Background: From November 2016 to the summer of 2021, some U.S. diplomats and their family members residing in Havana and other locations including China, Russia, Colombia, Switzerland, and France reported the sudden onset of auditory, vestibular, and neurological symptoms. Methods: This study, through a review of the scientific literature, proposes the definition of criteria for proper enrollment of patients with possible diagnosis of "Havana Syndrome". Results: In view of the increasing number of cases, their widespread geographic distribution, and the lack of certainty regarding the etiopathogenesis, it is essential to propose a strategy for sharing case histories. Conclusions: A correct enrollment of patients is crucial since specialists can then disclose new strategies for the study of case histories and for a clear definition of the diagnosis. This way it will be possible to have a wide discussion of clinical and epidemiological results among specialists of different medical, engineering and intelligence disciplines.
Background: From November 2016 to the summer of 2021, some U.S. diplomats and their family members residing in Havana and other locations, including China, Russia, Colombia, Switzerland, and France, reported the sudden onset of auditory, vestibular, and neurological symptoms. The aim of this study is to define enrollment criteria for patients with a possible diagnosis of Havana Syndrome. Methods: This study, through a review of the scientific literature, proposes the definition of criteria for proper enrollment of patients with a possible diagnosis of "Havana Syndrome" Results: In view of the increasing number of cases, their wide geographic distribution, and the lack of certainty regarding etiopathogenesis, it is essential to propose a strategy for sharing case histories Conclusions: A correct enrollment of patients is crucial since specialists can then disclose new strategies for the study of case histories and for a clear definition of the diagnosis. This way, it will be possible to have a wide discussion of clinical and epidemiological results among specialists in different medical, engineering, and intelligence disciplines.
Psychological autopsy is an investigative procedure used in cases of "equivocal death" (a situation in which the cause of death is uncertain); it originated in the early 1960s and has since spread to the United States, Europe, and especially Cuba. The initial MAP (Modelo de Autopsia Psicologica) protocol, developed specifically in Cuba, has since evolved into the more current MAPI (Modelo de Autopsia Psicologica Integrado). It is characterized by the use of a retrospective analysis of the deceased's life, with emphasis on risk factors, mental health history and interpersonal relationships. The Psychological Autopsy is considered one of the most valuable suicide research tools. Information is collected and included in 16 categories (Shneidman) from multiple sources through structured interviews. Despite its widespread use, the original PA model has several methodological problems that can be overcome through a revision of the protocol from a specialized perspective tailored to each case. The innovative PASIC (Psychological Autopsy Structured on Individual Cases) protocol aims to adapt the psychological autopsy protocol to each case, making it unique and personalized. PASIC, therefore, is based on principles of individuality and its management by a single specialized professional figure. This makes it more effective in identifying which subjects to interview and what type of interview to use. The professional will be able to select the appropriate measures to obtain reliable and effective sources of information. Through a review of the origin and development of the psychological autopsy, this article aims to describe the structural and operational features of the new PASIC method and its advantages over the previous protocols.
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