Luz Saúde : Ana Catarina Santos Obtains Doctoral Degree in Science and Health Technology with Maximum Grade

Ana Catarina Santos Obtains Doctoral Degree in Science and Health Technology with Maximum Grade

Ana Catarina Santos, clinical neuropsychologist responsible for the Unit of Neurostimulation from Hospital do Mar Cuidados Especializados Lisboa and researcher in the Neurological Unit of Clinical Research, at the Molecular Medicine Institute, defended her doctoral thesis in Science and Health Technology, last April 5, at Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, obtaining the unanimous approval of the jury, that bestowed her maximum grade.

The doctorate, in the specialty of Human and Social Development, was mentored by José Manuel Ferro, from Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa (FMUL). The thesis had for title 'Rage in cerebrovascular accident. Determinants and impact on adherence to treatment and on welfare of caregivers'.

In the works supporting her thesis, Ana Catarina Santos presents results that allow to describe rage in patients as a complex, frequent and relevant neuropsychiatric symptom, from acute to chronic phases, after cerebrovascular accident (stroke).

She observed that the significance of stroke diminishes in time, as patients cope with the situation, but the most objective impact of cerebral lesion remains, namely the symptoms that interfere with daily life and previous experiences of rage.
The clinical neuropsychologist shows how patients with high levels of rage present low adherence to treatment rates and other measures of health promotion.

On the other hand, for caregivers, this rage impairs the complex process of caring. The results presented have relevant clinical implication - namely, in terms of rage early detection and surveillance, in order to prevent its negative impact not only in care and patient recovery, but also in the welfare of informal caregivers.

In the photo above, the new doctor with members of the jury and thesis mentor: from left to right, António José Feliciano Barbosa (FMUL), Maria Cristina Cruz Sousa Portocarrero Canavarro (Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação, Universidade de Coimbra), Maria Isabel Segurado Pavão Martins Catarino Petiz (FMUL), Manuel Jorge Maia Pereira Correia (Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto), Ana Catarina Santos, José Manuel Ferro (FMUL), Ana Isabel Figueira Verdelho (FMUL) and José Augusto Gamito Melo Cristino (president of FMUL Scientific Council, who also presided the jury).