Suicide is a global health issue that needs to be addressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased mental burden. Stigma obstructed efforts prevent suicide as individuals who need urgent support do not seek appropriate help. influence of stigma likely grow tandem with the pandemic. stigmatization persons illnesses widespread worldwide, and it substantial effects on both individual society. Our viewpoints aim address probable link between wake current propose ideas for reducing...

Background: Stigmatizing references to schizophrenia have a negative impact on self-esteem, deter treatment seeking and diminish the effectiveness of treatment.Aims: To analyze reporting in Portuguese newspapers.Method: We analyzed five high circulation newspapers between 2007 2013. selected all news containing word "esquizofrenia" (schizophrenia). Several variables were collected.Results: About 1058 items contained schizophrenia. Schizophrenia was mentioned metaphorically 40% cases context...

Background: Medical comorbidity is associated with worse psychiatric outcomes, reduced functioning and higher services use, including inpatient care.Aim: We explored the relation between medical length of stay, adjusting for potential confounders.Methods: retrospectively analyzed an administrative database comprising all admissions 2005 2014 at Department Psychiatry Mental Health Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho Healthcare Center, Gaia – Portugal. Psychiatric diagnosis were coded according to...

This work presents the improvement of a software for clinical setup, Anesthesia Synchronization Software (ASYS). The first version presented data acquisition from cerebral monitors and partial control with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) system. Based on pharmacokinetic models, effect-site plasma concentrations can be related drug dose infused vice versa. later comes implementation hemodynamic monitor always present in operating rooms full TCI system developed to determine infusion rates...

This letter aims to highlight a hidden threat in Portugal, scratch cards. Despite having highly addictive components, as compared other gambling products, card regulation is almost non-existent, possibly leading an ever-growing multibillion industry. Vulnerable people are easily attracted and there no strategies prevent problematic use. Interestingly, however, cards lotteries exclusively provided by non-profit state-owned organization supposedly promoting responsible gambling. concern...

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment of undisputed efficacy for severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. Notwithstanding extensive data on safety, it significantly underused, corresponding to one the most stigmatized approaches in psychiatry. The list problems which ECT potentially effective does not include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), resulting only few available case reports literature OCD target this specific therapeutic strategy. authors describe patient...

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a technique with proven efficacy in the treatment of severe psychiatric disorders. However, studies regarding its use as maintenance are scarce. The aim present study was to build knowledge this area.Data from 28 patients receiving ECT (M-ECT) were retrospectively collected and analyzed using mirror-image design. Length stay readmissions compared before M-ECT (control condition) after (experimental condition).Our results showed decrease both length number...

Background: Entacapone is a COMT inhibitor approved for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Due to its selective action over prefrontal dopamine availability, it can be viable alternative reduce craving several substances abuse. We report two cases cocaine addiction in which entacapone was initiated and produced beneficial effects with good tolerability. Case descriptions: The first patient abused past 2 years, an average daily doses. He also diagnosed psychosis not otherwise specified 1...

Summary Despite extensive use of valproate in neurology and psychiatry, valproate-induced encephalopathy is a rarely reported complication. Although initially the paediatric population, case reports are growing adult population. Clinicians need to be aware this potentially life-threatening We report 37-year-old woman with bipolar I disorder previously uncomplicated use, who developed when was restarted few years later. The patient has provided consent for publication.

Urine drug screening false-positives are reported for several drugs, which may lead to clinical misdiagnosis and have negative consequences the patient on personal social grounds, if not identified. False-positives opiates rare, but we report a case where high-dose levomepromazine was very likely involved.

Lithium is a drug of choice in the treatment bipolar disorder and refractory depressive disorders. However, previous research suggests lithium has negative cognitive impact recovery from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) higher risk delirium, so patients are often required to stop taking before ECT, despite relapse. We studied serum levels undergoing ECT.This was an observational prospective study. Serum levels, thyroid biochemical parameters were measured prior each ECT session. Time elapsed...

Barahona Fernandes (1907-1992) is considered one of the most distinguished portuguese psychiatrists and perhaps known outside country. He did part his studies in Germany, under orientation prominent professors such as Carl Kleist Kurt Schneider, got contact with philosophic theories Karl Jaspers Nicolai Hartmann. In Portugal, he leaded Lisbon University Clinic where developed countless on mental health. The authors shortly revisit biography some aspects Fernandes' works. This communication...

Recent research and guidelines' recommendations favour clozapine use, probably more than ever, but even though most clinicians remain reluctant prescribing it. To assess the mismatch between clozapine's treatment indications prescription rates, discuss underlying motives for such a discrepancy possible interventions to reduce gap. Promote use when indicated raise awareness of impact in terms patients' health healthcare costs. A qualitative review evidence on use. The response rate is...

Negative, cognitive and residual positive symptoms are a frequent concern in schizophrenia patients despite optimal management with current medication. Also, adverse effects induced by antipsychotics prevent them to be used the so called high risk patients. Until new drugs specifically designed address these developed, several different conditions have been tested. To assess evidence regarding use of non-antipsychotic, alternative drugs, treat or schizophrenia. broaden available...

Acupuncture is a low-risk intervention that increasingly used. Some studies examined the potential effects of acupuncture on anxiety and bispectral index EEG (BIS), used as an objective indirect measure anxiolysis. Those same point achieved conflicting results. To objectively assess BIS clinically relevant population. evaluate impact alternative, low risk interventions, such in anxiety. 15 anxious volunteers were recruited for this prospective, controlled, blinded, crossover study with...

Urine drug screen false-positives can have quite negative consequences to the patient, on personal and social levels lead clinical misdiagnosis. To report a case of opioid false-positive in urine (TOX/See BIO-RAD) patient medicated with levomepromazine discuss implications our findings. stress importance excluding cross-reactivity induced by drugs patients presenting psychiatric symptoms. Report overview literature available MEDLINE. A 24-year old man was involuntarily committed psyhiatric...