In addition, the findings highlight the significant potential of psychosocial interventions as they support active and healthy ageing when appropriately implemented / Bakgrund Psykisk ohälsa hos äldre är ett viktigt folkhälsoproblem. Depressiva syndrom utgör ett av de vanligast förekommande psykiska funktionshindren. Det blir allt viktigare att hälsan och välbefinnandet upprätthålls i den växande äldre befolkningen, eftersom det möjliggör för de äldre att längre upp i åldrarna njuta av livet och att vara delaktiga i samhället. Syfte Avhandlingens övergripande syfteär att studera hur psykisk hälsa och psykiskt välbefinnande kan befrämjas och hur uppkomsten och förekomsten av depressiva symptom och sjukdomar kan förebyggas hos äldre. De specifika syftena för studierna inkluderade i avhandlingen är att undersöka sambanden mellan psykisk ohälsa (depression och psykisk belastning) och socialt kapital hos äldre personer, samt att samla in och utvärdera effekten av olika psykosociala interventioner för primärprevention av depressiva syndrom. Ett annat specifikt syfte är att ge en bättre förståelse för på vilket sätt socialt kapital påverkar det upplevda psykiska välbefinnandet hos äldre. Metod Befolkningsbaserade enkätdata insamlade i Finland och i Sverige år 2008 och 2010 användes och logistiska regressionsanalyser utfördes för att undersöka sambanden mellan depression och psykisk belastning hos äldre personer (65+) och olika komponenter av socialt kapital. En systematisk litteraturöversikt och meta-analys sammanställdes för att utvärdera effekten av olika psykosociala interventioner på depressiva symptom, funktionsförmåga och livskvalitet. För att identifiera kausala mekanismer mellan socialt kapital och psykiskt välbefinnande hos äldre (60+) användes dessutom två oberoende kvalitativa datamaterial – insamlade med hjälp av två fokusgruppintervjuer och en öppen fråga som ingick i den finländska befolkningsenkäten från 2008. Resultat Kvantitativt och kvalitativtbegränsadesociala nätverk står i samband med depression och psykisk belastning bland äldre så som dessa definieras i avhandlingen. Lågt strukturellt och kognitivt socialt kapital står båda signifikant i samband med depression hos äldre, även om forskningsresultaten från sambandsstudierna var något osamstämmiga. Låg frekvens av social kontakt med vänner och grannar och upplevd misstro till vänner hade alla ett statistiskt signifikant samband med depression, medan man inte kunde hitta något signifikant samband mellan depression och upplevd misstro till grannar. Dessutom hittades ett statistiskt signifikant samband mellan begränsad tillgång till instrumentellt socialt stöd och depression, medan andra komponenter av kognitivt social kapital – så som att uppleva generell misstro, att ha få personer man kan lita på, samt att uppleva ett begränsat intresse från omgivningen för vad man gör – kunde kopplas till psykisk belastning. I tillägg betonar avhandlingsresultaten, som är baserade på både kvantitativa och kvalitativa data, effekten och den subjektiva nyttan av sociala aktiviteter för upprätthållandet av den psykiska hälsan och välbefinnandet hos äldre personer. De sociala aktiviteterna är en viktig resurs för den psykiska hälsan bland äldre därför att de ger en känsla av tillhörighet till en social grupp, samtidigt som de ger mening till vardagslivet och en känsla av hopp för framtiden. De sociala aktiviteter som utvärderades i den sytematiska översikten och meta-analysen minskade signifikant de depressiva symptomen, jämfört med kontrollgrupperna. Den systematiska översikten pekar emellertid också på bristen på forskning om psykosociala interventioner, eftersom få studier kunde inkluderas och dessa kännetecknades dessutom av en liten eller av avsaknad av effekt. Slutsatser Avhandlingens resultat illustrerar behovet av att aktivt upprätthålla de äldres sociala nätverk och interaktion för att främja deras psykiska hälsa och förebygga psykisk ohälsa.Äldre som har ett begränsat socialt kapital löper större risk för att lida av psykisk ohälsa och därför bör denna riskgrupp ha tillgång till insatser som stöder uppbyggandet och upprätthållandet av sociala nätverk och ett rikt socialt liv. I tillägg visar avhandlingen på den stora potential som psykosociala interventioner har med tanke på att de kan stödja ett aktivt och hälsosamt åldrande om de används på rätt sätt / Tausta Ikäihmistenmielenterveysongelmat ovat keskeisiä kansanterveysongelmia. Masennus on iäkkäiden yleisimpiä mielenterveyden häiriöitä. Hyvän terveyden ja koetun hyvinvoinnin säilyttäminen myöhemmällä iällä ovat tärkeitä yhä suurenevalle ikääntyvälle väestölle, koska ne mahdollistavat elämästä nauttimisen ja yhteiskuntaelämään osallistumisen pidempään. Tavoitteet Tämän väitöskirjan päätavoitteena on tutkia miten mielenterveyttä ja psyykkistä hyvinvointia voidaan edistää ja miten ikäihmisten masennusoireiden ja -häiriöiden ilmenemistä ja esiintyvyyttä voidaan ehkäistä. Väitöskirjaan sisältyvän tutkimuksen erityinen tavoite on tarkastella iäkkäiden aikuisten mielenterveysongelmien (masennus ja psyykkinen kuormittuneisuus) ja sosiaalisen pääoman välistä suhdetta sekä kerätä ja arvioida psykososiaalisten interventioiden vaikutuksia ikääntyneiden masennushäiriöiden primaarissa ehkäisyssä. Toinen tutkimuksen erityinen tavoite on lisätä ymmärrystä siitä, miten sosiaalinen pääoma vaikuttaa ikäihmisten koettuun psyykkiseen hyvinvointiin. Menetelmät Tutkimuksessa käytettiin Suomessa ja Ruotsissa vuosina 2008 ja 2010 väestökyselyllä kerättyä aineistoa, johon tehtyjen logististen regressioanalyysien tarkoituksena oli tutkia yhteyksiä ikäihmisten (65+) masennuksen ja psyykkisen kuormittuneisuuden ja sosiaalisen pääoman eri komponenttien välillä. Systemaattisella kirjallisuuskatsauksella ja meta-analyysillä arvioitiin psykososiaalisten interventioiden vaikutusta masennusoireisiin, toimintakykyyn ja elämänlaatuun. Tämän lisäksi käytettiin kahta toisistaan riippumatonta laadullista aineistoa, joiden perusteella tunnistettiin sosiaalisen pääoman vaikutuksia psyykkiseen hyvinvointiin vanhuusiässä(60+). Nämä aineistot kerättiin kahdesta fokusryhmähaastattelusta ja Suomessa vuonna 2008 toteutuneen väestökyselyn avoimesta kysymyksestä. Tulokset Tutkimuksen mukaan myöhemmällä iällä niin määrällisesti kuin laadullisestikin rajalliset sosiaaliset verkostot ovat tässä väitöskirjassa käytetyn määritelmän mukaan voimakkaasti yhteydessä masennukseen ja psyykkiseen kuormittuneisuuteen. Matala rakenteellinen ja kognitiivinen sosiaalinen pääoma ovat molemmat merkittäviä ikäihmisten masennuksen ennustekijöitä, joskaannämä tulokset eivät ole täysin yhdenmukaisia tutkimuksessa käytettyjen aineistojen perusteella. Ikäihmisten vähäiset sosiaaliset kontaktiystäviin ja naapureihin sekä koettu epäluottamus ystäviä kohtaan liittyivät kaikki merkittävästi masennukseen, vaikkakaan tilastollisesti merkitsevää yhteyttä masennuksen ja naapureihin kohdistuvan epäluottamuksen välillä ei löytynyt. Sen sijaan vähäisen käytännössä saadun sosiaalisen tuen ja masennuksen välillä oli tilastollisesti merkitsevä yhteys. Samoin psyykkinen kuormittuneisuus oli merkitsevästi yhteydessä sosiaalisen pääoman kognitiivisiin komponentteihin, kuten koettuun yleiseen epäluottamukseen ja myös vain vähäiseen määrään sellaisia ihmisiä, joihin voi luottaa ja jotka välittävät. Tämän lisäksi väitöskirjan määrälliseen ja laadulliseen aineistoon perustuvat tulokset korostavat sitä, että ikäihmisten mielenterveyden ja psyykkisen hyvinvoinnin säilyttämiseksi sosiaaliset aktiviteetit ovat sekä yksilöllisesti merkittäviä että tehokkaita. Sosiaaliset aktiviteetit ovat tärkeä iäkkäiden mielenterveyden resurssi, koska ne luovat tunteen sosiaaliseen ryhmään kuulumisesta, jokapäiväisen elämän merkityksellisyydestä ja toivosta tulevaisuudessa. Systemaattisen kirjallisuuskatsauksen ja meta-analyysin perusteella sosiaaliset aktiviteetit vähensivät merkittävästi masennusoireilua vertailuryhmiin nähden. Systemaattinen katsaus kuitenkin osoittaa, että psykososiaalisista menetelmistä on olemassa vain niukasti näyttöön perustuvaa tutkimusta. Tästä syystä tämä aineisto jäi pieneksi myös tässä tutkimuksessa – lisäksi systemaattisen katsauksen aineisto osoitti psykososiaalisten interventioiden vaikuttavan ikääntyneiden mielenterveyteenvain vähän tai ei lainkaan. Johtopäätökset Väitöskirjan tulokset osoittavat, että mielenterveyden edistämiseksi ja mielenterveysongelmien ehkäisemiseksi on tarpeellista aktiivisesti ylläpitää ikäihmisten sosiaalisia verkostoja ja vuorovaikutusta. Ne iäkkäät, joilla on vähäinen sosiaalinen pääoma kärsivät muita todennäköisemmin mielenterveysongelmista. Tälle riskiryhmälle tulee löytää keinoja, joilla vahvistetaan sen sosiaalista verkostoitumista ja rikastutetaan sen sosiaalista elämää. Tämän lisäksi tulokset korostavat niitä merkittäviä mahdollisuuksia, joita oikealla tavalla toteutetuilla psykososiaalisilla interventioilla on tukea aktiivista ja tervettä ikääntymistä.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:44:10Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 4251.pdf: 1166459 bytes, checksum: d38cf6c48bdc7132f56145c98f84799f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-24 / In years 2000, stimulated for the Strategy Health of the Family and for the governmental investments in its had emerged ascending reflections on the Primary Health Care. In this context, the objective work to know the politics, the actions and the nets in health destined to the people with deficiency and people with mental suffering, in the city São Carlos, SP, are problem of the study in the scope of the Primary Health Care. As methodology resource it was used documentary analysis, specifically reports of the municipal conferences of health and the municipal plan of health, and interview half structuralized with civic, professional managers of health, such as: occupational therapists, physiotherapists and nutritionist, beyond users of the services, people with deficiency or people with mental suffering. One searched to portray the local context, weaveeing connections with the context of the Brazilian public politics, in the attempt to foment dialogues with realities of other cities of average Brazilian transport. 24 interviews, being 06 with managers, 12 with health professionals had been carried through (05 physiotherapists, 06 occupational therapists, 01 nutritionist), 06 with users of the services (03 people with deficiency and 03 people with mental suffering). The results show to a change in construction in the paradigm of the attention in health of the city, directed to the model of monitoring in health with qualification proposals of the Primary Health Care , centered in the Strategy Health of the Family, aiming at to the formation and joint of a Net School of Cares to the Health. However, the inexistence of politics and specific municipal lines of direction of care for the people with deficiency and the people with mental suffering, delicate the care in health destined for such populations. The Primary Health Care in São Carlos intention to be directed for the integral care, however, this speech, and the approach in the actions of promotion and prevention of health, determines not the priorities of actions come back toward specific and complex demands as those of the people with deficiency and the people with mental suffering. Specifically with regard to the occupational therapists, the data present that the initial actions of these professionals, just-inserted in the Primary Health Care, are come back in its majority toward the mental health, however also notice action next to other populations. These professionals act in the with Primary Health Care proposals of promotion of health, shelter and action of whitewashing. This professional in the becomes essential, that, commits itself to the problems and the concrete necessities of the population of each territory and to the social paper of its performance. He concludes yourself that in the scene placed for the Politics of Basic Attention in Brazil, its institutionalization convokes the construction of new plans of care in health and constants theoretical reflections to base the actions techniques, specifically come back toward not traditionally received populations in this scope. / Nos anos 2000, impulsionados pela Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e pelos investimentos governamentais em seu entorno, emergiram reflexões ascendentes sobre a Atenção Primária em Saúde (APS). Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho objetivou conhecer as políticas, as ações e as redes em saúde destinadas às pessoas com deficiência e às pessoas com sofrimento mental, no município de São Carlos, SP, problematizando o estudo no âmbito da Atenção Primária em Saúde. Como recurso metodológico utilizou-se a análise documental, especificamente relatórios das conferências municipais de saúde e do plano municipal de saúde (2010-2013); e entrevista semiestruturada, com gestores municipais, profissionais de saúde tais como: terapeutas ocupacionais, fisioterapeutas e nutricionista, além de usuárias dos serviços, sendo elas pessoas com deficiência e pessoas com sofrimento mental. Buscou-se retratar o contexto microssocial local, tecendo conexões com o contexto macrossocial das políticas públicas brasileiras, na tentativa de fomentar diálogos com realidades de outros municípios de médio porte brasileiro. Foram realizadas 24 entrevistas, sendo 06 com gestores, 12 com profissionais de saúde (05 fisioterapeutas, 06 terapeutas ocupacionais, 01 nutricionista), e 06 com usuárias dos serviços (03 pessoas com deficiência e 03 pessoas com sofrimento mental). Os resultados mostram uma mudança em construção no paradigma da atenção em saúde do município, voltada ao modelo de vigilância em saúde com propostas de qualificação da APS, centrada na Estratégia Saúde da Família, visando à formação e articulação de uma Rede Escola de Cuidados à Saúde. No entanto, a inexistência de políticas e diretrizes municipais de cuidado, específicas para as pessoas com deficiência e para as pessoas com sofrimento mental, fragiliza o cuidado em saúde destinado para tais populações. A APS em São Carlos intenciona ser direcionada para o cuidado integral, entretanto, esse discurso, e o enfoque nas ações de promoção de saúde, determinam a não priorização de ações voltadas para demandas específicas e complexas como aquelas das pessoas com deficiência e das pessoas com sofrimento mental. Especificamente com relação aos terapeutas ocupacionais, os dados apresentam que as ações iniciais desses profissionais, recém-inseridos na APS em São Carlos, são voltadas em sua maioria para a saúde mental, porém notam-se também ações junto a outras populações. Esses profissionais atuam na APS, com propostas de promoção de saúde, prevenção de doenças, acolhimento e ações de reabilitação. Torna-se essencial que o terapeuta ocupacional na APS comprometa-se com os problemas e as necessidades concretas da população de cada território e com o papel social decorrente da sua atuação. Conclui-se que no cenário colocado pela Política de Atenção Básica no Brasil, sua institucionalização, convoca a construção de novos planos de cuidado em saúde e constantes reflexões teóricas para embasar as ações técnicas, especificamente voltadas para populações não tradicionalmente acolhidas nesse âmbito.

Made available in DSpace on 2011-05-04T12:36:16Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009 / RESUMO: Estudos no Brasil relatam alta prevalência do diagnóstico de Transtorno Mental Comum (TMC) nas unidades básicas de saúde, e sua associação com o gênero feminino. O continuum de sintomas dos TMC (quadros depressivos, ansiosos, somáticos e dissociativos) guarda relação com as queixas inespecíficas da popular Doença dos Nervos por esta também apresentar sintomatologia comórbida, além de abranger um espectro genérico de mal-estar psíquico percebido subjetivamente. Apesar do sofrimento dos nervos ser uma avaliação pessoal do próprio estado de saúde (illness), e não uma classificação médica (disease), sua associação com os TMC remete a comprometimentos na esfera psíquica, funcional e na qualidade de vida de quem sofre. OBJETIVO: Conhecer as prevalências dos TMC e da representação do sofrimento dos nervos em 5 unidades do Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF) no município de Petrópolis-RJ; analisar as associações existentes entre ter TMC (considerando também sua intensidade), perceber-se portadora de sofrimento mental(considerando sua duração), e comparar seus impactos sobre os domínios de Qualidade de Vida (QV) estudados; verificar a associação da co-existência de ter TMC grave e ser sofredora crônica dos nervos com QV; verificar a associação de fatores sócio-demográficos e econômicos com TMC, sofrer dos nervos e QV; analisar a associação de rede de apoio social e empoderamento feminino com ter TMC, sofrer dos nervos e QV. METODOLOGIA: Foram avaliadas 969 mulheres atendidas em 2006 em 5 unidades de PSF, durante 1 mês, no município de Petrópolis. A prevalência geral dos TMC foi aferida pelo General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12), usando-se os pontos de corte 2/3 para os quadros leves, e 4/5 para os graves. A intensidade dos transtornos foi medida pelo GHQ contínuo. A percepção do adoecimento agudo e crônico dos nervos foi aferida através de 2 perguntas isoladas quanto à duração do sofrimento. Os dados sócio-demográficos foram coletados por um questionário geral. A mensuração dos níveis de QV em cada domínio foi feita pelo WHOQOLBref. A análise dos fatores associados a QV foi realizada através da regressão linear múltipla modelo stepwise-backward no programa SPSS. RESULTADOS: (...) / Studies in Brazil report a high prevalence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD)diagnosis in primary cares and its association with the female gender. CMD’s continuum of symptoms (depressive, anxious, somatic and dissociative frameworks) resembles unspecific complaints of the commonly known “Nervous Illness”. Its comorbid symptomathologies contain a generic spectrum of a subjectively perceived ill-being of the psyche. Despite “suffering of the nerves” being a personal evaluation of one owns state of health (illness) and not a medical classification (disease), its association with CMD entails distress in the psychic and functional spheres as well as the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Objective: To determine the prevalence of both CMD and “Nervous Illness” in 5 units of the Family Health Programme (FHP) in the municipality of Petropolis-RJ; to analyse possible associations between having CMD (taking the intensity of it into consideration) and self-perceived “Nervous Illness” (taking the duration of the illness into consideration), and to compare the impact of both on the studied range of quality of life (QL) estimators; to verify the interaction between having a grave form of CMD and suffering from chronic “Nervous Illness”; to verify the association between socio-demographic and economic factors with CMD, Nervous Illness and QL; analyse the association between female empowerment and the existence of a social protection network with CMD, Nervous Illness and QL. Methodology: During the year of 2006, 969 women were analysed in 5 units of the FHP in the municipality of Petropolis-RJ for one month. The general prevalence of CMD was determined using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12), with cutting points of 2/3 for light cases and 4/5 for the grave cases. The intensity of the disorder was measured by a continuous GHQ. The perception of acute and chronic “Nervous Illness” was inferred using 2 questions isolated in accordance with the duration of the illness. The socio-demographic data was collected via a general questionnaire. Measurements of QL levels, for each range, were done using WHOQOL-Bref. The analyses of factors associated with QL was done using a multiple linear regression, step-wise backward model, in SPSS.Results: Verified mean prevalence of: 61.7% for CMD; 44.6% for grave CMD; mean intensity of the disorder of 31.0, 47.5% for perceived acute “Nervous Illness”; 24.6% of perceived chronic “Nervous Illness”; and a 16.1% interaction between having a grave CMD and suffering from chronic “Nervous Illness”. Statistically significant association between having CMD, suffering from “Nervous Illness” and QL were shown, with each affecting differently the studied ranges. Grave CMD damaged QL the most, with the psychological range suffering the worst effects ( = -13.4; = 65.7) Followed by perceived acute Nervous Illness, specially in the health satisfaction range ( = -9.1; = 77.0). The interaction between grave CMD and chronic Nervous Illness, has shown a strong adverse impact on the physical range ( = -13.1; = 79.2) although it only ranked third on general negative impact on QL. Amongst the socio-demographic variables that show significant associations with QL were personal income ( = 1,9; = 79,2 in the physical range); head of family and education ( = 2,5 e = 3,9, respectively; = 79,2 in the health satisfaction range), demonstrating therefore the positive impact of female empowerment. Household income, civil status and principally religious frequency ( = 4.6; = 77.0 in the health satisfaction range) increased QL levels, by exerting the supportive effects of the social protection network.Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of grave CMD and perception of acute nervous illness amongst female participants of the FHP. Although the presence of CMD has the worst impact on QL, QL is too diminished by perception of Nervous Illness. Female empowerment and social protection networks have a positive effect on QL. Such results emphasize a need to consider subjective interpretations of self-well-being and not only diagnostic criteria when approaching health issues. Only in this way answers that are capable of contemplating a more comprehensive concept of health as quality of life, can be offered.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:42:35Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 COSTA_Lucio_2014.pdf: 1495926 bytes, checksum: 332ea16b46bc849d4aa06c806a74efaa (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-25 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / - / A presente dissertação tem como foco central os aspectos da proteção e dos direitos das pessoas com transtorno mental em conflito com a lei. Marcada pelo binômio crime/loucura, esta população vem sendo mantida apartada do novo regramento legal que dispõe sobre as garantias e o modelo de atenção psicossocial no País: a Lei Nº 10.216/2001, mais conhecida como Lei da Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileira. Essa legislação orienta em suas diretrizes uma terapêutica contrária à lógica de asilamento e de segregação, apontando o processo de desinstitucionalização como o mecanismo que deve pautar as políticas públicas na área. Entretanto, milhares de brasileiros marcados pelo estigma da loucura e da criminalidade permanecem esquecidos em espaços de confinamento penal e internação psiquiátrica. Uma experiência inovadora conduzida pelo estado de Goiás vem mudando esse paradigma: o Programa de Atenção ao Louco Infrator (PAILI). Pautado pelas diretrizes estabelecidas pela Reforma Psiquiátrica Brasileira, o projeto tem alcançado índices de reincidência que o distingue sobremaneira dos demais modelos operados na área, constituindo uma possibilidade real de transformação na perspectiva do lidar com o binômio loucura/crime. A partir de um trabalho de campo orientado por entrevistas, além de pesquisa histórica e diálogo com algumas das principais linhas teóricas na área, procuramos situar o PAILI no contexto da desinstitucionalização psiquiátrica e dos desafios ainda presentes à plena efetivação dos direitos dessa população.

Introdução: Os transtornos mentais que ocorrem na comunidade e em culturas diversas são temas de grande interesse frente às constantes transformações sociais no mundo. A mudança do foco de pesquisa para os transtornos freqüentes na comunidade possibilitou aperfeiçoamentos metodológicos e desenvolvimento de instrumentos sensíveis para a sua detecção. A inclusão da variável cultural no estudo da psiquiatria, por sua vez, questiona o universalismo psicopatológico, a taxonomia ocidental e o diagnóstico de síndromes culturalmente específicas. Uma amostra desta visão psiquiátrica, ancorada na questão cultural e de transtornos da comunidade, são as pesquisas envolvendo neurastenia, um transtorno neurótico comum entre os chineses. O presente trabalho é um estudo observacional e transversal dos transtornos mentais comuns entre os indivíduos chineses da comunidade. Objetivo: Avaliar a psicopatologia não-psicótica dos chineses residentes na cidade de São Paulo, através de instrumentos padronizados. Material e Método: Os sujeitos da comunidade (n = 211), chineses e seus descendentes, preencheram um questionário de auto-avaliação e foram entrevistados por pesquisadores treinados. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12), Escala de Sintomas Físicos, Escala de Eventos Vitais, Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI), Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado (IDATE) e Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN). Os dados foram analisados através de estatística descritiva, análise univariada (testes de qui-quadrado, Fisher e t de Student), análise multivariada (regressão logística), análise da curva ROC, análise fatorial exploratória (CHQ-12) e análise de correlação. Resultados: A probabilidade dos indivíduos pontuar alto no CHQ-12 ou ser casos prováveis de transtornos mentais comuns associou ao fato de ser do sexo feminino (OR = 2,31; IC95%: 1,12–4,75) e fluentes em chinês mandarim (OR = 3,37; IC95%: 1,68–6,78). Além disso, aqueles sujeitos com queixas físicas (OR = 4,20; IC95%: 1,70–10,40), relato de eventos-vitais no último ano (OR = 4,91; IC95%: 1,51–16,00) e pontuação alta no BDI (OR = 1,29; IC95%: 1,20–1,41) também tiveram maior chance de apresentar transtornos. O coeficiente de consistência interna &#61537; de Cronbach do CHQ-12 foi de 0,71 e a correlação item-total variou de 0,25 a 0,55, mostrando boa fidedignidade e homogeneidade deste instrumento. Adotando SCAN como critério-padrão, o melhor ponto de corte de CHQ-12 foi 2/3. Os seguintes indicadores de validade foram calculados a partir deste critério: sensibilidade 75%, especificidade 71%, valor preditivo positivo 55%, valor preditivo negativo 86% e taxa de classificação incorreta 28%. A curva ROC foi utilizada para avaliar a capacidade discriminante do instrumento, tendo uma área sob a curva de 0,728. O questionário CHQ-12 também se correlacionou significativamente com Escala de Sintomas Físicos (p < 0,005), Escala de Eventos Vitais (p < 0,005), BDI (p < 0,0005) e IDATE (p < 0,05). Na análise fatorial exploratória, três dimensões psicopatológicas explicaram 47,8% da variância total do CHQ-12. O conteúdo sintomatológico avaliado por este instrumento pode ser descrito como tridimensional, contendo fator somático, depressivo e de preocupação. As entrevistas do SCAN (n = 25) geraram diagnósticos de distimia, depressão e insônia não orgânica (CID-10). Os item-grupos “mau funcionamento subjetivo” (p < 0,005) e “características especiais de depressão” (p < 0,005) predominaram no perfil sintomatológico dos casos positivos de SCAN. Conclusão: Os transtornos mentais comuns predominantes na comunidade chinesa de São Paulo são os transtornos neuróticos, muito sugestivos de neurastenia. Os sujeitos chineses da comunidade apresentam uma psicopatologia própria, semelhante àquela dos indivíduos do seu país de origem. O CHQ-12 é um instrumento de rastreamento culturalmente sensível, que apresenta evidências de confiabilidade e validade para ser aplicado em outras populações de chineses. / Introduction: Community and culturally specific mental disorders have attracted much interest lately as a consequence of the constant social changes in the world. The shift of research focus to community-specific disorders has permitted methodological improvements and the development of tools for their detection. The inclusion of the cultural variable in the study of psychiatry questions psychopathological universality, Western taxonomy, and the diagnosis of culturally specific syndromes. The research of neurasthenia, a common neurotic disorder among the Chinese, is an example of the psychiatric approach based on cultural issues and on community disorders. This is an observational and transversal study of the common mental disorders among Chinese individuals in the community. Objective: to assess the non-psychotic psychopathology of the Chinese who live in the city of São Paulo, using standardized instruments. Materials and Methods: Individuals of the community (n = 211), Chinese and their descendants, filled out a self-evaluation questionnaire and were interviewed by trained researchers. The instruments used were: Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ-12), Physical Symptom Scale, Life Event Scale, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Trait-State Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Schedule for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN). The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, univariate analysis (chi-square, Fisher and Student’s t tests), multivariate analysis (logistic regression), ROC curve analysis, exploratory factor analysis (CHQ-12), and correlation analysis. Results: The likelihood of an individual scoring high in CHQ-12 or having a probable common mental disorder is associated to the fact of being female (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.12–4.75) and fluent in Mandarin Chinese (OR = 3.37; 95% CI: 1.68–6.78). Moreover, those with physical complaints (OR = 4.20; 95% CI: 1.70–10.40), reporting life events in the previous year (OR = 4.91; 95% CI: 1.51–16.00) and scoring high in BDI (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.20–1.41) also had a greater likelihood of presenting disorders. CHQ-12’s Cronbach’s &#61537; coefficient of internal consistency was 0.71 and the item-total correlation ranged from 0.25 to 0.55, showing that this instrument is reliable and homogeneous. Using SCAN as a standard criterion, the best cut-off point for CHQ-12 was 2/3. The other validity indicators were calculated based on that criterion: sensitivity 75%, specificity 71%, positive predictive value 55%, negative predictive value 86%, and misclassification rate 28%. ROC curve was used to evaluate the discriminating capacity of the instrument, having an area under the curve of 0.728. CHQ-12 questionnaire also correlated significantly with the Physical Symptom Scale (p < 0.005), Life Event Scale (p < 0.005), BDI (p < 0.0005), and STAI (p < 0.05). In the exploratory factor analysis, three psychopathologic dimensions explained 47.8% of the total variance of CHQ-12. The symptomatological content evaluated by this instrument may be described as three-dimensional, including somatic, depressive and preoccupation factors. SCAN interviews (n = 25) led to diagnoses of dysthymia, depression and non-organic insomnia (ICD-10). The item-groups “poor subjective functioning” (p < 0.005) and “special features of depression” (p < 0.005) prevailed on the symptomatological profile of SCAN-positive cases. Conclusion: the most common mental disorders in São Paulo’s Chinese community are the neurasthenia-like neurotic disorders. The individuals of the Chinese community presented a unique psychopathology, resembling that of their country of origin. CHQ-12 is a culturally sensitive screening instrument, which seems to be reliable and valid enough to be used in other Chinese populations.