Cognitive functioning in patients with alcohol use disorder who start outpatient treatment.

The main objective of the present study is to analyze the presence of cognitive impairment associated with alcohol consumption in patients with moderate or severe alcohol use disorder seeking outpatient treatment for their dependence. To do this, we compared a sample of 111 patients with active alcohol use disorder who initiated ambulatory treatment with 100 healthy controls. We compared sociodemographic and clinical variables associated with alcohol consumption, such as alcohol craving and impulsivity.

Tobacco and cognitive performance in schizophrenia patients: the design of the COGNICO study.

People with schizophrenia constitute a substantial part of the people who still smoke. Regarding cognitive performance, the self-medication hypothesis states that patients smoke to improve their cognitive deficits based on the stimulating effects of nicotine. The aim of this paper is to describe in detail the methodology used in the COGNICO study.

[Emotional distress in elderly people with heart disease].

Objectives: To analyse the emotional distress associated with ageing, and its prevalence among elderly people who suffer from heart disease.

Design: Personal interviews with elderly people with and without heart problems.

Setting: Interviews were conducted in public hospitals and old people's homes in the south of Galicia, Spain.