Abstract Introduction The Cognitive Distortions Questionnaire (CD-Quest) is an instrument that identifies logical errors or cognitive distortions and is used in trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT). However, it had previously only been available for adults. Objectives To develop and validate a version of the CD-Quest for teens (CD-Quest-T) aged 11 to 17 years and test its psychometric properties. Method A total of 299 schoolchildren participated in the investigation. After content validity was assessed, the language was adapted for the target age group, and the length of the instrument was reduced to eight items (from the initial 15). Five cognitive therapists analyzed the content and structure of the items. Finally, to investigate the construct validity of the CD-Quest-T, the instrument was divided into a full scale and two subscales, which measure the frequency of the distortions and the intensity attributed to them, respectively. Results The overall internal consistency of the scale was α = 0.77, whereas subscale indices were α = 0.75 for the frequency scale and α = 0.73 for the intensity scale. Results from exploratory factor analysis and concurrent validity analysis indicated that the CD-Quest-T items have good psychometric properties and generate scores reliably. Conclusion The psychometric properties of the CD-Quest-T demonstrate its adequacy for measurement of cognitive distortions in adolescents.

Abstract Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth most prevalent mental disorder and is a disabling condition. OCD is associated with anatomical and functional changes in the brain, in addition to dysfunctional cognitions. The treatments of choice are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). Trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT) is a recent and empirically validated psychotherapy with a focus on restructuring dysfunctional negative core beliefs (CBs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of TBCT relative to ERP for treatment of OCD. Methods A randomized, single-blind clinical trial was conducted, randomizing 26 patients for individual treatment with TBCT (n = 12) or ERP (n = 14). The groups were evaluated at baseline, at the end of 3 months (12 sessions), and at 3, 6, and 12-month follow-ups. Results Both approaches reduced the severity of symptoms with large effect sizes. These results were maintained at the 12-month follow-up assessment. Conclusion TBCT may be a valid and promising treatment for this disorder.

BACKGROUND Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an acute and systemic inflammatory reaction of leprosy characterised by painful nodules and involvement of various organs. Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drug currently used to treat this condition. Cereblon (CRBN) protein is the primary target of thalidomide, and it has been pointed out as necessary for the efficacy of this drug in others therapeutics settings. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of CRBN gene variants on the dose of thalidomide as well as its adverse effects during treatment of ENL. METHODS A total of 103 ENL patients in treatment with thalidomide were included in this study. DNA samples were obtained from saliva and molecular analysis of CRBN gene were performed to investigate the variants rs1620675, rs1672770 and rs4183. Different genotypes of CRBN variants were evaluated in relation to their influence on the dose of thalidomide and on the occurrence of adverse effects. FINDINGS No association was found between CRBN variants and thalidomide dose variation. However, the genotypes of rs1672770 showed association with gastrointestinal effects (p = 0.040). Moreover, the haplotype DEL/C/T (rs4183/rs1672770/rs1620675) was also associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects (p = 0.015). MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results show that CRBN variants affect the treatment of ENH with thalidomide, especially on the adverse effects related to the drug.

ABSTRACT Background: Patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) have the highest lifetime risk for suicidal behavior (SB) compared to other psychiatric disorders. Neuroimaging research provides evidence of some structural and functional abnormalities in the brain of BD suicide attempters (SA), but interpretation of these findings may represent a number of features. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the volume of the prefrontal cortex in euthymic BD type I outpatients, with and without history of SA. Methods: 36 euthymic BD I outpatients (18 with and 18 without suicide attempt history) were underwent structural MRI and total and regional gray matter volumes were assessed and compared with 22 healthy controls (HC). Results: We did not found any differences in all areas between suicidal and non-suicidal BD I patients and BD patients as a group compared to HC as well. Discussion: our findings suggest that can be a different subgroups of patients in relation to prefrontal cortex volumes according to some clinical and socio-demographic caractheristics, such as number of previous episodes and continuous use of medical psychotropic drugs that may induce neuroplasticity phenomena, which restore cerebral volume and possibly can lead to long-term euthymia state.

Objective: To evaluate the interrelationships between childhood maltreatment, life satisfaction (LS), and depressive symptoms, and to investigate LS as a mediating factor in the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. Methods: The sample consisted of 342 adolescents, aged 11 to 17 years (mean = 13.3, SD = 1.52 years), recruited from a public school in Salvador, Brazil. Participants filled out instruments for the collection of sociodemographic data and evaluation of childhood maltreatment, LS, and depressive symptoms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the mediating effect of LS. Results: We detected significant negative correlations between childhood maltreatment and LS and between LS and depressive symptoms. We observed a significant positive correlation between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. LS partially mediated the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms, mitigating the impact of maltreatment. Conclusion: LS played an important mediating role in the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. Longitudinal studies are recommended to fully elucidate these associations, reinforcing the need for attention and care of this vulnerable population.

Resumo Mesmo diante de dados internacionais sobre prevalência de problemas de comportamento durante a infância/adolescência, ainda há necessidade de explorar problemas emocionais/comportamentais vivenciados pelos adolescentes brasileiros, especialmente em situações de altos problemas sociais ou de vulnerabilidade social (VS). Foi realizado estudo observacional, transversal, com amostra de conveniência, que teve por objetivo descrever os problemas emocionais/comportamentais apresentados por adolescentes que vivem em um contexto de alta VS na cidade de Salvador-BA, a partir do ponto de vista de seus pais ou responsáveis. Foram aplicados questionário sociodemográfico e CBCL/6-18 numa amostra de 274 pais/responsáveis pelos adolescentes. Análises dos dados obtidos indicaram que 20,4% da amostra apresentaram problemas na faixa clínica para escala total do instrumento. Variáveis sociodemográficas podem influenciar os problemas de comportamento na adolescência, necessitando ser investigadas. Este estudo colabora com novos dados sobre psicopatologias infanto-juvenis em âmbito nacional, o que possibilita criar ações preventivas e encaminhamentos voltados para esta população.

Abstract Although there are international data on the prevalence of behavioral problems through childhood/adolescence, there is still a need to explore emotional/behavioral problems experienced by Brazilian adolescents, especially in situations of extreme social problems or social vulnerability (SV). This is an observational, cross-sectional study, carried out with a convenience sample, to describe emotional/behavioral problems of adolescents living in a high SV scenario in the city of Salvador-BA, from their parents or guardians’ point of view. Sociodemographic questionnaire and CBCL/6-18 were applied to a sample of 274 adolescents’ parents/guardians. Data analysis found that 20.4% of the sample had problems in the clinical range for CBCL’s Total Problems. Sociodemographic variables can impact behavioral problems in adolescence and need to be investigated. This study adds new data on child and youth psychopathologies at the national level and can promote preventive actions and referrals aimed at this population.

Resumen Aún cuando existan datos internacionales sobre la prevalencia de problemas de conducta durante la infancia/adolescencia, aún es necesario explorar los problemas emocionales/de conducta que experimentan los adolescentes brasileños, especialmente en contextos de alta vulnerabilidad social (VS). Se realizó un estudio observacional de conveniencia transversal para describir los problemas emocionales/conductuales presentados por adolescentes, de 11 a 17 años, que viven en un contexto de alta vulnerabilidad social en la ciudad de Salvador-BA, desde el punto de vista de los padres/tutores. Se aplicó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y el CBCL/6-18 a una muestra de 274 padres/tutores de adolescentes. El análisis de los datos indicó que el 20.4% de la muestra tenía problemas en el rango clínico en la escala completa del instrumento. Las variables sociodemográficas pueden influir en los problemas de conducta en la adolescencia y deben investigarse. Este estudio colabora con nuevos datos sobre las psicopatologías infantiles y juveniles en todo el país, lo que permite crear acciones preventivas y referencias dirigidas a esa población.

Abstract Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) has low prevalence rates, but is endemic in some regions of the world. It is usually a chronic asymptomatic infection, but it can be associated with serious neurologic and urinary conditions. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is broadly spread out worldwide. The majority of these infections have a chronic course that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Objectives: To compare sociodemographic and mental health (risk behaviors, depression, and suicide) aspects, and quality of life among patients with HCV or HTLV-1. Methods: Observational, comparative and cross-sectional study involving outpatients with HCV or HLTV-1 infection. Sociodemographic characteristics, risk behaviors and quality of life were assessed through the questionnaires Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - MINI Plus (depression and suicide) and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (quality of life). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses (hierarchical logistic regression) were conducted. Results: 143 individuals with HCV and 113 individuals with HTLV-1 infection were included. Males were predominant in the HCV group (68.8%) and females in the HTLV-1 group (71.7%). The frequency of risk behaviors (sexual and drug use) was greater in those with HCV (p < 0.05). A past depressive episode was more common in the HTLV-1 group (p = 0.037). Quality of life was significantly worse in the physical functioning, vitality, mental health, and social functioning domains in those with HTLV-1 (p < 0.05). HTLV-1 infection remained independently associated with worse quality of life in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Risk behaviors are frequent among those infected with HCV. Additionally, despite HTLV-1 being considered an infection with low morbidity, issues related to mental health (depressive episode) and decreased quality of life are relevant.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: to analyze the access of the street population to health services. METHODS: this was a qualitative study in which 29 interviews were conducted with health workers, distributed among professionals in family health teams, urgency and emergency care units, and a general emergency hospital. RESULTS: the access of the street population occurs preferentially through emergency services, through the requirement of identity and Unified Health System cards, and the continuity of health service is not guarantee; there is a transfer of responsibility for care among the health care network institutions; standardization of forms and assistance; difficulties of access materialized in: bureaucratic issues, reduced number of professionals, insufficient structure and inputs, absence of residence address, and social devaluation of this population. CONCLUSION: the understanding of access that permeates health services is restricted to the first care, thus becoming a denial of constitutional right to the street people. Although this population is present in neoliberal society, it is invisible to the health service, being recognized through stereotypes historically constructed by capitalist society that has a defined standard of the way to lead a life. Therefore, the access of the street population to health service is a challenge for managers, workers, social movements, and educational institutions, because it questions the Unified Health System as a conquest of society and a public policy of social inclusion.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: analizar el acceso de la población en situación de calle (PSR) a los servicios de salud. MÉTODO: Investigación cualitativa con 29 entrevistas a trabajadores de la salud, entre ellos profesionales de equipos de salud de la familia, de guardias y de urgencias y emergencias. RESULTADOS: la PSR acude principalmente a los servicios de urgencias y emergencias, es obligada a presentar un documento de identificación y la tarjeta del SUS (Sistema único de salud), aún cuando no se le garantice la continuidad de la atención; transferencia de responsabilidad entre las instituciones del sistema de atención de la salud; estandarización de los formularios y de la atención; dificultades de acceso concreto en: asuntos burocráticos, poca cantidad de profesionales, estructura e insumos insuficientes, ausencia de domicilio fijo y desvalorización social. CONCLUSIÓN: la idea de acceso a los servicios de salud se restringe a la primera consulta/ atención y con ello se le niega un derecho constitucional a la población en situación de calle. A pesar de estar presente en la sociedad neoliberal, dicha población es invisible a los servicios de salud y es reconocida por los estereotipos históricamente construidos por la sociedad capitalista que tiene un modelo definido de cómo debe llevarse la vida. Por ello, es un reto para la gestión, los trabajadores, los movimientos sociales y las instituciones formadoras, que cuestionan cómo el SUS puede considerarse como una conquista de la sociedad y una política pública de inclusión social ante semejante realidad.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: analisar o acesso da população em situação de rua (PSR) aos serviços de saúde. MÉTODOS: trata-se de pesquisa qualitativa na qual foram realizadas 29 entrevistas com trabalhadores de saúde distribuídos entre profissionais de equipes de saúde da família, de unidades de pronto-atendimento e de hospital geral de urgência e emergência. RESULTADOS: o acesso da PSR ocorre preferencialmente nos serviços de urgência e emergência, mediante a exigência de documentos de identificação pessoal e cartão do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), embora estes não assegurem a continuidade do atendimento; transferência de responsabilidade pelo atendimento entre as instituições que compõem a rede de atenção à saúde; padronização dos formulários e da assistência; dificuldades de acesso materializadas em: questões burocráticas, número reduzido de profissionais, estrutura e insumos insuficientes, ausência de residência fixa e desvalorização social dessa população. CONCLUSÃO: a compreensão de acesso que permeia os serviços de saúde é restrita à entrada para o primeiro atendimento, constituindo-se em um direito constitucional negado à população em situação de rua. Essa população, embora esteja presente na sociedade neoliberal, é invisível ao serviço de saúde, sendo reconhecida por estereótipos historicamente construídos pela sociedade capitalista, que tem um padrão definido do que sejam os modos de andar a vida. Desse modo, constitui-se em desafio para a gestão, trabalhadores, movimentos sociais e instituições formadoras, uma vez que questiona o SUS como uma conquista da sociedade e uma política pública de inclusão social.

Abstract The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy marked a major gain in efficacy of HIV/AIDS treatment and a reduction in morbidity and mortality of the infected patients. However, high levels of adherence are required to obtain virologic suppression. In Brazil, the policy of free and universal access to antiretroviral therapy has been in place since 1996, although there are reports of poor adherence. Objective To define the clinical, demographic and psychological characteristics, and quality of life of patients with HIV/AIDS who present poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. To be included in the study patients had to be 18 through 65 years old, diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, having the two previous viral loads above 500 copies, a surrogate for poor adherence to antiretrovirals. The following instruments were applied to all eligible patients: the sociodemographic questionnaire “Adherence Follow-up Questionnaire”, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the 36-Item Short Form Survey. Results 47 patients were evaluated, 70.2% were female, mean age of 41.9 years (±10.5), 46.8% were single, 51.1% self-reported adherence ≥95%, 46.8% mentioned depression as the main reason for not taking the medication, 59.5% presented symptoms of moderate to severe depression, and 44.7% presented symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety. Finally, regarding health-related quality of life these patients obtained low scores in all dimensions, physical component summary of 43.96 (±9.64) and mental component summary of 33.19 (±13.35). Conclusion The psychological component is considered to be fundamental in the management of HIV/AIDS patients. Psychoeducation should be conducted at the initial evaluation to reduce negative beliefs regarding antiretroviral therapy Assessment of anxiety and depression symptoms should be done throughout therapy as both psycological conditions are associated with patient adherence, success of treatment, and ultimately with patients’ quality of life.

Resumo No atual cenário do neoliberalismo, percebe-se uma fragilização dos vínculos empregatícios e familiares, o que contribui para o fenômeno da exclusão social e dá visibilidade à População em Situação de Rua - PSR. A PSR desafia a universalidade, a equidade e a integralidade do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, encontra-se à margem da rede de atenção à saúde e é alvo de políticas focalizadoras. Esse debate transformou-se em objeto deste estudo de revisão integrativa das publicações nacionais dos bancos de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde - Lilacs e Base de Dados de Enfermagem - BDENF, com objetivo de levantar o que existe na literatura acerca da caracterização da PSR, suas necessidades e as políticas desenvolvidas para atendê-la. O estudo revelou que a discussão sobre a PSR é tímida na produção do conhecimento, principalmente, quanto à compreensão dos determinantes sociais do seu processo saúde/doença. As políticas sociais voltadas para essa população são, em sua maioria, compensatórias e assistencialistas, de modo que não possibilitam a materialização do direito à saúde. Diante disso, torna-se necessária a construção de políticas sociais coerentes com as necessidades sociais da PSR.

Abstract In the present context of neoliberalism, it can be seen that employment and family links are becoming more fragile, contributing to the phenomenon of social exclusion, and making people who are homeless – the Homeless – more visible. This population, situated on the margin of the healthcare network, challenges the universality, equity and integrated quality of Brazil’s Unified Health System – the SUS, and has been the subject of focalizing policies. The debate on this theme is the subject of this study, which is an integrative review of Brazilian publications in the literature databases of Lilacs (Latin America and the Caribbean Health Sciences Database) and the BDENF (Base de Dados de Enfermagem – Nursing Database), to provide a survey of the literature on characterization of the Homeless as a group, their needs and the policies that have been developed to serve them. The study reveals that discussion on the homeless has been timid in production of knowledge, principally in relation to comprehension of the social determinants of the health-disease process of this group. The social policies addressing this population are, mostly, compensatory and existentialist, so that they do not allow for materialization of the right to health as a possible outcome. In this context, it becomes necessary to build social policies that are coherent with the social needs of the homeless.

Resumo No atual cenário do neoliberalismo, percebe-se uma fragilização dos vínculos empregatícios e familiares, o que contribui para o fenômeno da exclusão social e dá visibilidade à População em Situação de Rua - PSR. A PSR desafia a universalidade, a equidade e a integralidade do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS, encontra-se à margem da rede de atenção à saúde e é alvo de políticas focalizadoras. Esse debate transformou-se em objeto deste estudo de revisão integrativa das publicações nacionais dos bancos de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde - Lilacs e Base de Dados de Enfermagem - BDENF, com objetivo de levantar o que existe na literatura acerca da caracterização da PSR, suas necessidades e as políticas desenvolvidas para atendê-la. O estudo revelou que a discussão sobre a PSR é tímida na produção do conhecimento, principalmente, quanto à compreensão dos determinantes sociais do seu processo saúde/doença. As políticas sociais voltadas para essa população são, em sua maioria, compensatórias e assistencialistas, de modo que não possibilitam a materialização do direito à saúde. Diante disso, torna-se necessária a construção de políticas sociais coerentes com as necessidades sociais da PSR.

Abstract In the present context of neoliberalism, it can be seen that employment and family links are becoming more fragile, contributing to the phenomenon of social exclusion, and making people who are homeless – the Homeless – more visible. This population, situated on the margin of the healthcare network, challenges the universality, equity and integrated quality of Brazil’s Unified Health System – the SUS, and has been the subject of focalizing policies. The debate on this theme is the subject of this study, which is an integrative review of Brazilian publications in the literature databases of Lilacs (Latin America and the Caribbean Health Sciences Database) and the BDENF (Base de Dados de Enfermagem – Nursing Database), to provide a survey of the literature on characterization of the Homeless as a group, their needs and the policies that have been developed to serve them. The study reveals that discussion on the homeless has been timid in production of knowledge, principally in relation to comprehension of the social determinants of the health-disease process of this group. The social policies addressing this population are, mostly, compensatory and existentialist, so that they do not allow for materialization of the right to health as a possible outcome. In this context, it becomes necessary to build social policies that are coherent with the social needs of the homeless.

Abstract Background Trial-based thought record (TBTR) is a technique used in trial-based cognitive therapy (TBCT), and simulates a court trial. It was designed to restructure unhelpful core beliefs (CBs) during psychotherapy. Objective To confirm previous findings on the efficacy of TBTR in decreasing patients’ adherence to self-critical and unhelpful CBs and corresponding emotions, as well as assessing the differential efficacy of the empty-chair approach relative to the static format of TBTR. Methods Thirty-nine outpatients were submitted to a 50-minute, one-session, application of the TBTR technique in the empty-chair (n = 18) or conventional (n = 21) formats. Patients’ adherence to unhelpful CBs and the intensity of corresponding emotions were assessed after each step of TBTR, and the results obtained in each format were compared. Results Significant reductions in percent values both in the credit given to CBs and in the intensity of corresponding emotions were observed at the end of the session (p < .001), relative to baseline values. ANCOVA also showed a significant difference in favor of the empty-chair format for both belief credit and emotion intensity (p = .04). Discussion TBTR may help patients reduce adherence to unhelpful CBs and corresponding emotions and the empty-chair format seems to be more efficacious than the conventional format.

Objective: Functional neuroimaging techniques represent fundamental tools in the context of translational research integrating neurobiology, psychopathology, neuropsychology, and therapeutics. In addition, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has proven its efficacy in the treatment of anxiety disorders and may be useful in phobias. The literature has shown that feelings and behaviors are mediated by specific brain circuits, and changes in patterns of interaction should be associated with cerebral alterations. Based on these concepts, a systematic review was conducted aiming to evaluate the impact of CBT on phobic disorders measured by functional neuroimaging techniques. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted including studies published between January 1980 and April 2012. Studies written in English, Spanish or Portuguese evaluating changes in the pattern of functional neuroimaging before and after CBT in patients with phobic disorders were included. Results: The initial search strategy retrieved 45 studies. Six of these studies met all inclusion criteria. Significant deactivations in the amygdala, insula, thalamus and hippocampus, as well as activation of the medial orbitofrontal cortex, were observed after CBT in phobic patients when compared with controls. Conclusion: In spite of their technical limitations, neuroimaging techniques provide neurobiological support for the efficacy of CBT in the treatment of phobic disorders. Further studies are needed to confirm this conclusion.

Objective: To determine whether there are differences in quality of life (QoL) improvement after treatment with the trial-based thought record (TBTR) versus conventional cognitive therapy (CCT) in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Method: A randomized trial comparing TBTR with a set of CCT techniques, which included the standard 7-column dysfunctional thought record (DTR) and the positive data log (PDL) in patients with SAD, generalized type. Results: Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant time effect in the general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health domains of the Short Form 36. It also indicated significant treatment effects on the bodily pain, social functioning, role-emotional, and mental health domains, with higher scores in the TBTR group. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), using pretreatment values as covariates, showed that TBTR was associated with significantly better QoL post-treatment (bodily pain, social functioning and role-emotional) and at follow-up (role-emotional). A significant treatment effect on the role-emotional domain at 12-month follow-up denoted a sustained effect of TBTR relative to CCT. Conclusion: This study provided preliminary evidence that TBTR is at least as effective as CCT in improving several domains of QoL in SAD, specifically when the standard 7-column DTR and the PDL are used.

Durante os últimos 40 anos, a esquizofrenia foi considerada, principalmente, como o resultado de disfunções dopaminérgicas no cérebro. Esta revisão descreve e discute algumas descobertas sobre a neurotransmissão mediada pelo óxido nítrico na esquizofrenia. A busca foi feita nas bases PubMed, SciELO e LILACS usando-se os termos schizophrenia e nitric oxide plasma levels ou nitric oxide serum levels, sem limites de tempo. As listas de referências dos artigos selecionados foram examinadas em busca de outras publicações pertinentes. Dentre 15 artigos passíveis de serem incluídos, 10 preenchiam os critérios estabelecidos para a revisão e metanálise. Esses estudos incluíram 505 pacientes com esquizofrenia e 339 voluntários saudáveis. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre pacientes e voluntários saudáveis quanto aos níveis plasmáticos de nitrito total (effect size g = 0,285, IC 95% = -0,205 a 0,774, p = 0,254). No entanto, o exame separado dos estudos envolvendo pacientes em tratamento antipsicótico apresentou diferenças significativas entre pacientes e voluntários saudáveis (effect size g = 0,663, IC 95% = 0,365 to 0,961, p < 0,001), demonstrando que pacientes em tratamento possuem níveis plasmáticos mais altos de óxido nítrico. Esses resultados sugerem que os antipsicóticos podem aumentar os níveis plasmáticos de óxido nítrico e que a via nitrérgica (e sua estimulação) constituiria um alvo propício para o desenvolvimento de novos tratamentos para pacientes com esquizofrenia.

For the last 40 years, schizophrenia has been considered to be the result primarily of a dysfunction in brain dopaminergic pathways. In this review, it is described and discussed findings concerning nitric oxide-mediated neurotransmission in schizophrenia. Studies were searched in PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS using the terms schizophrenia and nitric oxide plasma levels or nitric oxide serum levels, with no time limit. The reference lists of selected articles were also hand-searched for additional articles. From 15 potential reports, 10 were eligible to be included in the review and meta-analysis. These studies included a total of 505 patients with schizophrenia and 339 healthy volunteers. No significant difference was found between patients and healthy controls regarding total nitrite plasma/serum levels (effect size g = 0.285, 95%CI = -0.205 to 0.774, p = 0.254). However, when studies with patients under antipsychotic treatment were examined separately, there was a significant difference between patients and healthy volunteers (effect size g = 0.663, 95%CI = 0.365 to 0.961, p < 0.001), showing that patients under treatment have higher levels of plasma/serum nitric oxide than controls. These results suggest that antipsychotics increase nitric oxide plasma/serum levels and that the nitrergic pathway would be a fertile target for the development of new treatments for patients with schizophrenia.