Cristiano Caetano Salazar

Mental health screening by self-report questionnaire among community adolescents in Southern Brazil

PURPOSE To evaluate the frequency of symptoms of depression, suicidal ideation, suicide behavior, and hopelessness among adolescents in southern Brazil. METHODS The Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ) was administered to a random sample of 126 community youngsters to screen for mental problems, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating scale for signs and symptoms of depression, an adapted version of DIS (Diagnostic Interview Schedule) for suicidal ideation and behavior, and the Backs Hopelessness scale (adapted version). Social class, cognitive performance, age, and sex were also analyzed. RESULTS Levels of symptoms of depression, suicidal ideation and behavior, and hopelessness were higher among those who were SRQ positive (8%). Female youngsters presented higher SRQ scores and on the Montgomery-Asberg scale. Cognitive performance was similar among all groups. Differences were not found according to social classes. The 15-17 year-old individuals (middle stage) presented higher hopelessness than the other stages of adolescence. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that screening for mental health conditions by self-report questionnaires may be of value of identify groups at major risk for violent, self-destructive behavior among community adolescents.

Diabetes gestacional: um algoritmo de tratamento multidisciplinar

Effective treatment of gestational diabetes is important as an attempt to avoid unfavorable maternal and fetal outcomes. The objective of this paper is to describe the available therapies to optimize gestational diabetes treatment and to suggest a multidisciplinary approach algorithm. Nutrition therapy is the first option for the majority of these pregnancies; light to moderate physical activity is recommended in the absence of obstetrical contraindications. Medical treatment is recommended if glycemic control is not achieved or if excessive fetal growth is detected by ultrasound. Insulin is the standard treatment although oral antidiabetic drugs have recently been considered an effective and safe option. The monitoring of gestational diabetes treatment includes capillary glucose measurements and evaluation of fetal abdominal circumference by ultrasound performed around the 28th gestational week.