Os transtornos alimentares (TA) são doenças graves de etiologia multifatorial, que cursam com alterações importantes no comportamento alimentar e complicações clínicas como desnutrição e distúrbios hidroeletrolíticos, além de comorbidades psiquiátricas. A hospitalização integral é uma modalidade terapêutica indicada quando o seguimento ambulatorial não atinge resultados satisfatórios associados à piora dos sintomas. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características e resultados da hospitalização dos pacientes com TA atendidos pelo Grupo de Assistência em Transtornos Alimentares do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto-USP. Dados antropométricos, bioquímicos e clínicos foram coletados a partir da revisão de prontuários dos pacientes internados durante o período de 1982 a 2011. Como resultado, observou-se que das 186 pessoas que receberam atendimento pelo serviço, 44,6% deles (n=83) necessitaram de no mínimo, uma internação durante o tratamento. A predominância foi do sexo feminino (95,2%), da raça branca (94%), solteira (76%) e sem filhos (78,3%). Cursavam o ensino médio (50,6%) com idade de 23,3±10,8 anos. O diagnóstico era de anorexia do tipo restritivo (AN-R) para 54,2% (n=45) deles, 31,3% (n=.26) apresentavam anorexia do subtipo compulsão periódica/purgativo (AN-CP) e 14,5% (n=12) tinham bulimia nervosa (BN). A média de internações foi de 1,9±3,9 vezes sendo que 73,5% (n=61) dos pacientes foram internados apenas uma vez, por 41,2±37,6 dias. Para aqueles que precisaram dessa modalidade de tratamento por mais de uma vez, a duração da hospitalização, considerando todas as internações, foi de 70,6±115,9 dias com extensa variação (3 a 804 dias). Não foi observada associação entre o número de internações com o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e com o tempo de sintomas antes do diagnóstico. O IMC dos pacientes mudou significativamente (p<0,05) durante a internação (para o grupo com AN-R: de 13,5kg/m2 para 14,8kg/m2 ; para os com AN-CP: de 15,7kg/m2 para 16,9kg/m2 ; naqueles com BN: de 22,0kg/m2 para 21,0kg/m2 ). A amenorréia esteve presente em 69% (n=45) das mulheres, sendo mais frequente naquelas com AN-R (65,1%). Dos 23 pacientes (27,7%) que realizaram o exame de densitometria óssea, 44,4% (n=10) apresentam osteopenia e 29,7% (n=7) osteoporose. Os valores médios da maioria dos parâmetros bioquímicos avaliados estavam dentro da normalidade, com exceção do beta-caroteno, que encontrava-se elevado, tanto no início quanto no final da internação. A Nutrologia foi a enfermaria na qual a maioria das internações ocorreu (79,5%) e a necessidade de terapia nutricional foi a indicação mais frequente (62,3%). A via de administração de nutrientes preferencialmente utilizada foi a via oral (67,5%), apesar de ter sido observado aumento de 2,3 vezes na escolha da terapia nutricional enteral exclusiva nos pacientes que foram internados mais de uma vez. O acompanhamento multidisciplinar foi evidenciado, pois além do médico, houve a participação maciça de nutricionistas (87,9%) e psiquiatras (72,3%). Como conclusão, a hospitalização integral é uma modalidade bastante indicada no tratamento de pacientes com TA, mas sua duração é prolongada e requer a assistência de diversos profissionais. No entanto, quando indicada a partir de critérios bem estabelecidos proporciona melhora no estado nutricional. Futuros estudos são necessários para ampliar e aprofundar os resultados encontrados possibilitando o aprimoramento de condutas terapêuticas. / Eating disorders (ED) are serious diseases with multiple etiologies that course with major changes in eating behavior and clinical complications such as malnutrition and electrolyte disturbances, and also psychiatric comorbidities. Inpatient treatment is a modality of treatment used when the outpatient follow-up did not reach satisfactory results associated with worsening of clinical status. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of the hospitalization in patients with ED who were treated by Assistance Group on Eating Disorders from the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto - USP. Anthropometric, biochemical and clinical data were collected from the medical records of patients admitted between 1982 and 2011. It was observed that among 186 patients attended by the service, 44.6% (n = 83) required at least one inpatient treatment. Most patients were female (95.2%) and white (94%). The majority was single (76%), with no children 78.3%) and were high school students (50.6%). The mean age was 23.3± 10.8 years old. According to the diagnosis, 54.2% of patients had anorexia nervosa, restricting subtype (AN-R), 31.3% had anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging subtype (AN-CP) and 14.5% had bulimia nervosa (BN). The mean age at admission was 23.3 ± 10.8 years (range 8-58 years), 73.5% of patients were hospitalized only once. The mean number of admissions was 1.9 ± 3.9 times and 73.5% (n=61) were hospitalized only once, during 41.2 ± 37.6 days. For those who needed this type of treatment more than once, the length of stay, considering all admissions, was 70.6 ± 115.9 days with extensive variation (3-804 days). No associations were observed between the number of hospitalizations and Body Mass Index (BMI) and duration of symptoms before diagnosis. The BMI of the patients changed significantly (p <0.05) during hospitalization (for the group with AN-R, from 13.5 kg/m2 to 14.8 kg/m2 ; for AN-CP: 15.7 kg/m2 to 16.9 kg/m2 , those with BN: from 22.0 kg/m2 to 21.0 kg/m2 ). Amenorrhea was present in 69% (n = 45) women, most frequently in those with AN-R (65.1%). According to exam of bone densitometry of 23 patients (27.7%), 44.4% (n=10) had osteopenia and 29.7% (n=7) had osteoporosis. The mean values of most biochemical parameters were within normal limits, except for beta- carotene, which was above the normal range, both in admission and discharge. The Nutrology was the infirmary where the majority of hospitalizations occurred (79.5%), nutritional support was the most frequent indication for hospitalization (62.3%). The route of administration of nutrients preferably used was oral (67.5%), although it has been observed an increase at 2.3 times on exclusively enteral feeding in patients admitted more than once. The multidisciplinary team reveals, besides the doctor, the massive presence of dietitians (87.9%) and extensive involvement of psychiatrists (72.3%). It is concluded that inpatient treatment is needed in patients with ED, often shows prolonged duration and requires the assistance of various professionals. However, when indicated based on criteria well established can provide improvement in nutritional status. Future studies are needed to broaden the results enabling the improvement of therapeutic approaches.

Subjects were 2,950 patients who had previously received inpatient treatment for substance abuse at 40 treatment centers in 13 states and were followed up by the Chemical Abuse/Addiction Treatment Outcome Registry (CATOR) via telephone during the 2 years immediately following their treatment. All subjects were contacted every 6 months and asked a series of questions regarding their relapse status, medical utilization, illnesses, injuries, and arrests. Patient status was based on 3 categories: (1) abstinence from any abuse of a chemical, (2) brief relapse of less than 3 months abuse of any chemical, or (3) total relapse of longer than 3 months of any chemical. Findings showed that abstainers had fewer days in the hospital for emotional problems and detoxification. Abstainers also had fewer visits to the hospital for emergency reasons. Males in the brief relapse category had a greater number of injuries than abstainers or total relapsers. Regarding arrests and automobile accidents, no difference was discovered. However, regarding Drunk While Driving (DWI) arrests, abstainers had fewer arrests.

It has been argued that individuals receiving traditional alcohol treatment do not necessarily perceive life-long abstinence from alcohol as a favorable treatment outcome, and that negative expectations associated with this abstinence goal may have an adverse effect on treatment outcome. However, "abstinence expectancies" have never been systematically explored. This study used the Theory of Planned Behavior to investigate the relationship between the abstinence outcome expectancies of alcoholics beginning treatment and subsequent alcohol consumption. The independent and combined effects of abstinence outcome expectancies, alcohol outcome expectancies, self-efficacy expectancies (to abstain from alcohol use), and the normative beliefs of individuals beginning inpatient abstinence-oriented alcohol treatment were related to level of drinking during the 90 days following treatment. One hundred ten individuals receiving inpatient alcohol treatment were recruited for the main portion of this study. A questionnaire that included belief-based measures of attitude toward alcohol and abstinence, a belief-based measure of social normative pressure to either use or abstain from alcohol, a belief-based measure of one's perceived behavioral control to abstain from alcohol, and a measure of behavioral intention to use alcohol during the 3 months following treatment was developed for use in this study. The questionnaire was administered to all subjects. During the 90-day Follow-Up period, subjects were sent brief questionnaires and asked to report any alcohol or drug use. Eighty-nine percent of the subjects provided follow-up information for the first 30 days, while 76% provided information for the entire 90 days. An analysis of the data indicated that scores obtained from the belief-based measure of perceived behavioral control and scores from the belief-based measure of attitude toward abstinence were moderately correlated with intention to abstain from alcohol, while alcohol attitude scores and subjective norm scores were uncorrelated. Contrary to expectations, scores obtained from a measure of intention to use alcohol and the measure of perceived behavioral control were minimally predictive of scores from follow-up measures of drinking. However, intention and perceived behavioral control were minimally predictive of scores from follow-up measures of drinking. However, intention and perceived behavioral control scores were somewhat more predictive of drug use for the 90-day Follow-Up period. These results were discussed in light of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the similarities between alcohol expectancies and drug expectancies.

<p>The use of coercion in psychiatry involves clinical, legal, scientific, ethical and emotional considerations. This thesis represents an attempt to further increase our understanding of some empirical aspects of this phenomenon. </p><p>Interviews with 202 involuntarily admitted psychiatric patients and 201 voluntarily admitted patients and 295 of their next of kins were performed and analysed together with data from records and assessments made by professionals. Data was collected during two different periods of time with a compulsory psychiatric care law reform in between.</p><p>Experience of at least one coercive measure was more common amongst patients who had been committed during the most recent legislation. Otherwise there were no differences in patient experiences during the different laws.</p><p>Subjective short-term outcome was associated with having a contact person at the ward and being subjectively treated well. There were no relationships between subjective and assessed outcome or between legal status, perceived coercion at admission and subjective or assessed improvement.</p><p>The changed legislation had no clear effect on the attitudes of patients and next of kins towards coercion.</p><p>A majority of patients were able to accurately answer the question whether they had been restrained by belt or not during a specific treatment episode. Nineteen of 115 patients reported they had been restrained by belt. Eleven of these cases were true positive and 8 cases were false positive. </p><p>In conclusion, the main results were first that when it comes to issues related to psychiatric coercion there are typically considerable differences between how these are perceived and interpreted by the professional and by the patient, and second that efforts made to change the face of psychiatric coercion in the minds of patients as well as the public on part of public policymakers have had limited effects.</p>

Pathological gambling brings serious impacts on an individual, his or her surroundings and the society in the areas of economics, intellectual, physical and social health. In the Czech Republic about 40,000 - 80,000 adults are threatened by pathological gambling, however the actual amount of treated adults is only about 2.5 - 5% of the total year estimate. The reason behind this number can be the fact that in the Czech Repulic pathological gambling is treated together with substance addiction in most of the therapy centers. In the beginning of the theoretical part the concept of 'pathological gambling' is defined and the prevalence and the number of treated patients with the diagnosis of pathological gambling is shown along with the availability of electronic gaming devices in the Czech Republic and abroad. Furthermore, etiological context, pathogenesis, and some diagnostic aspects of pathological gambling are described. The theoretical part further compares pathological gambling with substance addiction and the treatments of pathological gambling and introduces the treatments of other addictions in the healthcare system in the Czech Republic. The goal of the empirical part of the thesis is to find out and describe different and similar features of patients with the diagnosis of pathological...

A prevalência de Doença Mental Grave (do inglês Severe Mental Illness, SMI) atinge 5,4% em um ano segundo os estudos Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area e National Comorbidity Survey. O conceito de SMI surgiu na década de 1970 para o planejamento dos serviços de saúde e apresentou importância crescente a partir do movimento de desinstitucionalização psiquiátrica. Uma das definições para SMI deriva do NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) em 1987, e utiliza como critérios a presença de prejuízo funcional, decorrente de déficits em aspectos básicos do dia-a-dia, bem como a duração da doença. Casos agudos de SMI podem necessitar tratamento em Unidade de Internação Psiquiátrica em Hospital Geral (UIPHG). No entanto, há poucos estudos disponíveis no Brasil avaliando esta modalidade de tratamento e os desfechos destes pacientes. Evidências também apontam que os pacientes com transtornos psiquiátricos apresentam níveis reduzidos de Fator Neurotrófico Derivado do Cérebro (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, BDNF). O BDNF age no sistema nervoso central (SNC) promovendo crescimento e diferenciação de neurônios. Dentro deste contexto, a presente tese apresenta como objetivo principal a avaliação naturalística de desfechos clínicos e funcionais, associados à avaliação dos níveis séricos de BDNF, em pacientes com SMI. Os pacientes que foram encaminhados para tratamento na Unidade de Internação Psiquiátrica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre foram incluídos se apresentassem os critérios de SMI: Avaliação Global de Funcionamento (Global Assessment of Functioning, GAF) menor ou igual a 50 e tempo de tratamento maior ou igual a dois anos. As avaliações ocorreram em dois momentos (admissão e alta). Compreenderam avaliação sociodemográfica, clínica e coleta de sangue (com dosagem de BDNF sérico). Foram realizadas avaliação diagnóstica pelo Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) e aplicação das escalas Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI-S), GAF e World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument—Short Version (WHOQOL-Bref). Ainda, foram aplicadas escalas específicas nos diagnósticos principais (i.e., depressão maior, depressão bipolar, episódio maníaco, esquizofrenia): Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D); Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). O primeiro artigo desta tese descreve os desfechos clínicos, funcionais e também de qualidade de vida durante a internação psiquiátrica. Observou-se melhora significativa nos parâmetros avaliados nos pacientes com SMI como um todo. Os pacientes com episódio maníaco apresentaram maior chance (em relação aos com episódio depressivo) de atingir remissão pela CGI (OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.14-14.30; p=0.03). A duração média da hospitalização (LOS) foi 28,95 (± 19,86) dias. No segundo artigo, observou-se redução dos níveis séricos de BDNF nos pacientes com SMI em relação aos controles saudáveis, independentemente do diagnóstico. Houve aumento significativo no BDNF entre a admissão e a alta. Os resultados apresentados replicam dados previamente publicados a partir de amostra única de pacientes com SMI, sua característica diferencial. Estes resultados reforçam que a internação em UIPHG, uma intervenção relativamente breve, demonstra desfechos positivos e é alternativa bem estabelecida no tratamento da SMI. Além disso, a redução inespecífica do BDNF sérico seguida de um pequeno aumento associado ao tratamento reforçam a possibilidade do BDNF como marcador transdiagnóstico de transtorno mental. / The estimated prevalence of Severe Mental Illness (SMI) according to Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area and National Comorbidity Survey studies is 5.4% in one year. One suggested definition of Severe Mental Illness (SMI) derives from the 1987 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) definition and is based on two criteria: 1. duration, characterized as involving “prolonged illness”, and 2. disability, which includes dangerous or disturbing social behavior, and mild impairment in achieving basic needs. These acute psychiatric conditions may require psychiatric inpatient treatment located in acute wards in General Hospitals. However, little data is currently available evaluating the characteristics and the outcomes during an acute inpatient stay in Brazil. Evidence also suggests that Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are significantly decreased in neuropsychiatric disorders. BDNF is found throughout the brain and is involved in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. So, the main objectives of this work are to evaluate SMI patients’ outcomes during treatment in a psychiatric unit in a general hospital by symptomatology, functionality, quality of life and by the evaluation of BDNF serum levels. After the admission to a psychiatric unit in a general hospital in Brazil, patients were included and if they had two of the SMI criteria: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) ≤ 50 and duration of services contact ≥ 2 years. Patients were assessed in admission and upon discharge with Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), GAF, World Health Organization’s QOL Instrument—Short Version (WHOQOL-Bref) and diagnostic specific scales (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HAM-D; Young Mania Rating Scale, YMRS; and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, HAM-A). Blood samples were also obtained. The first manuscript showed that SMI patients had marked and significant improvements in symptomatic and functional measures during psychiatric hospitalization. Patients with manic episode had higher chance of CGI remission (OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.14-14.30; p=0.03) when compared with patients with depressive episode. Mean LOS was 28.95 (± 19.86) days. The second manuscript showed that BDNF serum levels were equally reduced among different SMI diagnoses. Also, the observed improvements in SMI patients were associated with a significant, but small increase in mean serum BDNF levels. Therefore, the results replicate evidence from previous findings in single samples, suggesting that SMI patients can have marked acute improvements during a a relatively short intervention (approximately 1 month) represented by the psychiatric hospitalization in a general tertiary hospital. Also, the similar reduction observed in BDNF levels among SMI patients with different diagnoses and the significant increase but non-restoration indicate that BDNF serum levels could be considered a marker for the presence of an unspecific psychiatric disorder and possibly a transdiagnostic and unspecific marker of disease activity.

The use of coercion in psychiatry involves clinical, legal, scientific, ethical and emotional considerations. This thesis represents an attempt to further increase our understanding of some empirical aspects of this phenomenon. Interviews with 202 involuntarily admitted psychiatric patients and 201 voluntarily admitted patients and 295 of their next of kins were performed and analysed together with data from records and assessments made by professionals. Data was collected during two different periods of time with a compulsory psychiatric care law reform in between. Experience of at least one coercive measure was more common amongst patients who had been committed during the most recent legislation. Otherwise there were no differences in patient experiences during the different laws. Subjective short-term outcome was associated with having a contact person at the ward and being subjectively treated well. There were no relationships between subjective and assessed outcome or between legal status, perceived coercion at admission and subjective or assessed improvement. The changed legislation had no clear effect on the attitudes of patients and next of kins towards coercion. A majority of patients were able to accurately answer the question whether they had been restrained by belt or not during a specific treatment episode. Nineteen of 115 patients reported they had been restrained by belt. Eleven of these cases were true positive and 8 cases were false positive. In conclusion, the main results were first that when it comes to issues related to psychiatric coercion there are typically considerable differences between how these are perceived and interpreted by the professional and by the patient, and second that efforts made to change the face of psychiatric coercion in the minds of patients as well as the public on part of public policymakers have had limited effects.

No description available.

A prevalência de Doença Mental Grave (do inglês Severe Mental Illness, SMI) atinge 5,4% em um ano segundo os estudos Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area e National Comorbidity Survey. O conceito de SMI surgiu na década de 1970 para o planejamento dos serviços de saúde e apresentou importância crescente a partir do movimento de desinstitucionalização psiquiátrica. Uma das definições para SMI deriva do NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) em 1987, e utiliza como critérios a presença de prejuízo funcional, decorrente de déficits em aspectos básicos do dia-a-dia, bem como a duração da doença. Casos agudos de SMI podem necessitar tratamento em Unidade de Internação Psiquiátrica em Hospital Geral (UIPHG). No entanto, há poucos estudos disponíveis no Brasil avaliando esta modalidade de tratamento e os desfechos destes pacientes. Evidências também apontam que os pacientes com transtornos psiquiátricos apresentam níveis reduzidos de Fator Neurotrófico Derivado do Cérebro (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, BDNF). O BDNF age no sistema nervoso central (SNC) promovendo crescimento e diferenciação de neurônios. Dentro deste contexto, a presente tese apresenta como objetivo principal a avaliação naturalística de desfechos clínicos e funcionais, associados à avaliação dos níveis séricos de BDNF, em pacientes com SMI. Os pacientes que foram encaminhados para tratamento na Unidade de Internação Psiquiátrica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre foram incluídos se apresentassem os critérios de SMI: Avaliação Global de Funcionamento (Global Assessment of Functioning, GAF) menor ou igual a 50 e tempo de tratamento maior ou igual a dois anos. As avaliações ocorreram em dois momentos (admissão e alta). Compreenderam avaliação sociodemográfica, clínica e coleta de sangue (com dosagem de BDNF sérico). Foram realizadas avaliação diagnóstica pelo Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) e aplicação das escalas Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI-S), GAF e World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument—Short Version (WHOQOL-Bref). Ainda, foram aplicadas escalas específicas nos diagnósticos principais (i.e., depressão maior, depressão bipolar, episódio maníaco, esquizofrenia): Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D); Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). O primeiro artigo desta tese descreve os desfechos clínicos, funcionais e também de qualidade de vida durante a internação psiquiátrica. Observou-se melhora significativa nos parâmetros avaliados nos pacientes com SMI como um todo. Os pacientes com episódio maníaco apresentaram maior chance (em relação aos com episódio depressivo) de atingir remissão pela CGI (OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.14-14.30; p=0.03). A duração média da hospitalização (LOS) foi 28,95 (± 19,86) dias. No segundo artigo, observou-se redução dos níveis séricos de BDNF nos pacientes com SMI em relação aos controles saudáveis, independentemente do diagnóstico. Houve aumento significativo no BDNF entre a admissão e a alta. Os resultados apresentados replicam dados previamente publicados a partir de amostra única de pacientes com SMI, sua característica diferencial. Estes resultados reforçam que a internação em UIPHG, uma intervenção relativamente breve, demonstra desfechos positivos e é alternativa bem estabelecida no tratamento da SMI. Além disso, a redução inespecífica do BDNF sérico seguida de um pequeno aumento associado ao tratamento reforçam a possibilidade do BDNF como marcador transdiagnóstico de transtorno mental. / The estimated prevalence of Severe Mental Illness (SMI) according to Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area and National Comorbidity Survey studies is 5.4% in one year. One suggested definition of Severe Mental Illness (SMI) derives from the 1987 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) definition and is based on two criteria: 1. duration, characterized as involving “prolonged illness”, and 2. disability, which includes dangerous or disturbing social behavior, and mild impairment in achieving basic needs. These acute psychiatric conditions may require psychiatric inpatient treatment located in acute wards in General Hospitals. However, little data is currently available evaluating the characteristics and the outcomes during an acute inpatient stay in Brazil. Evidence also suggests that Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are significantly decreased in neuropsychiatric disorders. BDNF is found throughout the brain and is involved in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. So, the main objectives of this work are to evaluate SMI patients’ outcomes during treatment in a psychiatric unit in a general hospital by symptomatology, functionality, quality of life and by the evaluation of BDNF serum levels. After the admission to a psychiatric unit in a general hospital in Brazil, patients were included and if they had two of the SMI criteria: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) ≤ 50 and duration of services contact ≥ 2 years. Patients were assessed in admission and upon discharge with Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), GAF, World Health Organization’s QOL Instrument—Short Version (WHOQOL-Bref) and diagnostic specific scales (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HAM-D; Young Mania Rating Scale, YMRS; and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, HAM-A). Blood samples were also obtained. The first manuscript showed that SMI patients had marked and significant improvements in symptomatic and functional measures during psychiatric hospitalization. Patients with manic episode had higher chance of CGI remission (OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.14-14.30; p=0.03) when compared with patients with depressive episode. Mean LOS was 28.95 (± 19.86) days. The second manuscript showed that BDNF serum levels were equally reduced among different SMI diagnoses. Also, the observed improvements in SMI patients were associated with a significant, but small increase in mean serum BDNF levels. Therefore, the results replicate evidence from previous findings in single samples, suggesting that SMI patients can have marked acute improvements during a a relatively short intervention (approximately 1 month) represented by the psychiatric hospitalization in a general tertiary hospital. Also, the similar reduction observed in BDNF levels among SMI patients with different diagnoses and the significant increase but non-restoration indicate that BDNF serum levels could be considered a marker for the presence of an unspecific psychiatric disorder and possibly a transdiagnostic and unspecific marker of disease activity.

A prevalência de Doença Mental Grave (do inglês Severe Mental Illness, SMI) atinge 5,4% em um ano segundo os estudos Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area e National Comorbidity Survey. O conceito de SMI surgiu na década de 1970 para o planejamento dos serviços de saúde e apresentou importância crescente a partir do movimento de desinstitucionalização psiquiátrica. Uma das definições para SMI deriva do NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) em 1987, e utiliza como critérios a presença de prejuízo funcional, decorrente de déficits em aspectos básicos do dia-a-dia, bem como a duração da doença. Casos agudos de SMI podem necessitar tratamento em Unidade de Internação Psiquiátrica em Hospital Geral (UIPHG). No entanto, há poucos estudos disponíveis no Brasil avaliando esta modalidade de tratamento e os desfechos destes pacientes. Evidências também apontam que os pacientes com transtornos psiquiátricos apresentam níveis reduzidos de Fator Neurotrófico Derivado do Cérebro (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, BDNF). O BDNF age no sistema nervoso central (SNC) promovendo crescimento e diferenciação de neurônios. Dentro deste contexto, a presente tese apresenta como objetivo principal a avaliação naturalística de desfechos clínicos e funcionais, associados à avaliação dos níveis séricos de BDNF, em pacientes com SMI. Os pacientes que foram encaminhados para tratamento na Unidade de Internação Psiquiátrica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre foram incluídos se apresentassem os critérios de SMI: Avaliação Global de Funcionamento (Global Assessment of Functioning, GAF) menor ou igual a 50 e tempo de tratamento maior ou igual a dois anos. As avaliações ocorreram em dois momentos (admissão e alta). Compreenderam avaliação sociodemográfica, clínica e coleta de sangue (com dosagem de BDNF sérico). Foram realizadas avaliação diagnóstica pelo Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) e aplicação das escalas Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI-S), GAF e World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument—Short Version (WHOQOL-Bref). Ainda, foram aplicadas escalas específicas nos diagnósticos principais (i.e., depressão maior, depressão bipolar, episódio maníaco, esquizofrenia): Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D); Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). O primeiro artigo desta tese descreve os desfechos clínicos, funcionais e também de qualidade de vida durante a internação psiquiátrica. Observou-se melhora significativa nos parâmetros avaliados nos pacientes com SMI como um todo. Os pacientes com episódio maníaco apresentaram maior chance (em relação aos com episódio depressivo) de atingir remissão pela CGI (OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.14-14.30; p=0.03). A duração média da hospitalização (LOS) foi 28,95 (± 19,86) dias. No segundo artigo, observou-se redução dos níveis séricos de BDNF nos pacientes com SMI em relação aos controles saudáveis, independentemente do diagnóstico. Houve aumento significativo no BDNF entre a admissão e a alta. Os resultados apresentados replicam dados previamente publicados a partir de amostra única de pacientes com SMI, sua característica diferencial. Estes resultados reforçam que a internação em UIPHG, uma intervenção relativamente breve, demonstra desfechos positivos e é alternativa bem estabelecida no tratamento da SMI. Além disso, a redução inespecífica do BDNF sérico seguida de um pequeno aumento associado ao tratamento reforçam a possibilidade do BDNF como marcador transdiagnóstico de transtorno mental. / The estimated prevalence of Severe Mental Illness (SMI) according to Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area and National Comorbidity Survey studies is 5.4% in one year. One suggested definition of Severe Mental Illness (SMI) derives from the 1987 National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) definition and is based on two criteria: 1. duration, characterized as involving “prolonged illness”, and 2. disability, which includes dangerous or disturbing social behavior, and mild impairment in achieving basic needs. These acute psychiatric conditions may require psychiatric inpatient treatment located in acute wards in General Hospitals. However, little data is currently available evaluating the characteristics and the outcomes during an acute inpatient stay in Brazil. Evidence also suggests that Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels are significantly decreased in neuropsychiatric disorders. BDNF is found throughout the brain and is involved in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. So, the main objectives of this work are to evaluate SMI patients’ outcomes during treatment in a psychiatric unit in a general hospital by symptomatology, functionality, quality of life and by the evaluation of BDNF serum levels. After the admission to a psychiatric unit in a general hospital in Brazil, patients were included and if they had two of the SMI criteria: Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) ≤ 50 and duration of services contact ≥ 2 years. Patients were assessed in admission and upon discharge with Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI), GAF, World Health Organization’s QOL Instrument—Short Version (WHOQOL-Bref) and diagnostic specific scales (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HAM-D; Young Mania Rating Scale, YMRS; and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, HAM-A). Blood samples were also obtained. The first manuscript showed that SMI patients had marked and significant improvements in symptomatic and functional measures during psychiatric hospitalization. Patients with manic episode had higher chance of CGI remission (OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.14-14.30; p=0.03) when compared with patients with depressive episode. Mean LOS was 28.95 (± 19.86) days. The second manuscript showed that BDNF serum levels were equally reduced among different SMI diagnoses. Also, the observed improvements in SMI patients were associated with a significant, but small increase in mean serum BDNF levels. Therefore, the results replicate evidence from previous findings in single samples, suggesting that SMI patients can have marked acute improvements during a a relatively short intervention (approximately 1 month) represented by the psychiatric hospitalization in a general tertiary hospital. Also, the similar reduction observed in BDNF levels among SMI patients with different diagnoses and the significant increase but non-restoration indicate that BDNF serum levels could be considered a marker for the presence of an unspecific psychiatric disorder and possibly a transdiagnostic and unspecific marker of disease activity.