Tentativas de suicídio e o uso de substâncias em uma amostra de pronto-socorro

OBJECTIVE: Describe suicide attempts assisted in an emergency room (ER) and acute substance consumption or dependence on these individuals. METHODS: Descriptive epidemiologic study was carried out during one year, evaluating suicide attempts assisted at Embu das Artes ER, São Paulo, Brazil. Patients were scheduled to a non structured psychiatric interview. Main outcomes measures were: socio demographic data, suicide attempt method, drugs or alcohol acute use in the six hours prior to attempt, patients with ICD-10 substance dependence diagnosis. The descriptive analyses and chi-square test (p < 0.05) were used to verify associations between the variables studied. RESULTS: sample was formed of 80 patients, mean age of 26.9 years (SD = 8.91), predominantly female (72.5%) and 21.2% adolescents. Most suicide attempts were made through medicine ingestion (62.5%). Approximately 21.2% and 7.5% related to have used alcohol and an illicit drug respectively within 6 hours prior to attempt and 10% were found to be substance dependent. All substance dependents had attempted suicide previously (p-value = 0.4). There was a significant association between suicide attempt through medicine ingestion and psychiatric treatment history (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: More national studies are necessary to consider the role of alcohol and drug in suicide attempts assisted in ER, especially in chemical dependents whose suicidal behavior is relevant.OBJETIVO: Descrever as tentativas de suicídio atendidas em um pronto-socorro (PS) e o consumo agudo ou dependência de substâncias nestes indivíduos. MÉTODOS: O estudo epidemiológico descritivo foi conduzido durante um ano para avaliação de tentativas de suicídio assistidas em um PS de Embu das Artes, SP. Os pacientes foram agendados para uma entrevista psiquiátrica não estruturada. As principais variáveis de desfecho foram: dados sociodemográficos, métodos da tentativa de suicídio, uso de álcool ou drogas seis horas antes da tentativa, pacientes com diagnóstico de dependência de substância pela CID-10. Utilizaram-se a análise descritiva e o teste qui-quadrado (p < 0,05) para verificar associações entre as diversas variáveis estudadas. RESULTADOS: A amostra constituiu-se de 80 casos, cujos participantes tinham idade média de 26,9 anos (DP = 8,91), predominantemente de mulheres (72,5%), 21,2% de adolescentes. A maioria das tentativas de suicídio foi por ingesta de medicação (62,5%). Aproximadamente 21,2% e 7,5% relataram ter feito uso de álcool e de drogas ilícitas, respectivamente, nas seis horas que antecederam a tentativa e 10% da amostra têm dependência de substâncias. Todos os dependentes de substâncias já tentaram suicídio anteriormente (p-valor = 0,4). Houve associação significativa entre a forma da tentativa de suicídio por ingesta de medicação e histórico de tratamento psiquiátrico (p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: Mais estudos nacionais são necessários para considerar o papel do uso de álcool e drogas em tentativas de suicídio assistidas em PS, especialmente em dependentes químicos cujo comportamento suicida é relevante.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de PsiquiatriaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de PsiquiatriaSciEL

Halfway Houses for Alcohol Dependents: From Theoretical Bases to Implications for the Organization of Facilities

The purpose of this paper is to supply a narrative review of the concepts, history, functions, methods, development and theoretical bases for the use of halfway houses for patients with mental disorders, and their correlations, for the net construction of chemical dependence model. This theme, in spite of its relevance, is still infrequently explored in the national literature. The authors report international and national uses of this model and discuss its applicability for the continuity of services for alcohol dependents. The results suggest that this area is in need of more attention and interest for future research

Prevalência do uso de substâncias em pacientes com traumas em um pronto socorro brasileiro

OBJECTIVE: Although there is a considerable amount of data in the literature regarding the association between alcohol consumption and injuries treated in emergency rooms, little is known about the relationship between such injury and the use of other substances. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of substance use in patients admitted to the emergency room for non-fatal injuries. METHOD: A prospective cross-sectional study assessing all patients admitted to the emergency room within 6 hours after a non-fatal injury was conducted over a three-month period. The following were used as measures of alcohol and drug use: a standardized World Health Organization questionnaire; a self-administered questionnaire related to drug consumption within the 24 hours preceding contact; the Drug Abuse Screening Test; urine screens for cannabis, cocaine and benzodiazepines; and determination of blood alcohol concentration. Descriptive analyses were performed and the confidence interval used was 95%. RESULTS: A total of 353 patients were included. Cannabis and cocaine screens were conducted for 242 patients and benzodiazepine screens were conducted for 166. Blood alcohol concentrations reached the level of positivity in 11% (n = 39), and 10% (n = 33) presented some degree of intoxication. Among the 242 patients screened, 13.6% (n = 33) tested positive for cannabis, and 3.3% (n = 8) tested positive for cocaine, whereas 4.2% (n = 7) of the 166 patients screened tested positive for benzodiazepines. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use was highly prevalent among these individuals. In this sample, the frequency for the use of cannabis (an illicit drug) was comparable to that of alcohol. More studies are needed in order to characterize such use among Brazilians and to develop proper approaches to such cases, with the aim of reducing substance use and its consequences.OBJETIVO: Ainda que haja significativa literatura sobre a associação entre álcool e trauma, pouco se sabe sobre o uso de outras substâncias e trauma em pronto socorro. O objetivo do estudo foi estimar a prevalência do uso de substâncias em pacientes admitidos em um pronto socorro por trauma não fatal. MÉTODO: Um estudo prospectivo de corte transversal avaliando todos os pacientes admitidos dentro de 6 horas antes de trauma não fatal em pronto socorro durante um período de três meses. Um questionário padronizado pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, o auto-relato do consumo de drogas nas últimas 24 horas antes do contato; Drug Abuse Screening Test); screening de urina para maconha, cocaína e benzodiazepínicos e Concentração de Álcool no Sangue foram utilizados como medidas de avaliação do uso de álcool e drogas. Foram realizadas análises descritivas e o intervalo de confiança foi de 95%. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 353 pacientes, tendo sido coletados screenings de maconha e cocaína de 242 pacientes e de 166 pacientes para benzodiazepínicos. A Concentração de Álcool no Sangue foi positiva em 11% (n = 39) e 10% (n = 33) apresentaram algum grau de intoxicação alcoólica. O teste de maconha foi positivo em 13,6% (n = 33); respectivamente de cocaína em 3,3% (n = 8) e de benzodiazepínicos em 4,2% (n = 7). CONCLUSÕES: O uso de substâncias nesses indivíduos que sofreram trauma é altamente prevalente. Nesta amostra, a freqüência para maconha (uma droga ilícita) esteve próxima ao de álcool. Mais estudos são necessários a fim de identificar a realidade brasileira e elaborar identificações adequadas para estes casos, visando à redução do uso de substâncias e suas conseqüências.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Alcohol and Drugs Research UnitUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESP, Alcohol and Drugs Research UnitSciEL

Female sexual dysfunction in patients with sub-stance-related disorders

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction symptoms and the associated risk factors in a sample of patients with substance-related disorders admitted to a specialized in-patient care unit. METHODS: This study used a cross-section design, with eight months of data collection, conducted with substance-dependent women using structured questionnaires to collect socio-demographic data and identify their drug of choice. The Drug Abuse Screening Test, Short Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale were also administered. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 105 women who had a mean age of 34.8 years (SD = 12.1, range = 18-65) and were predominantly heterosexual (74.3%), single (47.6%), Caucasian (50.5%), catholic (36.2%), and educated only to the level of primary education (40%), with a monthly family income of up to one minimum salary (37.5%). In 42.9% of the patients, crack was the drug of choice; 47.6% of the sample qualified for the Drug Abuse Screening Test (substantial problems related to drugs), 43.8% exhibited Short Alcohol Dependence Data (moderate or severe dependency), 47.6% exhibited Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (high or very high nicotine dependence). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction symptoms was 34.2% (95% CI = [25.3, 44.1]), and a high level of nicotine dependence and low income increased the chances of having sexual dysfunction by 2.72-fold and 2.54 fold, respectively. An association was also observed between female sexual dysfunction symptoms and schooling and levels of drug dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Female sexual dysfunction symptoms were common among this sample and primarily associated with high levels of nicotine use.Federal University of São Paulo Psychiatry Department Alcohol and Drug Research UnitUNIFESP, Psychiatry Department Alcohol and Drug Research UnitSciEL

Female sexual dysfunction in patients with sub-stance-related disorders

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction symptoms and the associated risk factors in a sample of patients with substance-related disorders admitted to a specialized in-patient care unit. METHODS: This study used a cross-section design, with eight months of data collection, conducted with substance-dependent women using structured questionnaires to collect socio-demographic data and identify their drug of choice. The Drug Abuse Screening Test, Short Alcohol Dependence Data questionnaire, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and Arizona Sexual Experience Scale were also administered. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 105 women who had a mean age of 34.8 years (SD = 12.1, range = 18-65) and were predominantly heterosexual (74.3%), single (47.6%), Caucasian (50.5%), catholic (36.2%), and educated only to the level of primary education (40%), with a monthly family income of up to one minimum salary (37.5%). In 42.9% of the patients, crack was the drug of choice; 47.6% of the sample qualified for the Drug Abuse Screening Test (substantial problems related to drugs), 43.8% exhibited Short Alcohol Dependence Data (moderate or severe dependency), 47.6% exhibited Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (high or very high nicotine dependence). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction symptoms was 34.2% (95% CI = &#91;25.3, 44.1&#93;), and a high level of nicotine dependence and low income increased the chances of having sexual dysfunction by 2.72-fold and 2.54 fold, respectively. An association was also observed between female sexual dysfunction symptoms and schooling and levels of drug dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Female sexual dysfunction symptoms were common among this sample and primarily associated with high levels of nicotine use

Abortion and sex-related conditions in substance-dependent Brazilian patients

Abortion is a very sensitive issue with relevance to public healthhowever few clinical or population-based studies have examined induced abortion among drug users. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of induced abortion and sex-related conditions in an inpatient drug user sample. A cross-sectional design study was conducted in an inpatient addiction treatment unit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with a sample of 616 patients, aged 18-75. Sociodemographic data, sexual behavior, and dependence severity were evaluated in relation to induced abortion. Approximately 27% of patients reported having a history of abortion (themselves in the case of women or partners in the case of men). The mean age was 34.6 +/- 10.9 years old, 34.9% diagnosed with severe alcohol dependence, 33% were diagnosed with severe levels of dependence on other drugs, 69.6% were diagnosed cocaine users (inhaled and smoked), and alcohol was the drug of choice for 30.4%. Chances of having a history of abortion is greater for women than for men with a odds ratio (OR = 2.995% CI: 1.75-4.76), (OR = 1.795% CI: 1.09-2.75) of no condom use(OR = 2.095% CI: 1.35-3.23) of history of STI and (OR = 3.295% CI: 1.29-5.73) use of morning-after pill. Drug-and alcohol-dependent patients have high-risk behaviours of sporadic use or no-condom use which contribute to unplanned pregnancy and induced abortion, making this vulnerable population a group which deserves special attention in sexual health prevention programmes and health promotion efforts for the reduction of induced abortion.Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Unidade Pesquisa Alcool & Drogas, Rua Botucatu 394, BR-04038001 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Escola Enfermagem Ribeirao Preto, Ribeirao Preto, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Unidade Pesquisa Alcool & Drogas, Rua Botucatu 394, BR-04038001 Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Intervenção motivacional breve e brochura educacional em pronto-socorro para adolescentes e adultos jovens com problemas relacionados ao álcool: um ensaio clínico simples cego randomizado

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of brief motivational interviewing and an educational brochure when delivered in emergency room to reduce alcohol abuse and related problems among adolescents and young adults. METHOD: a randomized single blind clinical trial with a 3 month follow-up was carried out at three emergency rooms from October 2004 to November 2005; subjects assessed were 16-25 years old treated for alcohol related events up to 6 hours after consumption. Socio-demographic data, quantity, frequency and negative consequences of alcohol consumption, motivation to change habits and future risk preception were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed on subjects who completed follow up (completers). ANCOVA model was used to analyze the difference between the intervention groups with statistical significance level α = 5% and Confidence Interval (CI) 95%. RESULTS: 186 subjects formed the initial sample, being n = 175 included and randomized to educational brochure group (n = 88) or motivational interviewing group (n = 87). Follow-up assessment was performed in 85.2% sample. No significant difference between groups was observed. However, significant reductions (p < 0.01) in related problems and alcohol abuse were found in both groups. CONCLUSION: In this sample a reduction of alcohol use and related problems was observed. Preliminary data indicates that controlled clinical trials with motivational interviewing, educational brochure and nonintervention should be of future interest among Brazilian adolescent population.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade da entrevista motivacional breve e de uma brochura educativa quando aplicadas em prontos-socorros para reduzir o abuso e problemas relacionados ao álcool entre os jovens. MÉTODO: Um ensaio clínico randomizado simples-cego com três meses de seguimento foi realizado em três prontos-socorros de outubro de 2004 a novembro de 2005, com indivíduos de 16-25 anos tratados por eventos relacionados ao álcool com até 6 horas após o consumo. Dados sociodemográficos, quantidade, frequência e consequências negativas, motivação para mudanças de hábitos e percepção para riscos do consumo de álcool foram avaliados. A análise estatística foi realizada em indivíduos que completaram o seguimento (completados). Modelo de ANCOVA foi utilizado para analisar a diferença entre os grupos de intervenção, com nível de significância estatística α = 5% e intervalo de confiança (IC) 95%. RESULTADOS: 186 indivíduos formaram a amostra inicial, sendo n =175 incluídos e randomizados para brochura educativa (n = 88) ou grupo entrevista motivacional breve (n = 87). O seguimento de avaliação foi realizado em 85,2% da amostra. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos. No entanto, uma redução significativa (p < 0,01) em problemas relacionados eo abuso de álcool foram encontrados em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: Nesta amostra, a redução do abuso de álcool e problemas relacionados foi observada. Dados preliminares indicam que os ensaios clínicos controlados com entrevista motivacional breve, brochura educativa e não-intervenção deveriam ser de futuro interesse entre a população adolescente brasileira.Universidade Federal de Uberlândia Compulsion Care SectorUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Preventive Medicine DepartmentUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Psychiatry DepartmentUNIFESP, Preventive Medicine DepartmentUNIFESP, Psychiatry DepartmentSciEL

Problematic consumption of online pornography during the COVID-19 pandemic : clinical recommendations

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is one of the greatest contemporary challenges. Feelings of fear and uncertainty triggered by this pandemic have had noxious effects on people’s mental health. This seems to have increased during quarantine and there is evidence of an intensification of reward-directed behavior. Nevertheless, there are few studies dealing with pornography consumption during this period. The aim of this manuscript is to contextualize this phenomenon during the pandemic and suggest some clinical recommendations on the matter

Codependência entre famílias de usuários de álcool e outras drogas: de fato uma doença?

O conceito de codependência, embora muito popular no meio clínico do campo das dependências químicas, segue sendo considerado um constructo muito criticado e controverso no meio científico. Nosso objetivo foi avaliar o estado da arte sobre o constructo de codependência de familiares de usuários de álcool e outras drogas quanto à etiologia e outros possíveis fatores relacionados. Tratase de uma revisão da literatura através da busca de artigos indexados em bases de dados, publicados nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, utilizando-se os descritores codependência, transtornos relacionados ao uso de substâncias e família. Foram incluídos 16 artigos nesta revisão, os quais retratam que o conceito de codependência segue teorizado e pouco explorado de forma empírica. Tentativas de escalas de rastreio foram realizadas sem replicações de estudos de campo. De uma forma geral, aqueles que se autoidentificam como pessoas codependentes, uma vez que recebem suporte, relatam alguns benefícios positivos. O termo, mais do que um conceito psicológico de fato validado, parece representar um movimento social que deu empoderamento aos membros das famílias de usuários de álcool e outras drogas. Mais estudos de campo sobre a validação conceitual da codependência e os fatores a ela relacionados devem ser conduzidos, a fim de corroborar sua real utilidade clínica e ampliação de evidência da existência desse fenômeno