Relationship between sexual offences and mental and developmental disorders: a review

CONTEXTO: A violência sexual é um grave problema de saúde pública que preocupa e confronta nossa sociedade. A prevalência, a magnitude e as consequências desse problema têm merecido atenção crescente por parte de estudiosos e pesquisadores da saúde e dos direitos humanos. OBJETIVO: Realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a relação entre crimes sexuais e transtornos mentais e do desenvolvimento. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados do PubMed, Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e Lilacs, utilizando os descritores "sexual crime", "sexual offense", "mental disorder", "mental retardation", "developmental disability" e suas combinações. RESULTADOS: Os transtornos mentais e do desenvolvimento mais frequentemente relacionados à perpetração de crimes sexuais foram esquizofrenia, transtorno bipolar e retardo mental. CONCLUSÃO: São importantes a detecção e o tratamento da morbidade psiquiátrica entre ofensores sexuais nos sistemas de saúde e de justiça criminal, o que pode contribuir para menor risco de reincidência desse comportamento sexual.BACKGROUND: Sexual violence is a serious public health problem that concerns and faces our society. The prevalence, magnitude and consequences of this problem have merited growing attention by health researchers and human rights scholars. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a review of the literature regarding the relationship between mental disorders, sexual offences and those of development. METHODS: A bibliographic research was performed in PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Lilacs, employing the terms "sexual crime", "sexual offence", "mental disorder", "mental retardation", "developmental disability" and its combinations. RESULTS: The mental disorders and developmental disorders more frequently related to the perpetration of sexual offences were schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and mental retardation. DISCUSSION: The detection and treatment of psychiatric morbidity among sexual offenders in health and criminal justice systems, which may contribute to a lower risk of recidivism of this sexual behaviour, is important

Does the Dysregulation of Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS) be Considered an Essential Component of Panic Disorders?

This editorial explores the role of hyperactivity and social rhythm dysregulation in bipolar disorder (BD) and related syndromes. Social Rhythm Dysregulation Syndrome (DYMERS) is proposed as a common vulnerability across various disorders, including panic disorder (PD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. A study conducted on a sample of elderly individuals participating in an active aging study investigated whether individuals with PD exhibit higher biological rhythm dysregulation compared to those without PD. The sample, consisting of 119 individuals, revealed that those with a lifetime PD diagnosis scored significantly higher on the dysregulation of biological rhythms scale compared to those without panic disorder. A higher prevalence of depressive episodes was found in individuals with PD at the time of the interview. Notably, a small sample of elderly individuals with panic disorder, voluntarily selected for a physical exercise trial, showed a significantly higher level of dysregulation of social rhythms compared to those without panic disorder. This study opens a debate on the accuracy of paper and pencil screening tests for bipolar disorders, especially regarding false positives in individuals with panic disorder. Our hypothesis is that DYMERS could be a shared vulnerability substrate for various disorders, serving as a basis for bipolar onset in the presence of a hyperactivity profile, even with genetic features. The data collected from older adults suggest that social rhythm dysregulation is a typical feature of PD, regardless of the coexistence of a depressive episode. While the study has limitations due to a small sample size, the findings warrant careful analysis and suggest the need for larger-scale replication studies. If confirmed, the dysregulation of rhythms and its association with depressive disorders highlight a significant area of vulnerability for serious psychopathological disorders, emphasizing the importance of extending research to younger populations

Dysregulation of mood, energy, and social rhythms syndrome (DYMERS): A working hypothesis

A syndrome centered on the dysregulation of behavioral rhythms (DBR) is discussed. Recent pandemic brought to observe: (1) Having a DBR affecting sleep patterns, eating habits, and social interactions, before the lockdown period, was a determinant for depressive episodes during the lockdown; (2) In tighter lockdowns, DBR triggered depressive episodes in bipolar patients; (3) DBR in healthcare workers under pressure was a determinant of burnout; (4) DBR influenced the course of chronic diseases by altering immune responses. In addition, it was found that scoring positive on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) was closely associated with the dysregulation of sleep rhythms. MDQ is a screening tool for bipolar disorder (BD), criticized for detecting too many false positives. Studies showed that positivity to the MDQ implied a severe impairment of quality of life even in people without psychiatric diagnoses. According to this evidence, three different hyperactivation levels could be proposed (from normality to pathology): firstly, an adaptive increase in energy (e.g. athletes performing well); secondly, a DBR determined from the continuous stimulation of stress hormones, with possible positive scores on the MDQ without a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, like in burnout syndromes and, thirdly, hyperactivity during manic episodes. The Dysregulation of Mood, Energy, and Social Rhythms Syndrome (DYMERS), the second level of the scale, is proposed as a working hypothesis. DYMERS is also seen as a vulnerable condition that may evolve in other disorders (including BD) according to the individual susceptibility (including genetic predisposition) and the specific nature/level of the stressor

Relationship between epileptic seizures and criminal behavior: A Systematic Literature Review

Objective: The principal objective aims to assess a possible relationship between epilepsy and aggressive behavior. Secondarily, we intend to study how epilepsy relates to criminal liability. Methods: A systematic literature review was performed, using the Web of Science,United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed),and Scielo databases. The searches were conducted in May-June 2022 and covered the period from 2000 to 2022. Eligibility criteria consisted on original articles in English and Portuguese that were interested in the association of epilepsy, criminal behavior (with aggression directed to others), criminal liability in adults with epilepsy. Results: The search yielded 921 results, 794 of which in PubMed, 115 in Web of Science, and 12 in Scielo. Articles that failed to meet the inclusion criteria (206) and duplicates (201) were excluded. Conclusion: There were no findings to indicate a significant increase in aggressive behaviors in individuals with epilepsy. However, it was possible to identify a higher prevalence of aggressive acts in males with epilepsy, besides the presence of comorbidities with mental disorders and substance use. In addition, the results suggest that in criminal offenders with epilepsy, the seizures originated in the temporal and frontal cerebral lobes. Further researchis necessary on the relationship between epilepsy, criminality, and criminal liability in order to produce more robust data to support legal proceedings

Integrating positive psychology and the solution-focused approach with Cognitive-Behavioural coaching: the integrative Cognitive-Behavioural Coaching Model

Cognitive-behavioural coaching (CBC) is a well-established, evidence-based approach to coaching. It is based on the principle that characterises cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), that it is not the events per se which cause distress or joy but the way the individual interprets them. CBC techniques are therefore mainly based on identifying how the coachee perceives key events in the process of change and on modifying unhelpful, performance-blocking beliefs. Experimenting with new behaviours that will challenge old beliefs and strengthen new, empowering ones, is also a hallmark of CBC. Despite its effectiveness in a range of coaching scenarios, traditional CBC still lacks a language for focussing on strengths and positive emotions. For this reason, there is a growing number of cognitive-behavioural coaches interested in integrating tools and techniques derived from Positive Psychology (PP) and the Solution-Focused (SF) approach. Here we propose Integrative Cognitive-Behavioural Coaching, a model of coaching essentially based on the cognitive-behavioural perspective but which also encapsulates key aspects of PP and the SF approach to coaching

Tradução e adaptação transcultural da versão brasileira do Inventário de Ansiedade Geriátrica (GAI) = Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian version of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI)

Introduction: There has been a growing interest in the cross-cultural adaptation of instruments for assessment of anxiety, but studies involving anxiety specifically in the geriatric population is still unusual. Thus, there is a lack of instruments designed to comply with this population. Translation and cultural adaptation is the first step to providing comparisons between different cultural contexts. Objective: Elaborate the semantic equivalence of the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory to Brazilian Portuguese. Method: The cross-cultural adaptation process consisted in four steps: two translations, two back- translations, both made by independent translators, the development of a synthetic version, and a pretest applied in a population sample. Results: For each item of the instrument, we present the results of four steps. Throughout the process, any problems found could be solved by ensuring the quality of the instrument and its appropriateness to the population to which it is intended. Discussion: The use of four-step method proved effective and safe in the process of semantic equivalence

Relationship between sexual offences and mental and developmental disorders: a review

BACKGROUND: Sexual violence is a serious public health problem that concerns and faces our society. The prevalence, magnitude and consequences of this problem have merited growing attention by health researchers and human rights scholars. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a review of the literature regarding the relationship between mental disorders, sexual offences and those of development. METHODS: A bibliographic research was performed in PubMed, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Lilacs, employing the terms "sexual crime", "sexual offence", "mental disorder", "mental retardation", "developmental disability" and its combinations. RESULTS: The mental disorders and developmental disorders more frequently related to the perpetration of sexual offences were schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and mental retardation. DISCUSSION: The detection and treatment of psychiatric morbidity among sexual offenders in health and criminal justice systems, which may contribute to a lower risk of recidivism of this sexual behaviour, is important

Brazilian version of the Social Interaction Self-Statement Test (SISST): translation and cross-cultural adaptation

BACKGROUND: The Social Interaction Self-Statement Test (SISST) proposes to evaluate cognitive responses in adults who reported heterosocial difficulties. Its cross-cultural adaptation is the first stage for future comparisons on the construct measured by the instrument in different populations. OBJECTIVE: Semantic adaptation of the SISST for Brazilian Portuguese. METHODS: Process consisted of two translations and back-translations, performed by independent evaluators without any prior knowledge of the scale to be translated. Development of synthetic version was conducted jointly by two different expertises in mental health. RESULTS: The four stages of the process were presented. The use of two translations and back-translations allowed a broader discussion for synthetic version. The participation of specialists in mental health collaborated to the appropriateness of the terms used for the construct measured. The experimental application offered greater security to the process of semantic equivalence. DISCUSSION: Through the use of this methodology was possible to elaborate the version of SISST for Brazilian Portuguese.CONTEXTO: O Social Interaction Self-Statement Test (SISST) apresenta como proposta avaliar respostas cognitivas em adultos que referem dificuldades heterossociais. Sua adaptação transcultural apresenta-se como primeiro passo para futuras comparações relativas ao construto medido pelo instrumento em diferentes amostras. OBJETIVO: Adaptação semântica do SISST para o português brasileiro. MÉTODOS: Processo realizado por meio de duas traduções e retrotraduções, elaboradas por avaliadores independentes e sem conhecimentos prévios da escala a ser traduzida. Elaboração de versão sintética realizada conjuntamente por dois diferentes especialistas, bilíngues, em saúde mental. RESULTADOS: São apresentadas as quatro etapas do processo. A utilização de duas traduções e retrotraduções permitiu uma discussão mais ampla para construção da versão sintética. A participação de especialistas em saúde mental colaborou para a adequação dos termos utilizados em relação ao construto medido. A aplicação experimental ofereceu maior segurança ao processo de equivalência semântica. CONCLUSÃO: Por meio da metodologia utilizada, foi possível elaborar uma versão do SISST para o português brasileiro