Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: Symptomatic and Syndromic Thresholds and Diagnostic Operationalization.

Objective: To identify the most appropriate threshold for disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) diagnosis and the impact of potential changes in diagnostic rules on prevalence levels in the community.

Method: Trained psychologists evaluated 3,562 preadolescents/early adolescents from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort with the Development and Well-Being Behavior Assessment (DAWBA). The clinical threshold was assessed in 3 stages: symptomatic, syndromic, and clinical operationalization.

Positive Attributes Buffer the Negative Associations Between Low Intelligence and High Psychopathology With Educational Outcomes.

Objective: This study examines the extent to which children's positive attributes are distinct from psychopathology. We also investigate whether positive attributes change or "buffer" the impact of low intelligence and high psychopathology on negative educational outcomes.

Method: In a community sample of 2,240 children (6-14 years of age), we investigated associations among positive attributes, psychopathology, intelligence, and negative educational outcomes.

Factors related to the incorrect use of inhalers by asthma patients.

Objective: To evaluate inhaler technique in outpatients with asthma and to determine associations between the correctness of that technique and the level of asthma control.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients > 14 years of age with physician-diagnosed asthma. The patients were recruited from the Asthma Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Impact of a short-term educational intervention on adherence to asthma treatment and on asthma control.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a short-term individualized education program on adherence to asthma treatment, inhalation techniques, and asthma control.

Methods: A prospective study involving patients aged 14 years or older, with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma and recruited from the asthma outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The study was conducted in two phases (before and after the educational intervention).