Health and Society

PSYCHEDELICS IN THE TREATMENT OF MENTAL DISORDERS

Eduardo d’Avila Lins Lacerda — 2025-01-08

Psychedelics have emerged as a promising approach to treating mental disorders, challenging traditional paradigms in psychiatry. This study conducted an integrative literature review to investigate the advances, challenges, and implications of the therapeutic use of these substances, addressing the guiding question: “What are the current scientific perspectives on the use of psychedelics in the treatment of mental disorders?” The methodology followed the steps proposed by Mendes, Silveira, and Galvão (2008), covering the selection of articles from the LILACS, SCIELO, and MEDLINE databases. Descriptors in Portuguese and English, such as “Psychedelics,” “Mental Disorders,” and “Therapeutic Advances,” were used, and inclusion criteria favored recent and complete publications. The results indicated significant advances in the use of psychedelics, such as psilocybin, in treating resistant depression and MDMA for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Studies showed rapid and sustained improvements in depressive symptoms, while MDMA, combined with assisted psychotherapy, significantly reduced PTSD symptoms. These effects are attributed to the interaction with serotonergic receptors, promoting neuroplasticity and reorganization of neural networks, enabling profound psychological transformation. Despite the progress, ethical, legal, and operational challenges remain. Many psychedelics are still classified as high-risk substances, hindering their regulation and clinical use. Additionally, training specialized professionals and ensuring safety in therapeutic settings are crucial aspects to expand the application of these substances. In conclusion, psychedelics represent an innovative frontier in the treatment of mental disorders, with the potential to revolutionize psychiatry. However, overcoming regulatory and societal barriers, as well as investing in long-term research and professional training, is essential for their full integration into health systems.

THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE AND SOCIAL SKILLS IN TEACHERS’ SELF-REGULATION

Aygun Gurbanova Fuad Qizi — 2025-01-12

This article examines the impact of cognitive and social skills on teachers’ self-regulation, particularly in the context of job stress and emotional control. It highlights the significance of self-determination, self-improvement, and self-actualization in pedagogical education. The findings suggest that enhancing teachers’ cognitive and emotional competencies can mitigate job-related stress and improve teaching effectiveness.

METABOLIC SURGERY VERSUS CLINICAL TREATMENT

João Pedro do Valle Varela — 2025-01-13

Morbid obesity is a chronic and progressive condition associated with various comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. In the management of this condition, clinical treatments and surgical interventions have been widely debated, with metabolic surgery standing out as an alternative for cases refractory to clinical treatment. To compare the costs and efficacy of metabolic surgery and clinical treatment in the management of morbid obesity, assessing the economic impacts and clinical outcomes in the medium and long term. This is a literature review with a qualitative approach, based on studies available in the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Health descriptors such as “Bariatric Surgery,” “Obesity Management,” and “Type 2 Diabetes Treatment” were used, covering the period from 2015 to 2023. The selection followed specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the relevance and quality of the articles included. Studies show that metabolic surgery is more effective in sustained weight loss and in controlling metabolic comorbidities, with type 2 diabetes remission rates of over 70%. In terms of costs, although the initial investment for the surgical procedure is high, there are savings in the long term due to the reduction in expenditure on medication, hospitalizations and monitoring of complications. In contrast, clinical treatment has lower initial costs, but often requires prolonged use of medication and interventions, with lower success rates in weight maintenance and remission of comorbidities. Metabolic surgery stands out as an effective and economically viable option for morbidly obese patients, especially those with severe comorbidities. However, the choice of treatment must be individualized, taking into account the surgical risks, the ability to adhere to lifestyle changes and the resources available in the health system.

SURGICAL APPROACH IN THE TREATMENT OF DEEP ENDOMETRIOSIS

João Pedro do Valle Varela — 2025-01-13

Deep endometriosis is a gynaecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, involving organs such as the ovaries, intestines and bladder. The disease can cause chronic pain, infertility and additional complications, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life. Although clinical treatment, such as the use of hormones, is common, the surgical approach has become essential for cases of deep endometriosis, when symptoms are not effectively controlled. The aim of this study is to analyze the challenges and advances in surgical approaches to the treatment of deep endometriosis, focusing on innovative techniques, long-term efficacy and the multidisciplinary approach to managing the condition. This is a literature review with a qualitative approach, which will use the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases to gather relevant articles on the surgical and psychological management of endometriosis. The search will be refined using health descriptors such as “Endometriosis Surgery,” “Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis,” “Psychological Impact,” among others, with a time frame between 2014 and 2021. The review aims to consolidate best practices and advances in the treatment of endometriosis, both in terms of surgical interventions and psychological approaches. Laparoscopic surgery has proven to be one of the main therapeutic options in the treatment of deep endometriosis, allowing precise removal of lesions with lower complication rates and faster recovery. Recent advances in robotic surgery have also contributed to greater precision and less tissue trauma. However, complete removal of lesions is not always possible, which can lead to recurrences. Treatment also requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving gynaecologists, urologists, proctologists and fertility specialists, for proper management and minimization of complications. The surgical approach to treating deep endometriosis continues to evolve, with technological innovations offering better results and recovery for patients. However, the complexity of the condition requires ongoing specialist follow-up and the combination of clinical and surgical treatments to ensure long-term efficacy and symptom reduction. Personalizing the treatment for each patient is fundamental to the successful management of the disease.

NEUROMUSCULAR MONITORING DURING GENERAL ANESTHESIA

João Pedro do Valle Varela — 2025-01-13

Neuromuscular monitoring during general anaesthesia is a crucial practice for the proper management of muscle blocks, allowing the dosage of muscle relaxants to be optimized and adverse effects to be minimized. The use of neuromuscular blocking agents is common in surgery, especially to facilitate intubation and muscle relaxation. However, inappropriate or excessive use of these agents can result in post-operative complications, such as residual muscle weakness, breathing difficulties and delayed recovery. Neuromuscular monitoring has proven to be an essential tool for mitigating these risks. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of neuromuscular monitoring during general anesthesia, with a focus on reducing postoperative complications such as residual muscle weakness, respiratory difficulty and prolonged recovery time. The aim is also to compare the results of patients who receive real-time monitoring with those who do not. This is a qualitative literature review whose aim is to explore the implications of neuromuscular monitoring in anesthetic practices and its effects on postoperative recovery, opioid consumption and residual neuromuscular blockade. To this end, the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases will be used. The review will be refined using health descriptors such as “Neuromuscular Monitoring,” “Residual Paralysis,” “Opioid Consumption,” with a time frame from 1998 to 2020, covering both review articles and clinical studies and randomized trials. Neuromuscular monitoring has shown clear benefits in reducing residual muscle weakness and improving postoperative respiratory function. Studies indicate that patients who use real-time monitoring during general anesthesia have shorter recovery times, lower rates of respiratory complications and less need for assisted ventilation. In addition, monitoring allows for more precise dosing of muscle relaxants, avoiding overuse and the occurrence of adverse effects. When applied correctly, monitoring also contributes to reducing the duration of anesthesia and improves the patient’s post-operative experience. Neuromuscular monitoring during general anesthesia is essential for reducing postoperative complications, especially residual muscle weakness and respiratory difficulty. Its effective use contributes to a faster and safer recovery for patients, allowing healthcare professionals to adjust the dosage of muscle blockers more precisely. The widespread implementation of this practice in surgical centers is recommended to optimize anesthetic management and improve postoperative outcomes.