The term stalking comes from the English language and should be understood as a form of aggression that causes the victim the feeling of being persecuted. The prevalence of victimization by this phenomenon in the community is approximately 11%. Its occurrence is associated with a high potential for impairment of quality of life, psychological and/or physical damage, which may even reach the risk of life and increase the chance of the victim developing mental disorders. Some aggressors meet criteria for psychiatric diagnoses such as personality disorder, bipolar disorder, depression and psychotic disorder, needing attention and adequate psychiatric treatment. Psychiatrists have been involved in this phenomenon in different ways, such as: through the assessment and treatment of patients who are victims of stalking, through the treatment of aggressors or as victims of stalking, to carry out criminal liability assessments and risk assessment of the aggressors, act in the judicial demands of victims, as well as in the assessment of the need for breach of professional secrecy. This publication aims to shed light on this phenomenon, so that it is better identified, understood and addressed, and that in the near future, we can make use of effective prevention tools.

Introduction: Suicide of the elderly (people aged 60 and over) is a serious public health problem. Objective: Show the geographical, temporal, epidemiological and toxicological profile of elderly suicide victims in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2017 and 2019. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out by consulting all police reports and forensic reports related to suicide deaths and construction of three logistic regression models to verify associations. Results: In total, 1145 deaths of elderly people due to suicide were registered, with an increase of 17.7% from 2017 to 2019. The elderly (60 years old or more) corresponded to 28.5% of all suicides in the period, with a higher frequency of cases (53.7%) between 60 and 69 years old. The average annual mortality rate was 19.1 cases/100 thousand inhabitants, reaching 38.6 in the Vale do Rio Pardo region and 71.6 in the municipality of Venâncio Aires. There was a predominance of males (81.0%) and the elderly were more associated with the summer or autumn seasons, working days, the period of the day, the white race, the parental presence on the birth certificate, the absence criminal record and suicide means hanging or firearm. Toxicological analyzes were performed in 73.7% of the cases, observing a 2.58 times greater odds ratio (95% CI 1.86;3.65) of the victims being elderly when the results were negative for ethanol; 1.40 times higher (95% CI 1.04;1.88), when they were positive for some antidepressant and 1.62 times higher (95% CI 1.14;2.34), when they were negative for anxiolytics. Conclusion: This work presented data that can guide suicide prevention programs among the elderly.

Introduction: Major Depressive Disorder is a common medical condition in the population, which can affect not only mental capacity, but also physical capacity, even causing incapacity for work. Its cause is still unknown, although some theories are gaining ground, such as the neurogenesis hypotheses as well as the neuroplasticity hypothesis, which emerged in a context where the classic monoamine hypothesis no longer explains all cases. In this context, a strong association between hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as well as gastroin-testinal tract hormones was highlighted in studies raising the hypothesis that depression has associated metabolic factors, even leading to the characterization of metabolic disease ac-cording to some authors. Objective: Thus, the present study seeks to analyze the behavioral effect of the gastrointestinal tract hormone GRP in view of the present evidence on its possible relationship with the patho-physiology of depression. Methods: Twenty Swiss mice were selected to perform the social defeat procedure, analysis with forced swimming test and intervention with Fluoxetine in the control and GRP in the experimental. Results: Social defeat stress increased the immobility time in the forced swim test by 13 seconds in the submissive mice, the GRP injection reduced the immobility time with a difference of 78 seconds for the control group treated with Fluoxetine. Conclusion: Thus, GRP, compared to other hor-mones studied in depression, had a positive effect on depres-sion and a possible therapy for its treatment.

Introduction: A homicidal event with the presence of several victims can be defined as a multiple murder, but this term refers to a broader category that includes the sub-classifications: mass murder, serial murder and lightning murder. Objective: To review the definitions of these terms, addressing the psychiatric aspects that may be present in each type of multiple homicide, seeking to update the medical profession and other professionals who work with this theme and to implement their investigation, assessment and treatment actions. Method: Narrative review to discuss the state of the art and update knowledge on multiple murder. Discussion: The literature indicates that mass murder, serial murder and lightning murder have specific characteristics that go beyond the number of victims and include the psychopathological characteristics of their perpetrators, from the absence of any psychiatric disorder to antisocial and narcissistic disorders or psychotics. Conclusion: The knowledge of their definitions and particularities enables the proper use of terms, as well as aids diagnostic reasoning about psychiatric disorders that may be present in criminals who commit such acts.

Introduction: The Decision Styles Scale (DSS) is an instrument developed to assess two distinct decisionmaking styles, the intuitive/heuristic vs. deliberate/ rational. Previous studies found that the Brazilian Portuguese adaptation of the DSS was adequate and had good psychometric properties. This study presents preliminary parameters in the format of continuous norms for the scale. Methods: 1218 Brazilian adults aged from 18 to 64 years participated in the study. Results: The scale results were not influenced by reported age or sex, and the results can be presented as continuous norms for the entire sample. Conclusion: The results presented constitute preliminary norms for interpretation of the Brazilian version of the DSS. Future studies are needed to derive Brazilian norms based on representative samples of the population.

Introduction: The Decision Styles Scale (DSS) is an instrument developed to assess two distinct decisionmaking styles, the intuitive/heuristic vs. deliberate/ rational. Previous studies found that the Brazilian Portuguese adaptation of the DSS was adequate and had good psychometric properties. This study presents preliminary parameters in the format of continuous norms for the scale. Methods: 1218 Brazilian adults aged from 18 to 64 years participated in the study. Results: The scale results were not influenced by reported age or sex, and the results can be presented as continuous norms for the entire sample. Conclusion: The results presented constitute preliminary norms for interpretation of the Brazilian version of the DSS. Future studies are needed to derive Brazilian norms based on representative samples of the population.

Introduction: Suicide of the elderly (people aged 60 and over) is a serious public health problem. Objective: Show the geographical, temporal, epidemiological and toxicological profile of elderly suicide victims in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2017 and 2019. Method: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out by consulting all police reports and forensic reports related to suicide deaths and construction of three logistic regression models to verify associations. Results: In total, 1145 deaths of elderly people due to suicide were registered, with an increase of 17.7% from 2017 to 2019. The elderly (60 years old or more) corresponded to 28.5% of all suicides in the period, with a higher frequency of cases (53.7%) between 60 and 69 years old. The average annual mortality rate was 19.1 cases/100 thousand inhabitants, reaching 38.6 in the Vale do Rio Pardo region and 71.6 in the municipality of Venâncio Aires. There was a predominance of males (81.0%) and the elderly were more associated with the summer or autumn seasons, working days, the period of the day, the white race, the parental presence on the birth certificate, the absence criminal record and suicide means hanging or firearm. Toxicological analyzes were performed in 73.7% of the cases, observing a 2.58 times greater odds ratio (95% CI 1.86;3.65) of the victims being elderly when the results were negative for ethanol; 1.40 times higher (95% CI 1.04;1.88), when they were positive for some antidepressant and 1.62 times higher (95% CI 1.14;2.34), when they were negative for anxiolytics. Conclusion: This work presented data that can guide suicide prevention programs among the elderly.

Introduction: Young people consider smartphones as essential because they offer an infinite range of services and operate many different functions, enabling them to substitute many different devices. Problematic smartphone use has both physical and psychological implications. Objective: To establish the prevalence of problematic smartphone use (PSU) among undergraduate students at a private medical school in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, and to correlate this behavior with mood disorders, sleep disorders, cognitive disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Method: The sample was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Epworth Somnolence Scale, the Smartphone Dependence Inventory, the Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS-18), and the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire. Results: A total of 156 volunteers participated in the study, the majority of whom were medical students. The prevalence of PSU was 52.5% and was statistically correlated with symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity, mood disorders, and sleep disorders. The prevalence rates of symptoms of depression and anxiety were 66.6 and 82.69%, respectively. Conclusions: We conclude that PSU is a prevalent phenomenon among students studying medicine and related areas and can be associated with somnolence, affective disorders, and symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity.

Introduction: In the past, psychoanalysis was classified as a pseudoscience. Karl Popper was one of those who objected to the idea that psychoanalysis is a science, using falsifiability. However, falsifiability cannot be considered sufficient anymore, since it carries major weaknesses and better alternatives to address the issue are available. Objective: This article intends to evaluate the scientific status of psychoanalysis concerning the demarcation problem. Method: In order to do so, Sven Ove Hansson’s criteria were used. His proposal consists of a set of sufficient and necessary conditions which is complemented by a multicriteria list that helps identifying pseudosciences. It was analyzed how much psychoanalysis fits each of Hansson s seven items, besides proposing the addition of an eighth. Results: The results showed that psychoanalysis was compatible with all eight demarcation of pseudoscience’s items. Conclusion: In the end, the conclusion was that even if falsifiability was to be dismissed, the evidence suggests that there are still enough reasons to affirm that psychoanalysis is a pseudoscience, since it significantly deviates from scientific quality standards.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existential anguish surrounding dying. Insecurity and uncertainty related to the limits of science and the lack of scientific consensus on this new disease highlights the need to investigate, reflect, and review information on mental health problems related to medical work, especially for those in the front line of provision of care for people with COVID-19. There is also a need to discuss the stigma attached to this population’s psychological suffering, especially during the pandemic and to identify mental disorders early and immediately seek specialized mental health services. Methods: A narrative review aimed at discussing the state of the art and updating knowledge about mental illness among doctors in the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The scientific literature reveals high prevalence rates of common mental disorder (CMD), depressive symptoms, burnout, and suicide among students, residents, teachers, and medical professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a risk of mental health disorders, commonly described as the fourth wave of the pandemic, which would be triggered by biopsychosocial elements arising from the quarantine period and prioritization of physical care over provision of mental health care. Conclusions: Healthcare institutions should review and reflect on their role in the promotion, maintenance, and prevention of psychological suffering and mental disorders identified among physicians. These measures will contribute to planning of better strategies that preserve their mental health, with positive consequences for society as a whole.

Introduction: A homicidal event with the presence of several victims can be defined as a multiple murder, but this term refers to a broader category that includes the sub-classifications: mass murder, serial murder and lightning murder. Objective: To review the definitions of these terms, addressing the psychiatric aspects that may be present in each type of multiple homicide, seeking to update the medical profession and other professionals who work with this theme and to implement their investigation, assessment and treatment actions. Method: Narrative review to discuss the state of the art and update knowledge on multiple murder. Discussion: The literature indicates that mass murder, serial murder and lightning murder have specific characteristics that go beyond the number of victims and include the psychopathological characteristics of their perpetrators, from the absence of any psychiatric disorder to antisocial and narcissistic disorders or psychotics. Conclusion: The knowledge of their definitions and particularities enables the proper use of terms, as well as aids diagnostic reasoning about psychiatric disorders that may be present in criminals who commit such acts.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existential anguish surrounding dying. Insecurity and uncertainty related to the limits of science and the lack of scientific consensus on this new disease highlights the need to investigate, reflect, and review information on mental health problems related to medical work, especially for those in the front line of provision of care for people with COVID-19. There is also a need to discuss the stigma attached to this population’s psychological suffering, especially during the pandemic and to identify mental disorders early and immediately seek specialized mental health services. Methods: A narrative review aimed at discussing the state of the art and updating knowledge about mental illness among doctors in the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: The scientific literature reveals high prevalence rates of common mental disorder (CMD), depressive symptoms, burnout, and suicide among students, residents, teachers, and medical professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic poses a risk of mental health disorders, commonly described as the fourth wave of the pandemic, which would be triggered by biopsychosocial elements arising from the quarantine period and prioritization of physical care over provision of mental health care. Conclusions: Healthcare institutions should review and reflect on their role in the promotion, maintenance, and prevention of psychological suffering and mental disorders identified among physicians. These measures will contribute to planning of better strategies that preserve their mental health, with positive consequences for society as a whole.

Introduction: A homicidal event with the presence of several victims can be defined as a multiple murder, but this term refers to a broader category that includes the sub-classifications: mass murder, serial murder and lightning murder. Objective: To review the definitions of these terms, addressing the psychiatric aspects that may be present in each type of multiple homicide, seeking to update the medical profession and other professionals who work with this theme and to implement their investigation, assessment and treatment actions. Method: Narrative review to discuss the state of the art and update knowledge on multiple murder. Discussion: The literature indicates that mass murder, serial murder and lightning murder have specific characteristics that go beyond the number of victims and include the psychopathological characteristics of their perpetrators, from the absence of any psychiatric disorder to antisocial and narcissistic disorders or psychotics. Conclusion: The knowledge of their definitions and particularities enables the proper use of terms, as well as aids diagnostic reasoning about psychiatric disorders that may be present in criminals who commit such acts.

Objective: Since the beginning of the pandemic, women have been associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety. This short communication aims to assess the situation of domestic violence against women in Brazil during social isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We extracted data from Google Trends showing the magnitude of searches on the topics domestic violence and reporting domestic violence and then compared with the data on actual reports of domestic violence. Results: Searches on Google containing those terms have increased while the number of reports of domestic violence have decreased. Conclusion: The increase in internet searches about domestic violence and how to report domestic violence indicates the possibility of a real rise in this type of violence in Brazil.

Introduction: Ekbom syndrome is a rare condition in which the patient believes that his or her body is infested by worms or other parasites.This condition is associated to mental ilness in 81% of cases. There is not a final statement about the best psychofarmacological treatment of this condition. Objective: The present study presents a case report on which an elderly woman with bipolar disorder has shown Ekbom syndrome. Method: This study lists a case report of a 69 yerar-old woman with bipolar disorder. This patient had presented the belief that worms were walking under her skin during the past few months. She had a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Depressive symptoms were intense. The patient was followed up in an outpatient psychiatric service for 120 days. Lurasidone was introduced and some drugs were discontinued. Result: One month after starting treatment with lurasidone, there was a significant improvement of delusional beliefs of Ekbom syndrome. Such improvement was associated with the improvement of the bipolar depressive condition in this case. Conclusion: Ekbom syndrome is a rare kind of delusion. Its etiology is not fully understood. We presented a case of an elderly woman with previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder with Ekbom syndrome. To our knowledge, there are no other case reports informing the use of lurasidone in bipolar depression associated with Ekbom syndrome.