Objective Engagement in risky sexual behavior (RSB) is a significant public health concern. A growing body of literature is elucidating the role of brain systems and neuropsychological constructs implicated in RSB, which may pave the way for novel insights and prevention efforts. Methods In this article, we review studies incorporating neuropsychology into the study of RSB across the lifespan. The review of the literature on the neuropsychology of RSB is separated into three different sections by age of participants. Background is presented on research associating RSB with neurocognitive processes and the brain systems involved. Given the overlap between RSBs and substance use, studies addressing these problems in tandem are also discussed. Results Neurocognitive constructs are implicated in RSB, including impulsivity, decision-making, and working memory. Discussion Thus far, evidence suggest that neuropsychological factors are associated with engagement in RSB. More research on the influence of neuropsychological factors on engagement in RSB is necessary and may help inform future prevention efforts.

This case report highlights the importance of a detailed travel history and the need to revisit the differential diagnosis when there is an unexpected clinical course. A previously healthy 15-year-old male presented to a hospital in Florida with a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. He was seen multiple times at urgent care centers and treated with steroids and antibiotics for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The patient’s chest X-rays and CT showed necrotizing pneumonia with pleural effusion, which required a chest tube. Despite broadening coverage for possible resistant organisms, his fevers and hypoxia continued. On day 14 of hospitalization, a bronchoscopy was performed, which led to the diagnosis of blastomycosis. History was revisited, and a specific travel history was obtained. The patient had been camping with his father on the Minnesota/Canada border a few months prior to his presentation. Blastomycosis is caused by a dimorphic fungus endemic in certain parts of the United States including areas surrounding the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, some southeastern states, and areas bordering the Great Lakes. Autochthonous blastomycosis is not seen in Florida. The infection is acquired by inhalation of the organism and is associated with outdoor occupation and recreation. As with other infections with specific endemic distribution, the diagnosis of blastomycosis can be delayed if the epidemiologic link is not established. Questions about travel history need to be very specific as this could be critical in establishing the appropriate differential diagnosis and leading the workup. The patient’s lack of improvement despite appropriate antibiotic therapy for CAP led to questioning the working diagnosis, revisiting the history, and expanding the workup, which was critical in this case.

Fiction films offer unexplored opportunities of rehabilitation for schizophrenia and other psychoses. Schizophrenia produces deficits y distortions in the perception and comprehension of reality, also expressed in the perception and comprehension of films. After a year of an “ad hoc” experience, the following technique was developed:Selecting a fiction film for its narrative, affective, cognitive and social cognitive contentBriefly presenting of the film to a group of 8-16 patients with diverse psychosis.Screening of the film to the patients and the therapeutic team.Summarizing of the plot by a patient. Group correcting of distortions and deficits caused by problems of attention and working memory, as well as positive, negative, affective and social cognitive symptoms (emotional perception, theory of mind, attributive style)Selecting 1-2 sequences by each patient, and group commenting using the same technique.Field recording of all the commentaries obtained.Second screening of the film two days after, repeating points 2 to 6.Comparing both field records.An experimental study using this technique is presented. 8 patients with schizophrenia and other psychoses watched 4 fiction films (“The 39 Steps”, “Charade”, “M”, “The General”). The differences founded in both viewings by two external evaluators (using CGI and analogical scales of the main variables) are presented and commented. An evaluation of the perceived usefulness and satisfaction of the participants was included.