Carlos Portela

Stress and Welfare

In living beings, cells, tissues, organs and systems interact dynamically with each other and with the environment, adapting to the difficulties and challenges imposed by nature. In addiction, we need to consider that there is a complexity of psychobiological and psychosocial factors incorporated into the modus vivendi of our species in many modern societies (Portela, 1999).

This was the central idea of the research line, originated from my participation in study groups during undergraduate studies. In 1996, I joined two academic working groups during undergraduate. One of them was to accompany and to counseling adolescent drug abusers and the other to support children with nutritional disorders. In both groups, the individuals were from poor communities in the capital of São Paulo and had already been evaluated by other professionals. These patients had passed all the latest batteries of laboratory tests, but there was no evidence that their disorder or dependence could have an "organic" explanation, or that only conventional medical treatment could solve the situation. Then these patients were referred to the psychological clinic of the University, together with their parents, for investigation and psychological diagnosis related to their problem. Thus, after treating those patients who are drug addictors as well as those who are obese, I clearly realized and verified through tests that there would be an emotional factor behind that organic disturbances. And that is how the subject of psychosomatics and the overall well-being of the individual became the master line of inquiry in my professional life.

Innovation agency of University USP

Enterviews

To the Universitary Channel - Parte I

To the Universitary Channel - Part II

To the Santa Fé Radio

To the Innovation Agency of USP

Interview about the patent developed during my postgraduate and postdoctoral studies, when I was one of the members of a thematic project of the São Paulo State Research Support Foundation (FAPESP). This patent was featured among the inventions of USP researchers and the interview was transcribed and published in the online version of the USP Innovation Agency (AUSPIN).

In the Free Opinion Program of the University Channel (CNU), I was interviewed by Journalist Silvia Vinhas about Neuroimmunomodulation, a field of study that addresses the body / mind binomial. Check out the links below.