Objective: To present the most relevant findings regarding the Brazilian Medical Association guidelines for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of panic disorder. Methods: We used the methodology proposed by the Brazilian Medical Association for the Diretrizes Project. The MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS online databases were queried for articles published from 1980 to 2012. Searchable questions were structured using the PICO format (acronym for “patient” [or population], “intervention” [or exposure], “comparison” [or control], and “outcome”). Results: We present data on clinical manifestations and implications of panic disorder and its association with depression, drug abuse, dependence and anxiety disorders. In addition, discussions were held on the main psychiatric and clinical differential diagnoses. Conclusions: The guidelines are proposed to serve as a reference for the general practitioner and specialist to assist in and facilitate the diagnosis of panic disorder.

A síndrome de Crouzon é caracterizada por deformidade craniana, alterações faciais e exoftalmia. O retardo no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor é observado em alguns casos. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a influência do momento da cirurgia, da classe sócio-econômica associada ao nível educacional dos pais e da ocorrência de malformações do sistema nervoso central no desenvolvimento cognitivo destes pacientes correlacionando estes achados à qualidade de vida deles e de suas famílias. Foram estudados 11 pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome de Crouzon com idade entre um ano e quatro meses e treze anos. A avaliação multidisciplinar dos pacientes incluiu, avaliação social, avaliação cognitiva, estudo do encéfalo por ressonância magnética e avaliação da qualidade de vida. O quociente de inteligência variou de 46 a 102 (m=84,2) e foi correlacionado de forma inversa com o Fator 4 do Questionário de Recursos e Estresse Simplificado (incapacidade da criança); não se correlacionou com as alterações encefálicas, com a condição sócio-econômica dos pais e nem com o momento do tratamento neurocirúrgico.

Crouzon syndrome is characterized by cranial and facial abnormalities and exophtalmos. Mental retardation is sometimes observed. The objective of this study was to correlate brain malformations, timing for surgery and also social classification of families and parents education to the neuropsychological evaluation and to the quality of life of these families. Eleven patients with Crouzon syndrome were studied, whose ages were between 16 and 132 months. The multidisciplinary evaluation included : social evaluation, cognitive evaluation, brain studies by magnetic ressonance imaging and quality of life evaluation. The intelligence quotient values observed were between 46 and 102 (m=84.2) and was correlated (inverted correlation) to the factor IV of the short-form of the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress. Mental development was not correlated to brain malformation, neither to the age at time of operation or to the level of family environment and parents education.

A síndrome de Apert é caracterizada por cranioestenose, sindactilia simétrica e outras malformações sistêmicas. O retardo no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor é freqüentemente observado. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar as malformações do sistema nervoso central, o momento da cirurgia e a classe sócio-econômica associada ao nível educacional dos pais como variáveis que possam influenciar no desenvolvimento cognitivo. Foram estudados 18 pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome de Apert com idade entre 14 e 322 meses e as alterações encefálicas foram observadas em 55,6%. O quociente de inteligência variou de 45 a 108 e estava correlacionado com a classe sócio-econômica e com o nível de instrução dos pais; não se correlacionou com as alterações encefálicas nem com o momento do tratamento neurocirúrgico. Em conclusão, a condição sócio-econômica e o nível de instrução dos pais foram relevantes na determinação do desenvolvimento cognitivo destes pacientes.

Apert syndrome is characterized by craniosynostosis, symmetric syndactyly and other systemic malformations, with mental retardation usually present. The objective of this study was to correlate brain malformations and timing for surgery with neuropsychological evaluation. We also tried to determine other relevant aspects involved in cognitive development of these patients such as social classification of families and parents’ education. Eighteen patients with Apert syndrome were studied, whose ages were between 14 and 322 months. Brain abnormalities were observed in 55.6% of them. The intelligence quotient or developmental quotient values observed were between 45 and 108. Mental development was related to the quality of family environment and parents’ education. Mental development was not correlated to brain malformation or age at time of operation. In conclusion, quality of family environment was the most significant factor directly involved in mental development of patients with Apert syndrome.