Presence Of Obsessive-compulsive Disorder Research Articles

Screen time, obesity and cardiovascular disease among elderly Brazilians: 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys

The scope of this paper was to analyze the association between the time spent watching television (TV) and the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) obesity and obesity associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among elderly Brazilians, according to gender, comparing data from the 2013 and 2019 National Health Surveys (NHS). It involved a cross-sectional study, with data from 23,815 and 43,554 elderly people, respectively, from the 2013 and 2019 NHS. Self-reported TV screen time was categorized into: <3, 3-6, and ≥6 per day. Obesity was assessed by body mass index ≥27 kg/m² and CVD by self-reported medical diagnosis. In 2013, elderly women who watched TV ≥6 hours/day were more likely to have OCD obesity (OR=1.87; 95%CI=1.32;2.64) and obesity associated with CVD (OR=6.30; 95%CI=3.38;11.74). In 2019, elderly women who watched TV between 3-6 hours/day (OR=1.44; 95%CI=1.25;1.65) and ≥6 hours/day (OR=1.55; 95%CI=1.28;1.88) were more likely to have OCD obesity, while the incidence of obesity associated with CVD was higher for ≥6 hours/day (OR=2.13; 95%CI=1.48;3.06). In 2019, men were more likely to have obesity associated with CVD watching TV between 3-6 hours/day (OR=1.76; 95%CI=1.20;2.56) and ≥6 hours/day (OR=2.13; 95%CI=1.27;3.57). The importance of reducing screen time by the elderly is clearly evident.

An analysis of the prevalence and impact of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder on the course of obsessive-compulsive disorder

Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder diagnosed on the basis of the presence of obsessions (persistently recurring, intrusive thoughts, images, impulses) and compulsions (compulsive and transiently satisfying actions performed in response to obsessions). A separate clinical phenomenon in the broadly understood anankastic spectrum is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCPD). OCPD is characterized by scrupulousness, over-normative morality, perfectionism and an inability to make concessions in terms of cooperation. It is assumed that the incidence of OCPD in the course of OCD is 25-32% and it is a report with an unfavorable course and a more difficult therapeutic prognosis. It also means an early onset of OCD with a greater intensity of compulsions and a predominance of symptoms related to the sphere of purity, symmetry and gathering. Objectives The main aims of the study were as follows: 1. To assess the prevalence of OCPD in OCD patients. 2. To compare both groups of patients for the severity, level of insight, aggression, impulsiveness and affective symptoms. 3. To verify whether the presence of OCPD depend on factors such as age, gender, treatment duration and delay in starting treatment. Methods The study was conducted in a group of 78 patients diagnosed with and treated for OCD. The patients were divided into two groups: patients with OCD and OCPD (group 1, n=43) and patients with OCD without OCPD (group 2, n=35). The groups were subsequently compared for the severity of anankastic symptoms, the level of insight, aggression, impulsiveness and its components and affective symptoms (depression, mania). The following tools were used for the diagnosis: Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Hamilton Depression-Rating Scale (HDRS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS) and DSM 5 criteria for OCPD. Results Our results confirmed that OCPD is common in OCD and occurred in 55,12% of patients with OCD (n=43; m=21; f=22). The study shows that the presence of OCPD in the course of OCD negatively affects the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the level of insight, the level of aggression and impulsiveness, and affective disorders. Patients with OCPD obtained higher scores on the YBOCS, BABS, HDRS, and YMRS scales compared to patients with OCD without OCPD. The occurrence of OCPD in the study group did not depend on gender, duration of OCD treatment, or delay in starting it. Conclusions The occurrence of OCPD is common in OCD and can cause delay of treatment, worse course, greater intensity of egosyntonic symptoms, and thus worse insight. The presence of OCPD can lead to more hostility and more affective disorders. Screening for OCPD in patients with OCD should be an integral part of an OCD diagnostic process. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

PANS et SREAT. À propos de deux entités rares neuropsychiatriques médiées par l’immunité : clinique et traitements

Many systemic diseases with psychiatric symptoms are considered rare in the general population but may be under-diagnosed in child and adolescent psychiatry. These conditions are important to know about, as they may lead to pharmacoresistance to psychiatric medication but also benefit from specific management. Through two clinical cases followed by data from the literature on their diagnosis and management, we present two rare immune-mediated disorders to be considered in the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder or early-onset schizophrenia (respectively PANS – Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome – and SREAT – Steroid Responsive Encephalopathy Associated with Thyroiditis).

Development of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Medical Versus Dental Practitioners During Covid 19 Pandemic

Objective: To identify the development of symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder in medical and dental practitioners during COVID 19 pandemic. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted on 146 medical and dental practitioners. The study was conducted at College of Dentistry, Sharif Medical and Dental College, Lahore and Sardar Begum dental college, Peshawar from August 2021 to June 2022. The Obsessive-compulsive inventory scale with a Cronbach alpha value of 0.966 was used for data collection. The association of the presence of symptoms of checking (p=0.027), neutralizing (p=0.021), and hoarding (p=0.009) with the area of practice was statistically significant while it was non-significant for the symptoms of washing (p=0.332), obsessing (p=0.093), ordering (p=0.093) and doubting (p=0.099). The presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder and the area of practice was also non-significant (p=0.300). The percentage of all seven symptoms in medical practitioners was higher in comparison to the dental practitioners. It was seen that a higher percentage of medical practitioners developed obsessive-compulsive disorder in comparison to dental practitioners during the COVID 19 pandemic Keywords: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, medical practitioners, Dental practitioners, COVID-19 pandemic

A comparison of phenomenological, clinical and familial psychiatric features of pediatric OCD and trichotillomania

Objectives Although trichotillomania (TTM) is classified in the obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) chapter of the DSM-5, several studies showed that it has several differences. The aim of this study was to examine the phenomenology, comorbidity, and family psychiatric characteristisc of childhood TTM and OCD. Methods This study compared youth ages 6–17 years with a primary diagnosis of TTM (n = 63) to those with primary OCD (n = 65) on clinical and familial psychiatric characteristics. Results In our study, the findings showed that family history of schizophrenia (42.3%) was higher among patients with TTM than the OCD group, while the history of OCD (55.8%) in the family was significantly higher among the OCD group (p < 0.001). The behaviour of plucking eyebrows was significantly higher among patients with TTM comorbid OCD than patients with only trichotillomania. TTM patients with comorbid OCD had one-dimensional symptom distribution than the presence of the OCD-only group, and the severity of OCD was lower. The incidence of pathological doubting was higher among the TTM group with comorbid OCD, than those with only OCD diagnosis. Conclusions These findings support significant differences between OCD and TTM. Differences between OCD and TTM may reflect differences in underlying psychobiology, and may necessitate contrasting treatment approaches. KEYPOINTS We aimed to compare the trichotillomania in itself and in the presence of OCD with the OCD group. Even if OCD accompanied trichotillomania, OCD symptom dimensions and severity were found to be lower than in the OCD-only group. Trichotillomania is a heterogeneous disorder with different dimensions besides the OCD spectrum.

Reader Response: Novel ALDH5A1 Variants and Genotype: Phenotype Correlation in SSADH Deficiency

In a recent article by DiBacco et al.,1 the authors reported novel pathologic ALDH5A1 variants in patients with succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency. The novel pathologic variants caused clinical phenotyping disease in the participants. In these patients, the neurologic and psychiatric disorders were induced by a dysfunction of the GABAergic system, induced by an increase in gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) levels. In these phenotype correlations of patients with novel genotype SSADH deficiency, the authors found an overall correlation between age and severity of epilepsy and presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). They elegantly illustrated that epilepsy and OCD were more significantly prevalent in the adolescent/adult than in pediatric participants. This observation could derive from different expression of GHB receptors over the years.2 Furthermore, the GHB—involved in GABAergic and dopaminergic neurotransmissions2—could have an effect not only at the neuron level but also at the astrocyte level.2,3 Prolonged exposure to GHD caused an alteration of activity of astrocytes.3 Astroglial dysfunctions contribute to the pathogenesis of several neurologic and psychiatric disorders.4,5 These conditions—in particular an alteration of gliotransmission—could explain the different pathologic expressiveness of neuropsychiatric disorders over the years in these patients.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Women with Eating Disorders.

People with eating disorders show impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We aimed to investigate the relative role of physical and mental factors and stage of change as possible predictors of HRQoL in a group of Spanish women (n = 124) with eating disorders. For this purpose, initial and follow-up data were obtained after 6 months from patients attending an outpatient treatment unit for eating disorders. The determinants of the physical and mental domains of the Medical Outcomes Survey Short-form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire were investigated in the total sample and separately based on the eating disorder diagnosis by multiple linear regression. Lower scores in the physical component of the SF-36 questionnaire were associated with the presence of a higher body mass index (BMI) at follow-up as well as a higher score in the “action” component of the Attitudes towards Change in Eating Disorders Questionnaire (ACTA). Conversely, a higher index in the EuroQoL-5D overall quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the presence of obsessive compulsive disorder were associated with a higher score in the physical dimension. The instrument used demonstrated the ability to assess changes associated with the physical component of these patients over the period studied, and the analysis provided more information and specific data on different aspects of HRQoL, thus allowing a more detailed analysis of the information.

Elevated Expression of SLC6A4 Encoding the Serotonin Transporter (SERT) in Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome.

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Most of the GTS individuals have comorbid diagnoses, of which obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are the most common. Several neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in disease pathogenesis, and amongst these, the dopaminergic and the serotonergic pathways are the most widely studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene (SLC6A4) was differentially expressed among GTS individuals compared to healthy controls, and whether DNA variants (the SERT-linked polymorphic region 5-HTTLPR, together with the associated rs25531 and rs25532 variants, and the rare Ile425Val variant) or promoter methylation of SLC6A4 were associated with gene expression levels or with the presence of OCD as comorbidity. We observed that SLC6A4 expression is upregulated in GTS individuals compared to controls. Although no specific genotype, allele or haplotype was overrepresented in GTS individuals compared to controls, we observed that the LAC/LAC genotype of the 5-HTTLPR/rs25531/rs25532 three-locus haplotype was associated with higher SLC6A4 mRNA expression levels in GTS individuals, but not in the control group.

Prevalence, sociodemographic and academic correlates of obsessive-compulsive disorder in the students of college of applied medical sciences, Umm Al-Qura university

IntroductionThe studies suggesting the prevalence of Obsessive-compulsive disorder is scant in the region of Saudi Arabia and more so in a population sample of medical and paramedical students. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in a community sample of students of applied medical sciences. Furthermore, an association between obsessive compulsive symptoms and various sociodemographic variables and several aspects of academic life were investigated. MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 404 university students belonging to four departments. Tools used in the study included Obsessive compulsive inventory revised (OCI-R), DSM-IV criteria for diagnosis of OCD and Y-BOCS severity rating scale. The main outcome would be probable obsessive compulsive disorder (OCI-R score>21). The students with >21score were further evaluated for the presence of obsessive compulsive disorder using DSM-IV criteria and Y-BOCS. ResultsThe prevalence of OCS was 20% [95%CI (19.902–20.098)] with the OCI-R screening tool. Actual prevalence of confirmed OCD was 5.06% [95%CI (4.39–6.12)]. Presence of probable OCD was significantly high [p = 0.002 and 95%CI (1.31–3.53)] in students of laboratory medicine department. A significant association was found between presence of OCS and dissatisfaction with the course selection [p = 0.001, 95% CI (1.38–3.92)], feeling of rejection [p = 0.004, 95%CI (1.39–5.88)] and depressive symptoms [ p = 0.0001 and CI (1.81–4.89)]. Our sample was limited to college age women, therefore the interpretation of prevalence my not be generalizable. ConclusionThe presence of such a disorder is likely to effect academic performance, quality of life and interpersonal relationships hence, identification and treatment at the right time help improve academic performance and quality of life.

Novel ALDH5A1 variants and genotype: Phenotype correlation in SSADH deficiency.

To determine genotype-phenotype correlation in succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency. ALDH5A1 variants were studied with phenotype correlation in the SSADH natural history study. Assignment of gene variant pathogenicity was based on in silico testing and in vitro enzyme activity after site-directed mutagenesis and expression in HEK293 cells. Phenotypic scoring used a Clinical Severity Score (CSS) designed for the natural history study. Twenty-four patients were enrolled (10 male, 14 female, median age 8.2 years). There were 24 ALDH5A1 variants, including 7 novel pathogenic variants: 2 missense, 3 splice site, and 2 frameshift. Four previously reported variants were identified in >5% of unrelated families. There was a correlation with age and presence (p = 0.003) and severity (p = 0.002) of epilepsy and with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (p = 0.016). The median IQ score was 53 (Q25-Q75, 49-61). There was no overall correlation between the gene variants and the CSS, although a novel missense variant was associated with the mildest phenotype by CSS in the only patient with a normal IQ, whereas a previously reported variant was consistently associated with the most severe phenotype. Seven novel pathogenic and one previously unpublished benign ALDH5A1 variants were detected. There is an age-dependent association with worsening of epilepsy and presence of OCD in SSADH deficiency. Overall, there does not appear to be a correlation between genotype and phenotypic severity in this cohort of 24 patients. We did find a suspected correlation between a novel pathogenic missense variant and high functionality, and a previously reported pathogenic missense variant and maximal severity.

Quantifying the economic impact of caregiving for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in Spain

To establish the potential economic burden in caregivers to patients with DMD and the potential causative factors. Caregivers to patients with DMD were recruited through the DMD patients Register and questioned about several economic aspects using "ad-hoc" questionnaires. All families, apart from one (97.2% n = 36), incurred in monthly medical costs (44% of the families more than 50euros/month). 97.2% of the households considered looking after a patient of DMD as financially burdensome, and 80.5% of households declared to have suffered work changes, especially the mothers (job timetable-related mainly). The presence of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) in patients was significantly associated with caregivers' high financial burden as these were six times more likely to have this perception OR = 6468 IC 95% (1056-39,601), p = 0.043. Also, when patients had learning difficulties, caregivers had up to six times more chances to incur in monthly expenditure for formal care OR = 6089 IC 95% (1112-33,342), p = 0.037. Caregivers have relevant financial burden that might be conditioned by the clinical condition of the patient. Quantitative data about financial burden in DMD Spanish families providing informal care. Identification of the patient's main clinical issues associated with financial burden.

Alterations in the Nervous System and Gut Microbiota after β-Hemolytic Streptococcus Group A Infection-Characteristics and Diagnostic Criteria of PANDAS Recognition.

The objective of this paper is to review and summarize conclusions from the available literature regarding Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). The authors have independently reviewed articles from 1977 onwards, primarily focusing on the etiopathology, symptoms, differentiation between similar psychiatric conditions, immunological reactions, alterations in the nervous system and gut microbiota, genetics, and the available treatment for PANDAS. Recent research indicates that PANDAS patients show noticeable alterations within the structures of the central nervous system, including caudate, putamen, globus pallidus, and striatum, as well as bilateral and lentiform nuclei. Likewise, the presence of autoantibodies that interact with basal ganglia was observed in PANDAS patients. Several studies also suggest a relationship between the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorders like PANDAS and alterations to the gut microbiota. Further, genetic predispositions—including variations in the MBL gene and TNF-α—seem to be relevant regarding PANDAS syndrome. Even though the literature is still scarce, the authors have attempted to provide a thorough insight into the PANDAS syndrome, bearing in mind the diagnostic difficulties of this condition.

Clinical correlates of obsessive-compulsive disorder comorbidity in patients with schizophrenia.

Background/Aim:The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical correlates of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) comorbidity in patients with schizophrenia.Materials and Methods:This study included fifty schizophrenia patients with an existing OCD comorbidity and 200 schizophrenia patients who did not have an OCD diagnosis for a lifetime. The participants were administered Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Clinical Global Impressions Severity Scale (CGI-S), Scale for the Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms (SAPS/SANS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale.Results:Patients with OCD comorbidity had higher BPRS, SANS, and CGI-S scores compared to patients without OCD. In addition, patients with OCD showed worse functional impairment; however, sociodemographic variables, SAPS, CDSS, and insight scores did not show a significant difference depending on the presence of OCD. The present study also showed higher negative and depressive symptoms in patients with preexisting OCD compared to those manifesting OCD during the course of schizophrenia.Conclusions:In this study, patients with schizophrenia and OCD comorbidity showed different clinical features compared to those not showing an OCD presence for a lifetime. In this study, positive symptoms were not determinative in the differentiation of patients with and without OCD. It is important to assess OCD symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, and psychosocial therapies should be provided in patients with OCD to improve negative symptoms and functionality. Patients with preexisting OCD displayed more severe symptoms and seemed to require a different clinical approach in treatment.

I Don’t recycle! An organic hoarding disorder

IntroductionHoarding often occurs without the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), showing distinguishable neuropsychological and neurobiological correlates and a distinct comorbidity spectrum. Furthermore, it presents itself secondarily to other psychiatric and neurobiological disorders. Therefore hoarding disorder has been included as independent diagnosis in DSM-5.ObjectivesWe aim to expose the possible organic etiology of a hoarding disorder case with atypical presentation.Materials and methodsWe present a case of a 48 years old male patient who was brought to the hospital by the police after being reported for unhealthy conditions in his home. In the home visit paid by the Social Services an excessive hoarding of objects and trash was detected. A possible hoarding disorder was diagnosed in the psychiatric assessment. Among other diagnostic test, a brain CT was conducted, in which a frontal meningioma was identified. After surgical treatment, hoarding symptoms diminished significantly.DiscussionA significant part of the hoarding disorders are attributed to primary psychiatric disorders, resulting in potentially treatable organic pathology going unnoticed.ConclusionIt's important to rule out organic etiology before proceeding to make a definitive hoarding disorder diagnosis, optimizing that way the treatment options.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder in African American children and adolescents: Risks, resiliency, and barriers to treatment.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious condition that remains understudied in ethnoracial minority populations. The presence of OCD and the individual, familial, and cultural factors that influence this condition can interfere with healthy development and cause lifelong disability. To date, there has not been a single published research article focused on OCD in African American youth. Ethnic and racial minorities with OCD are underrepresented or altogether absent from treatment centers and research studies, although evidence suggests that OCD may be particularly persistent in these populations. This article reviews risk factors, protective factors, and barriers to treatment in African American children and adolescents with OCD. This review conceptualizes cultural differences in symptomology, low income, reduced access to care, racism, and mental health stigma, as risk factors. Also discussed are the roles of family factors in the development and maintenance of the disorder, including family accommodations, conflictual family communication, and parenting styles. Potential protective factors are also examined, including a positive ethnic identity, social support, present-centered time orientation, and religious communities. Implications of findings are discussed. There is an urgent need for research to understand the needs of African American children and adolescents with OCD. (PsycINFO Database Record

Clinical practice guidelines for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric illness with lifetime prevalence of 1-3% [1]. It is the fourth-most common psychiatric illness and a leading cause of disability. OCD is associated with significant impairment in functioning, quality of life and disability. If untreated, OCD is a chronic illness with a waxing and waning of symptoms. A recent meta-analysis of long-term naturalistic prospective studies demonstrated that nearly a half of patients experience remission with much higher rates of remission in Indian patients compared to those in the west [2]. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment may improve outcomes. Despite OCD being a common mental illness, most seek treatment after several years of suffering. Those who suffer from OCD tend to be secretive about their symptoms and suffer from shame and embarrassment. Less than a third of OCD sufferers receive appropriate pharmacotherapy and even less receive evidence-based psychotherapy. Symptoms The hallmarks of OCD are presence of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are repetitive, unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that are mostly ego-dystonic and cause severe distress or anxiety. Compulsions (or rituals) are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that are performed in response to an obsession to reduce anxiety/distress or prevent a dreaded consequence. Obsessions and compulsions are time consuming, distressing and are often resisted unsuccessfully. Clinical manifestations of OCD are remarkably similar across cultures and geographic locations. Common obsessions and compulsions and symptom dimensions identified through factor-analytical studies are shown in Table 1. Table 1 Common symptoms of OCD

Mortality Among Persons With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Denmark.

Several mental disorders have consistently been found to be associated with decreased life expectancy, but little is known about whether this is also the case for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To determine whether persons who receive a diagnosis of OCD are at increased risk of death. Using data from Danish registers, we conducted a nationwide prospective cohort study with 30 million person-years of follow-up. The data were collected from Danish longitudinal registers. A total of 3 million people born between 1955 and 2006 were followed up from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2011. During this period, 27,236 people died. The data were analyzed primarily in June 2015. We estimated mortality rate ratios (MRRs), adjusted for calendar year, age, sex, maternal and paternal age, place of residence at birth, and somatic comorbidities, to compare persons with OCT with persons without OCD. Of 10,155 persons with OCD (5935 women and 4220 men with a mean [SD] age of 29.1 [11.3] years who contributed a total of 54,937 person-years of observation), 110 (1.1%) died during the average follow-up of 9.7 years. The risk of death by natural or unnatural causes was significantly higher among persons with OCD (MRR, 1.68 [95% CI, 1.31-2.12] for natural causes; MRR, 2.61 [95% CI, 1.91-3.47] for unnatural causes) than among the general population. After the exclusion of persons with comorbid anxiety disorders, depression, or substance use disorders, OCD was still associated with increased mortality risk (MRR, 1.88 [95% CI, 1.27-2.67]). The presence of OCD was associated with a significantly increased mortality risk. Comorbid anxiety disorders, depression, or substance use disorders further increased the risk. However, after adjusting for these and somatic comorbidities, we found that the mortality risk remained significantly increased among persons with OCD.

Prevalência de transtornos ansiosos e algumas comorbidades em idosos: um estudo de base populacional

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a prevalência de transtornos ansiosos e fatores associados em uma amostra populacional de idosos do Sul de Santa Catarina. Métodos Estudo transversal com base em dados populacionais, que avaliou 1.021 indivíduos idosos entre 60 e 79 anos. Foram realizadas entrevistas domiciliares para aferição de variáveis sobre transtornos ansiosos, por meio do questionário MINI, dados sociodemográficos, hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS), infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) e dosagem de colesterol. Resultados As prevalências entre os transtornos ansiosos foram de 22,0% para o transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (TAG); 14,8% para fobia social (FS); 10,5% para transtorno do pânico (TP); e 8,5% para o transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo (TOC). Além disso, 40,5% dos indivíduos apresentaram pelo menos um transtorno de ansiedade. A distribuição dos transtornos foi semelhante nos dois gêneros; TAG foi mais prevalente nos indivíduos de menor escolaridade; TOC foi mais presente em indivíduos casados ou em união estável. Em relação às variáveis clínicas, HAS foi associada à presença de TOC; FS foi associada com IAM; TOC e FS foram associados com HDL &gt; 40 mg/dL. Conclusão Os dados demonstram que os quadros de ansiedade são muito frequentes em idosos da comunidade, se sobrepõem de forma significativa e estão associados a algumas variáveis clínicas cardiovasculares.

Factors associated with prolonging psychological treatment for anxiety disorders.

Anxiety disorders are one of the disorders most frequently requested for psychological attention. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that can explain a longer duration of psychological treatment for anxiety disorders. 202 patients from the University Psychology Clinic of the Complutense University of Madrid were analyzed. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder and the application of arousal control techniques followed by modeling and other specific techniques were the best predictors of treatment duration. Reducing as much as possible the number of techniques applied without reducing intervention efficacy is suggested. In some disorders that produce a greater life disorganization, it may be useful to try to organize the patient&acute;s life either as a first goal or at the same time as the intervention program, so as to increase its effectiveness and reduce the number of sessions.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: What an Educator Needs to Know

The presence of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) impairs social, emotional and academic functioning. Individuals with OCD may have co-morbid disorders including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, or Tourette syndrome. Challenges occur when students with OCD become a part of the general education classroom. This article provides an overview of OCD and presents information to assist teachers and school staff to successfully meet the needs of students with OCD.