Knowledge about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Brazil

Objetivo: Verificar o conhecimento da população sobre o transtorno do déficit de atenção/hiperatividade (TDAH) e de médicos, psicólogos e educadores sobre aspectos clínicos do transtorno. Métodos: 2.117 indivíduos com idade ≥ 16 anos, 500 educadores, 405 médicos (128 clínicos gerais, 45 neurologistas, 30 neuropediatras, 72 pediatras, 130 psiquiatras) e 100 psicólogos foram entrevistados pelo Instituto Datafolha. A amostra da população foi estratificada por região geográfica, com controle de cotas de sexo e idade. A abordagem foi pessoal. Para os profissionais (amostra aleatória simples), os dados foram coletados por telefone em Belém, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba e Porto Alegre. Resultados: Na população, > 50% acreditavam que medicação para TDAH causa dependência, que TDAH resulta de pais ausentes, que esporte é melhor do que drogas como tratamento e que é viável o tratamento psicoterápico sem medicamentos. Dos educadores, > 50% acreditavam que TDAH resulta de pais ausentes, que tratamento psicoterápico basta e que os esportes substituem os medicamentos. Entre psicólogos, > 50% acreditavam que o tratamento pode ser somente psicoterápico. Dos médicos, > 50% de pediatras e neurologistas acreditavam que TDAH resulta de pais ausentes. Conclusões: Todos os grupos relataram crenças não respaldadas cientificamente, que podem contribuir para diagnóstico e tratamento inadequados. É urgente capacitar profissionais e estabelecer um programa de informação sobre TDAH para pais e escolas.Objective: To assess the knowledge of the general population concerning attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and of physicians, psychologists and teachers concerning clinical aspects of the disorder. Methods: 2,117 individuals (age ≥ 16 years), 500 teachers, 405 physicians (128 general practitioners, 45 neurologists, 30 neuropediatricians, 72 pediatricians, 130 psychiatrists) and 100 psychologists were interviewed by an independent research institute (Datafolha). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a population sample stratified by geographic region, controlled by sex and age. Telephone interviews were conducted with the professional groups in Belém, Fortaleza, Recife, Salvador, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Curitiba and Porto Alegre (simple random sampling). Results: Of the general population, > 50% believed that ADHD drugs lead to addiction, that ADHD results from absent parents, that sports are a better treatment than drugs and that treatment with psychotherapy without drugs is feasible. Among teachers, > 50% believed that ADHD results from absent parents, that ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy alone and that sports can replace drugs. Among psychologists, > 50% believed that ADHD can be treated with psychotherapy alone. Among physicians, > 50% of pediatricians and neurologists believed that ADHD results from absent parents. Conclusions: All the groups reported beliefs that are not based on scientific evidence and that may contribute to inadequate diagnosis and treatment. It is urgent that these professional groups be trained and that an information program on ADHD be established for parents and schools

Effects of galantamine and galantamine combined with nimodipine on cognitive speed and quality of life in mixed dementia: a 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled exploratory trial (the REMIX study)

The effects of galantamine (GAL) on quality of life (QoL) and cognitive speed, as well its effects combined with nimodipine (NIM) in Alzheimer disease (AD) with cerebrovascular disease (mixed dementia), have not been explored. Method : Double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter Brazilian trial, studying the effects of GAL/NIM vs. GAL/placebo (PLA) in mild to moderate mixed dementia. Patients were randomized to receive GAL/NIM or GAL/PLA for 24 weeks. Primary efficacy measures were changes on a computerized neuropsychological battery (CNTB) and QoL Scale in Alzheimer's Disease (QoL-AD) from baseline to week 24. Results : Twenty-one patients received at least one drug dose (9 GAL/NIM and 12 GAL/PLA). Groups were matched for age, sex, education, cognitive and QoL scores at baseline. No significant differences were observed between groups on primary or secondary measures. QoL and cognitive performance showed significant improvement (p<0.05) from baseline when all GAL-treated patients were analyzed. Adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate. Conclusion : GAL treatment improved QoL in mixed dementia, in addition to its previously known cognitive benefits. The combination GAL/NIM was not advantageous. However, the small sample size precludes any definitive conclusions. Trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT0081465

El magisterio español : Revista General de la Enseñanza: Epoca 2ª Año VI Número 237 - 1872 Marzo 25

Copia digital. Madrid : Ministerio de Cultura. Subdirección General de Coordinación Bibliotecaria, 200