Alterations in executive functions in inmates convicted for violent behavior: a systematic review

BackgroundThe growth of the prison population and the high recidivism rates of inmates represent a major public safety problem.ObjectiveThis systematic review explored executive functions in inmates convicted of violent behavior compared with inmates convicted of non-violent behavior and healthy controls (HCs).MethodsSystematic searches were carried out using five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Embase) until March 6th, 2023. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, two reviewers independently performed the screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment of the 8 studies included. The protocol of this study was registered in Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), under registration number CRD42021252043.ResultsConsistently, inmates convicted of violent behavior exhibited a greater alteration in inhibition than inmates convicted of non-violent behavior (four out of four studies) and HCs (two out of two studies). In addition, inmates convicted of violent behavior showed greater impairments in cognitive flexibility (two out of three studies) and working memory (two out of three studies) than HCs. Although with limited evidence (only one study), they also showed worse performance in set shifting and planning than HCs.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of alterations in inhibition in inmates convicted of violent behavior compared to inmates convicted of non-violent behavior and HCs. Even though inmates convicted of violent behavior showed greater impairments in planning and set shifting than HCs, these findings were supported in only one study. In general, more robust evidence is needed to confirm alterations in inmates convicted due to violent behavior. These findings highlight the importance of designing and promoting specific cognitive interventions that contribute to the reintegration of inmates into society.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021252043, identifier CRD42021252043

Alterations in executive functions in inmates convicted for violent behavior : a systematic review

The growth of the prison population and the high recidivism rates of inmates represent a major public safety problem. This systematic review explored executive functions in inmates convicted of violent behavior compared with inmates convicted of non-violent behavior and healthy controls (HCs). Systematic searches were carried out using five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Embase) until March 6th, 2023. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, two reviewers independently performed the screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment of the 8 studies included. The protocol of this study was registered in Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), under registration number CRD42021252043. Consistently, inmates convicted of violent behavior exhibited a greater alteration in inhibition than inmates convicted of non-violent behavior (four out of four studies) and HCs (two out of two studies). In addition, inmates convicted of violent behavior showed greater impairments in cognitive flexibility (two out of three studies) and working memory (two out of three studies) than HCs. Although with limited evidence (only one study), they also showed worse performance in set shifting and planning than HCs. This study provides evidence of alterations in inhibition in inmates convicted of violent behavior compared to inmates convicted of non-violent behavior and HCs. Even though inmates convicted of violent behavior showed greater impairments in planning and set shifting than HCs, these findings were supported in only one study. In general, more robust evidence is needed to confirm alterations in inmates convicted due to violent behavior. These findings highlight the importance of designing and promoting specific cognitive interventions that contribute to the reintegration of inmates into society

Immunitat de grup : els adults joves, fora del ramat?

Un estudi troba que la confiança en actors clau en la gestió de crisis sanitàries, les actituds, la informació i les creences conspiratives eren claus per predir si els joves adults rebutjaven vacunar-se contra el virus SARS-CoV-2. Per tant, en cas d'una possible nova crisi sanitària, serà cabdal una adequada gestió de la comunicació per part dels actors implicats.Un estudio halla que la confianza en actores clave en la gestión de crisis sanitarias, las actitudes, la información y las creencias conspirativas eran claves para predecir si los jóvenes adultos rechazaban vacunarse contra el virus SARS-CoV-2. Por tanto, ante una posible nueva crisis sanitaria, será primordial una adecuada gestión de la comunicación por parte de los actores implicados.Study finds trust in key actors in health crisis management, attitudes, information, and conspiratorial beliefs were key to predicting whether young adults refused to be vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore, in the face of a possible new health crisis, proper communication management by the actors involved will be absolutely essential

Effectiveness of a Multicomponent Treatment based on Pain Neuroscience Education, Therapeutic Exercise, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Mindfulness in Patients with Fibromyalgia (FIBROWALK study) : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Methods. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week multicomponent treatment based on pain neuroscience education, therapeutic exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness, in addition to treatment as usual (TAU), compared to TAU only in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The multicomponent treatment (2h weekly sessions) was delivered in groups of 20 participants. TAU was mainly based on pharmacotherapy. We collected data on functional impairment (the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire [FIQR], as primary outcome), pain, fatigue, kinesiophobia, physical function, anxiety, and depressive symptoms (secondary outcomes) at baseline, at 12 weeks and, for the multicomponent group only, at 6 and 9 months. An intention to treat approach was used to analyse between-group differences. We also analysed baseline differences between responders (> 20% FIQR reduction) and non-responders and computed the number needed to treat (NNT). Results. A total of 272 patients with FM were randomly assigned to either the multicomponent treatment (n = 135) or TAU (n = 137). Significant between-group differences (p .80) were found for functional impairment, pain, kinesiophobia, and physical function, whilst differences with a moderate size effect (Cohen's d > 0.50 and < 0.80) were found for fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Non-responders scored higher on depressive symptoms than responders at baseline. The number needed to treat was 2 (95% CI 1.7 - 2.3). Conclusions. Our results indicate that, when compared to TAU, the multicomponent treatment was effective for improving FM-related symptoms. Nevertheless, we must temper our findings in light of some methodological limitations in the study design. Impact statement. This is the first RCT showing positive effects on a wide range of clinical outcomes of a multicomponent treatment that integrates pain neuroscience education for patients with fibromyalgia. This work reports promising results and it might be the first step towards a paradigm shift in the management of fibromyalgia

Dimensionality and reliability of the online version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) in a large Colombian sample : Results from the PSY-COVID study

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABThe Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) is an ultra-brief screening instrument to measure depressive and anxiety symptoms. This study evaluated the dimensionality and reliability of the online version of the PHQ-4 in a large sample of the general population in Colombia. Data were collected during the first phase of lockdown measures occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 18,061 adult participants completed the online version of the PHQ-4. The characteristics of the items and subscales were explored. Dimensionality was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), including an examination of invariance (configural, metric, and scalar) across socio-demographic characteristics. Reliability indices were computed and known-groups validity was addressed by estimating associations between PHQ-4 scores and socio-demographic characteristics. The CFA showed significantly adequate fit indices for the expected two-factor structure, being invariant across gender, age, income level, education level, and region. Internal consistency was satisfactory for the PHQ-2 (α =.83), the GAD-2 (α =.79), and the PHQ-4 (α =.86). Higher scores on depressive (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), and psychological distress (PHQ-4) symptoms in females and young people, and those respondents with lower income, unemployed, and lower level of education were observed. The findings indicate that the PHQ-4 is a reliable scale for depressive and anxiety symptoms among adult Colombian people, being recommendable this tool for online surveys

Baseline Functional Connectivity of the Mesolimbic, Salience, and Sensorimotor Systems Predicts Responses to Psychological Therapies for Chronic Low Back Pain With Comorbid Depression:A Functional MRI Study

INTRODUCTION: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can improve coping mechanisms for CLBP and pain-related outcomes. However, the mechanisms by which they do so remain undetermined. We explored the neural correlates of CLBP symptoms and CBT action using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in women with CLBP and comorbid depression.METHODS: Forty individuals underwent fMRI followed by 8 weeks of either treatment as usual (TAU) or one of two CBT in addition to TAU: acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or behavioral activation treatment for depression (BATD). Pain intensity, depression, psychological inflexibility, and pain catastrophizing scores were obtained at baseline and follow-up. Functional connectivity (FC) patterns of the salience network (SN), sensorimotor network (SMN), and the mesolimbic pathway (MLP), derived from resting-state fMRI examination were correlated with both baseline and delta (baseline-follow-up) pain-related psychological measures.RESULTS: Individuals receiving ACT and BATD showed reduced depression, psychological inflexibility, and pain catastrophizing. Strong baseline connectivity of the SN and SMN corresponded with higher pain intensity, but strong connectivity of the MLP and precuneus corresponded with lower pain intensity. Pain intensity changes correlated with mesolimbic-salience connectivity following ACT, and with sensorimotor connectivity following BATD. Specifically, stronger baseline FC between the MLP and posterior insula predicted greater pain intensity reduction with ACT, while stronger FC between the SMN and secondary somatosensory cortex predicted greater pain intensity reduction with BATD. FC of the SN correlated with changes in psychological inflexibility across both therapies.CONCLUSIONS: We illustrate the potential of FC as a biomarker of CLBP plus depression and the response to CBT. Our data suggest ACT and BATD have differing underlying brain mechanisms. These findings indicate that FC biomarkers could guide personalized treatment, improving individual outcomes.</p

Effectiveness of a Multicomponent treatment for fibromyalgia based on Pain neuroscience education, Exercise therapy, Psychological support, and Nature exposure (NAT-FM): A Pragmatic randomized controlled trial

A recent study (FIBROWALK) has supported the effectiveness of a multicomponent treatment based on pain neuroscience education (PNE), exercise therapy (TE), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness in patients with fibromyalgia. The aim of the present RCT was: (a) to analyze the effectiveness of a 12-week multicomponent treatment (nature activity therapy for fibromyalgia, NAT-FM) based on the same therapeutic components described above plus nature exposure to maximize improvements in functional impairment (primary outcome), as well as pain, fatigue, anxiety-depression, physical functioning, positive and negative a ect, self-esteem, and perceived stress (secondary outcomes), and kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing thoughts, personal perceived competence, and cognitive emotion regulation (process variables) compared with treatment as usual (TAU); (b) to preliminarily assess the e ects of the nature-based activities included (yoga, Nordic walking, nature photography, and Shinrin Yoku); and (c) to examine whether the positive effects of TAU + NAT-FM on primary and secondary outcomes at post-treatment were mediated through baseline to six-week changes in process variables. A total of 169 FM patients were randomized into two study arms: TAU + NAT-FM vs. TAU alone. Data were collected at baseline, at six-week of treatment, at post-treatment, and throughout treatment by ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Using an intention to treat (ITT) approach, linear mixed-e ects models and mediational models through path analyses were computed. Overall, TAU + NAT-FM was significantly more e ective than TAU at posttreatment for the primary and secondary outcomes evaluated, as well as for the process variables. Moderate-to-large effect sizes were achieved at six-weeks for functional impairment, anxiety, kinesiophobia, perceived competence, and positive reappraisal. The number needed to treat (NNT) was 3 (95%CI = 1.6-3.2). The nature activities yielded an improvement in affective valence, arousal, dominance, fatigue, pain, stress, and self-effcacy. Kinesiophobia and perceived competence were the mediators that could explain a significant part of the improvements obtained with TAU + NAT-FM treatment. TAU + NAT-FM is an e ective co-adjuvant multicomponent treatment for improving FM-related symptoms

Over 40 years (1981-2023) assessing stigma with the Community Attitudes to Mental Illness (CAMI) scale: a systematic review of its psychometric properties

BACKGROUND: The Community Attitudes to Mental Illness (CAMI) scale measures social stigma towards people with mental illness. Although it has been used worldwide, the psychometric properties of the CAMI have not been systematically reviewed. The main aim of this study was to systematically review the psychometric properties of the different versions of the CAMI more than 40 years after of its publication. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EMBASE from 1981 (year of publication) to 2023 (present). A double review was performed for eligibility, data extraction, and quality assessment. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies enrolling 10,841 participants were included. The most frequently reported factor structure comprises 3 or 4 factors. Overall, the internal consistency seems adequate for the global scale (α ≥ 0.80), except for CAMI-10 (α = 0.69). Internal consistency of the subscales are not supported, with authoritarianism being the weakest factor (α = 0.27 to 0.68). The stability over time of the total scale has been assessed in the CAMI-40, CAMI-BR, and CAMI-10 (r ≥ 0.39). Few studies have assessed the temporal stability of the CAMI subscales. Most of the correlations with potentially related measures are significant and in the expected direction. CONCLUSIONS: The 3 and 4 factor structure are the most widely reported in the different versions of the CAMI. Even though reliability and construct validity are acceptable, further item refinement by international consensus seems warranted more than 40 years after the original publication. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO identification number: CRD42018098956

Mental health in the short and long-term adaptation processes of university students during the COVID-19 pandemic : a systematic review and meta-analysis

During Covid-19, high prevalence of distress was reported among students, suggesting that they may be at higher risk than the general population of developing psychological disorders in confinement situations. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of four databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) for articles published from January 2020 to May 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Random effects meta-analyses of the reported proportions of college students with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress were carried out, and between-studies heterogeneity was also analysed. Results: 73 studies (N=209.761) were included for meta-analysis. The estimated proportion of college students with clinically significant short-term symptoms was 34% for anxiety (95% CI [29%,39%]; I2=99.75%), 38% for depression (95% CI [33%,44%; I2 = 99.71%), and 54% for stress (95% CI [46%,62%]; I2 = 99.57%). The estimated proportion of college students with clinically significant long-term symptoms was 37% for anxiety (95% CI [32%,42%]; I2 = 97.92%), 31% for depression (95% CI [23%,41%]; I2 = 99.49%) and 41% for stress (95% CI [25%,59%]; I2 = 99.29%) were found. Several methodological and sociodemographic moderators accounted for heterogeneity in the observed prevalences. Limitations: The heterogeneity of study findings suggest that the results should be interpreted with caution. Conclusion: The current evidence shows that approximately one-third of college students experienced distress, further where we can infer that there was no evidence of a worsening in mental health derived from a cumulative effect during the pandemic

Psychometric properties of the online version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 in a large Colombian sample : results from the PSY-COVID study

Objectives: The Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) is a short screening instrument to measure depressive and anxious symptoms. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the online version of the PHQ-4 in a large sample of the general population in Colombia. Methods: Data were collected during the first phase of mobility restrictions occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 18'061 adult participants completed the online version of the PHQ-4. The characteristics of the items and subscales were explored. Dimensionality was examined using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), including an examination of factor invariance across gender and age. Reliability indices were computed and known-groups validity was addressed by estimating associations between PHQ-4 scores and socio-demographic characteristics. Results: The CFA showed high fit indices for the expected two-factor structure, being invariant across gender and age. Internal consistency was satisfactory for PHQ-2 (α = .83), GAD-2 (α = .79), and PHQ-4 (α = .86). We observed higher scores on depression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), and distress (PHQ-4) in women and young people, and those respondents with lower income, unemployed, and lower level of education. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the PHQ-4 is a reliable and valid screen for depression and anxiety among Colombian people, being recommendable this tool for online surveys