Indian Journal of Mental Health

Permanent URI for this collection

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/174711

Editor: Dr Avinash de Sousa
ISSN: 2394-4579 (Print); 2394-6652(Online)

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.indianmentalhealth.com/

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 233

Catatonic Schizophrenia: Impact of Family Members on Patient Outcome
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-03) Das, Chandan
Background: Schizophrenia is defined by basic and recurring cognitive and perceptual abnormalities, as well as inappropriate or dulled affect. And catatonic schizophrenia is characterized by prominent psychomotor disturbances. Methodology: The study was conducted in the months of November and December 2021. The researcher had used a qualitative approach to understand the impact of family members on patient with catatonic schizophrenia. The researcher took permission from the hospital and consent from the patient and his family members to conduct the study. Results: The results indicated that there was an avoid in relapse while staying with low expressed emotion family and the yielded results were similar to decades of research on schizophrenia and EE families. Conclusion: This study proves that there is an impact of family members on patient outcome.
Psychological impact of Covid-19 pandemic: Exploring the mediating role of age, gender and type of occupation
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) Menon, Sitara Kapil.
Background: The Covid 19 outbreak has been one of its kind in terms of the far reaching and widespread impact. The mental health effects of Covid 19 may shape the psychological framework of the population for many years. The present study aims to investigate the demographic determinants of age, gender and occupational type on the psychological impact of Covid 19 outbreak. Methodology: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) & Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to study the psychological impact. Role of gender, age & type of occupation in perceived stress was also studied. Independent sample t test and Pearson correlation coefficient were performed to derive inferences from the data. Results: Age, gender and type of occupation did not have much impact on the perceived stress level however the participants perceived stress level directly strongly correlates with experience of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusion: Perceived stress was low in the initial phases of the pandemic and was not mediated by age, gender and type of occupation. The measures undertaken to curb the pandemic had a positive influence on mental health as it helped to keep perceived stress to be low. Perceived stress is directly correlated to actual experience of stress, depression & anxiety and hence avoiding sharing of stress inducing information is important. In this context, media coverage can play a part by focusing on positive news of recovery and discouraging stress triggering messages in order to keep perceived stress factor low
Phenomenology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Sudan and its association with Socio-demographic Factors
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) Auf, Anas Ibn; Osman, Mugtaba.
Background: Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD tend to be shaped by socio-cultural context. There are very few studies related to OCD in Sudan. Aim: This study aimed to explore the phenomenology of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a sample of Sudanese patients in relation to socio-demographic factors. Methods: We reviewed the case notes of Sudanese patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder who presented to a psychiatry clinic in Khartoum, Sudan during a period of two years. Data was collected using a checklist of obsessive and compulsive features, subtypes of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, comorbidities, as well as socio-demographic data. Results: Eighty-nine Sudanese patients were included in this study. The mean age of the first onset of the disorder was 21.72 years (SD ±7.51). The most common obsession among participants was doubting followed by Religious thoughts while the most common compulsion was washing, then checking. Obsession of contamination was significantly higher in females while religious obsessions were more common in males. Obsession of contamination and compulsive washing was significantly associated with younger age of onset. Conclusion: Common features of obsessive-compulsive disorder in Sudanese patients are doubts, religious thoughts, contamination obsession, and washing compulsion which is likely to be related to the strong emphasis on traditional values and religiosity in Sudanese culture.
Body Image Issues Among Late Adolescent Boys
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) K, Priya Rao; Jain, Vandana.
Background: Adolescence is the age where individuals undergo a lot of changes. Among the physiological, psychological, social changes, adolescents usually worry about the physical changes that takes place. The rapid changes in the body creates certain confidence in few; and uncertainty and self-doubt in few of the individuals. They are also in the process of creating an identity for themselves and understanding their changing bodies. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the level of Body Image Issues among Adolescent Boys. Methodology: A purposive sampling of 30 adolescents across Karnataka state, were considered for the study. Body Image questionnaire tool was used. Kruskal Wallis test adopted for statistical analysis; done using SPSS version 22. Results: The mean scores for ages 16-, 17- and 18- years are 43.20, 62.90 and 56.70 respectively. And their corresponding standard deviations are 16.578, 31.328 and 23.262 respectively. The p value obtained is .203. Which indicates that there is no significant difference in the level of Body Image among late adolescent boys. Conclusion: The results indicate that the level of Body image is not significant among late adolescent boys
Quality of Life as predicted by Job Satisfaction among Employees
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-03) Gupta, Samiksha; Garg, Megha; Ahuja, Kavya
Background: Working individuals today face various challenges in their professional lives. Lack of job satisfaction may lead to poor quality of life. The aim of this study is to evaluate relation between job satisfaction and quality of life of employees. Methodology: This study was performed on 100 employees (male and female) between the age range of 25 to 40 years. Data collection was done through online mode due to pandemic. The tools used for this research were Job Satisfaction Survey and for quality-of-life WHOQOL – BRIEF (26 questions) questionnaire was used. Data was analysed using Pearson bivariate correlation and linear regression. Results: The study revealed that there is a positive correlation between job satisfaction and quality of life of employees. Along with this quality of life significantly predicted by job satisfaction. Conclusion: Being satisfied in one's workplace can lead to better quality of life. Further studies in this regard are needed in larger samples.
Perceived Social Support and Life Satisfaction among Adolescents Taking Treatment from Psychiatric Medical Institution at Tiruchirappalli
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-03) P, Chinnadurai.; D, Sellam
Background: Suicide is a complex public health problem worldwide. The current study aimed to assess life satisfaction and perceived social support among adolescents who attempted suicide. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 50 adolescents who sought treatment from a psychiatric hospital for attempted suicide at Trichirappalli was recruited for the study using consecutive sampling. Assent was taken from the adolescents and consent from their parents who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The tools used for the analysis were a socio-demographic data sheet, life satisfaction and perceived social support. Results: The results revealed that all the respondents were adolescents, the majority (64%) were males, and 20 % were married. 36 % of adolescents belonged to a low-income group. The majority (52%) of them reported having a low level of life satisfaction, and 60% reported having a higher level of Perceived social support. Conclusion: The results from the current study revealed that the adolescents had poor life satisfaction, which resulted in attempting suicide and poor social support. Future studies should look at preventive aspects, improve life satisfaction, and develop support systems to prevent suicide among adolescents.
Humor, Mindfulness and Aggression in College Studentsy
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) Doshi, Dhruvi; Bhansali, Neha.
Background: The professional courses such as engineering, medical, paramedical and architecture are demanding and intense in nature. Similarly, it is observed that not only do students indulge in aggressive behaviour but also use humour as a coping mechanism. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between humour, mindfulness and aggression and also to assess if these variables had an effect on the participants gender and the courses they were enrolled in. Methodology: The sample consisted of 80 people between 18 to 25 years of age who were enrolled in professional courses (such as, engineering, architecture, medical and paramedical) from Maharashtra, India. The scales used were the Sense of Humour Scale (SOH), Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Brief Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ). Results: A significant low positive correlation was observed between SOH and BAQ and a significant moderate negative correlation was observed between BAQ and MAAS. However, an insignificant relationship was found between SOH and MAAS. Furthermore, no significant difference was observed in males and females for mindfulness and aggression. However, a difference was found in males and females for sense of humour. Another test result represented no significant differences between the participants enrolled in engineering, architecture and healthcare courses in consideration with sense of humour, mindfulness and aggression. Conclusion: This study stated that an increase in sense of humour leads to an increased level of aggression whereas, an increase in mindfulness would lead to a decrease in the level of aggression. However, no significance was found between humour and mindfulness.
Perceived Awareness of Clozapine associated with Socio- Demographic status, clinical, and side effect profile among patients from Mental Health Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) Siddiqui, Javed Ather; Qureshi, Shazia Farheen; Alotaibi, Hani Matrok.
Background: The main objective was to investigate the Socio-demographic, clinical, and side effect profile of patients on clozapine from Mental Health Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. This article reports on an observational study. Clozapine is a second-generation atypical antipsychotic used as the drug of choice for the treatment resistant psychosis. It is supposed to be a baseline study from which we will get and understand rate of clinical, and side effect profile of the clozapine taking patients. Physicians, particularly psychiatrists are not only ignoring but also not aware, alert, so they always need to be watchful to the fatality of the drug, and take appropriate therapeutic measures. The aim was to study the socio-demographic status, clinical profile, comorbidity, side effects and outcome of patients treated with clozapine. Methodology: We reviewed all the indoor psychiatric patients of Mental Health Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia, from the period of one year between January 2021 to January 2022 (N=29). Our study design focused on prospective and observational studies. Descriptive statistical analysis was explored, and presented as frequencies, and percentages. We also determined crude rates for all adverse outcomes of clozapine. Results: We did a nearly mean follow-up of one year. The majority of patients were male (n=26; 89.65%), with a maximum being unmarried (n=16; 55.17%). Most patients belong to nuclear families due to cultural restrictions in this country (n=23; 79.31%). Among the literacy rate illiterate were (n=2; 6.89%, and unemployed (n=23; 79.31%). Among the study populations, the majority of respondents were found to have treatment-resistant schizophrenia (n=18; 62.06%), and around 79.31% of patients took more than two antipsychotics in adequate doses. Among side effect profiles most of the patients suffered hyper-salivation (n=19; 65.51%), sedation (n=12; 41.37%), and rarely suffered from agranulocytosis. Conclusion: Socio-demographic, clinical, and side effect profiles were the significant indicators of clozapine. Clozapine has been used for treatment-resistant psychosis, but due to fatal side effect profile we used it cautiously. In our study, we found that myocarditis, hematemesis, and leukocytosis, and neutropenia are fatal side effects of clozapine. We also found hyponatremia-induced seizure. The prevalence of blood dyscrasias in our study is rarely seen. Hyper-salivation is the most common side effect reported. Majority of the patients in our study were male, and treatment resistant Schizophrenia was the most common diagnosis. Myocarditis is life-threatening side effect seen in our study
Comparison in the rise of Compassion Fatigue and Stress Levels for Male and Female COVID Caregivers
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) Tiwari, Kuhoo; Pant, Sakshi; Raghuram, Tvisha; Chaturvedi, Ruchi Dubey.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyone’s health, particularly the vulnerable populations. One such group is that of informal caregivers. The onset of the pandemic has led to many individuals assuming COVID caregiving responsibilities within their homes. They often already suffer from psychological and physical distress which has risen immensely during the pandemic. The research seeks to examine the rise in the level of Compassion Fatigue and Stress for these COVID caregivers and if their gender has had an impact on the same. In the context of this study, compassion fatigue refers to the condition of emotional and physical exhaustion experienced as a result of helping or wanting to help individuals experiencing trauma (in the case of the pandemic, people suffering from COVID-19). Constant exposure to such trauma can lead to a severely diminished ability to empathize and feel compassion. Eight COVID caregivers, including four males and four female, were interviewed and their responses have been analyzed within this paper. These caregivers are either salaried employees or self-employed professionals.
Study of Association of Nicotine Dependence and Depression among Medical Outpatients
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-03) Patel, Darshan; Brahmbhatt, Mehul; Pandey, Sunayna
Background: Nicotine dependence and depression have been associated in many studies. The current study aims to determine the association of nicotine dependence and depression, the association of severity of nicotine dependence with depression and the severity of depression in nicotine dependent patients suffering from depression. Methodology: It was an observational, cross sectional, and comparative study. 150 consecutive patients attending medical OPD diagnosed as having nicotine dependence by Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM)- 5 were screened by Fagerstrom test, Modified Fagerstrom scale and diagnostic criteria of Major Depressive Disorder using DSM-5. Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) rating scale was applied to patients suffering from depression to know the severity. Statistical analysis was done using z test, Chi square test, Fischer’s exact test and Odds’ ratio. Results: Patients with nicotine dependence were found to have statistically significant higher rate of depression than persons without nicotine dependence. (17.8 % vs 8.6%). It was found more in married patients (52%) and in patients from lower socio-economic class (75%). 72.7% of patients used smokeless forms. Conclusion: Though highly prevalent, tobacco use disorder is often ignored due to absence of behavioral symptoms. Not only there is increase prevalence of depression in nicotine dependent patients, having depression can lead to increased chances of nicotine dependence. Hence addressing nicotine use is essential for better prognosis of both disorders
A Rare Incidence of Accelerated Dementia Onset Post Traumatic Brain Injury in a 22 year old: a case report
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-09) Mukherjee, Sayantani
A 22 year old male presented with symptoms of fast-escalating cognitive degeneration and behavioral impairment after a period of clinical recovery post severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neuroimaging found extensive mild-moderate cortico-cerebral atrophy not really corresponding to his primary TBI lesions. A diagnosis of dementia [ICD F02.8] was made and patient was treated accordingly, in conjunction with Neurology services, with emphasis on neuro-cognitive rehabilitation. Extensive testing could not find any other likely causes for this condition, which was then postulated to be generalized secondary post-TBI neurodegenerative changes. His symptoms are currently improved and stabilized with ongoing maintenance-phase management, but as this condition is not reversible – this case report discusses likely etiopathological processes and corresponding management options (both presently available and those likely to become so in near future) to be aware of.
Neuroticism amongst elderly staying in Joint Families and Nuclear Families
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-03) Patil, Amit
Background: The greatest health asset for geriatric population is spending time and doing things with other people of all ages which can help keep them mentally, physically and emotionally fit. Keeping this point in mind present study was undertaken in Kolhapur and Sangli city. The aim of this study was to find out the levels of neuroticism in elderly people who are living in joint and nuclear families. Methodology: Health Questionnaire which emphasizes more on Psychosomatic, physical and body complaint was used to measure the neuroticism among elderly people. Data was analyzed by using independent sample t-test. Results: Result shows that elderly people living in joint families have good health and low neuroticism rate, on the other hand elderly people living in nuclear families have more psychological as well as physical distress that means they have higher chances of getting neuroticism. Conclusions: Neuroticism may be higher in elderly that live in nuclear families compared to joint families
Community support as predictors of resilience among single women
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) Deepak, Kumar; Annalakshmi, Narayanan.
Background: Single women face many problems in the patriarchal society but receive support from the community. In general, studies on community support showed that belonging to a community and actively participating in communal activities enhanced the quality of life and wellbeing of the individual involved. The present study examines whether the dimensions of community support predict psychological distress, happiness, life satisfaction, and psychological resilience among single women. Method: A sample of 300 single women (divorced, widows, and separated women) in the age group of 25 to 60 years (M = 39.82 years, SD = 7.83) were administered self-report measures of perceived community support, psychological distress, subjective happiness, life satisfaction, and psychological resilience. The dimensions of community support included in the study are community integration, community participation and community organization. Results: Multiple regressions were carried out to analyze the data. Community integration negatively predicted psychological resilience. Community participation positively predicted life satisfaction. Conclusion: These findings highlight the role of community support as resources that promote the positive adaptation of single women to the challenges of everyday life. The implications of the findings for policy, practice, and research are also discussed
A Comparative Study on Well-Being and Gratitude including Behavioral and Emotional Difficulties among Early and Middle Adolescents Living in Residential Care
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) R, Amrithavally T.
Background: The main focus of research in past decades was to understand the behavioral and emotional issues faced by adolescents raised in residential care homes. However, there exist only a few studies which focus on comparing the overall well-being of different adolescent categories. Also, there exist only a few studies that try to understand the gratitude of adolescents raised in residential care homes. The study aimed to compare well-being, gratitude and behavioral and emotional difficulties of early and middle adolescents living in residential care homes as well as to understand their subjective experiences of well-being. Methodology: The sample comprised of 60 adolescents and the questionnaires Adolescent Well-Being Scale (AWBS), Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ – 6) and parent/caregiver report version of Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were used to study and compare well-being, gratitude and behavioral and emotional difficulties among early and middle adolescents. An in-depth interview with selected participants was also conducted to understand their subjective experiences of well-being. Results: There existed no statistically significant difference in well-being, gratitude and behavioral and emotional difficulties between early and middle adolescents. The in-depth interview revealed various reasons that contributed to the adolescents' admission to residential care homes, factors leading to their positive and negative emotional experiences and the adolescents' experience of personal growth. Conclusion: Both early and middle adolescents were same on well-being, gratitude and behavioral and emotional difficulties, and the adolescents' life at residential care homes had both positive and negative impact on their well-being.
Lifestyle and mild cognitive impairment in aged people: Inhibitory effect of modifiable lifestyle in the progression of impairment
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-12) Srivastava, Suramya.
The process of aging usually accompanied with deterioration of physical and mental abilities resulting in gradual decline in cognitive function and increased risk of cognitive impairment. People experience age related dysfunctions, which is termed as Mild Cognitive Impairment. The values and attitudes exhibited as an impact of social, cultural, economic and environmental conditions and a set of health pertinent behaviour are collectively termed as Lifestyle. Modifiable lifestyle factors are those factors, which inhibit the progression of cognitive decline and can act as an aid to stabilize cognitive health and improve cognitive functioning. The present paper intends to review the inhibitory effect of modifiable lifestyle in cognitive impairment in aged people. An integrated review of literature of about 30 papers ranging from 2004 to 2020 performed from different sources namely Publish or Perish 7, Academia, Research Gate, PubMed, NIH- PA, Science Direct, PloS Medicine etc. Findings of the present review suggest that modifiable lifestyle factors, level of education, leisure activity, and appropriate sleep duration are some important factors that influence cognitive health in later life and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. Further, social isolation, depression, alcohol consumption, and smoking are some factors that act as risk factors and may enhance the progression of MCI. Professionals can intervene with elderly individuals or in a geriatric community by implementing some modifications in lifestyle that in turn may inhibit or delay the progression of cognitive decline. Geriatric health policy can be developed by policy makers considering the modifiable risk factors to manage the problem of cognitive impairment
Controversial Themes & Issues Surrounding Autism: A Chronological Timeline Analysis
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-09) Venkatesan, S.; Gopalkrishnan, Iyer Kamlam
The phenomenon of autism, as in known today, has a history with several vicissitudes. Contemporary students and practitioners unconnected with its history are unlikely to see the larger picture. This article seeks to outline the timeline of autism before narrowing it into various controversial themes, unresolved issues, and unanswered questions on autism. The themes revolve around the disputed construct of autism, its meaning, definition, characteristics, theories, and official classifications. Equally debated are matters related to epidemiology, causes, and treatments for autism. There is disagreement whether autism is a disorder or a difference. The claims of freaks, exceptional prodigies, and savants in autism, the role of genetics, notions of posthumous diagnosis, commercialization, and commodification of autism in the media are raised. Raising controversies can lead to constructive discussion or further reflection than attempting to answer them.
Perceived burden and treatment expectations of family members of adult individuals with Intellectual Disability
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-09) Aier, Alemsungla; Satyanarayana, Veena A.; Suman, L.N.
Background: In India, most individuals with an intellectual disability live with their families. The present study examines the perceived burden of family members, treatment expectations, and awareness of disability benefits for adult individuals with Intellectual Disability (ID). Methodology: A sample of 50 individuals registered in an Adult Psychiatry Unit was referred for intelligence assessment. The assessment was done using standardized psychological tests. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview schedule during counselling the participants’ family members. Data obtained was examined using descriptive statistics. Results: Average age of participants was 27.5 years, and the majority 64%, were male patients. Comorbid conditions such as seizure disorder, psychosis and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were present in 46 % of the sample. Caregivers were primarily parents, and a higher level of family burden was due to behavioural problems. Half (50 %) of the sample was unaware of disability benefits. Conclusion: Findings indicate the need to address caregiver burden and plan psychosocial rehabilitation and improve awareness about disability benefits and its implications more consistently across India.
Psychiatric Co-Morbidities in Couples With Infertility At A Tertiary Care Hospital
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-09) Jain, Nidhi; Singh, Paramjeet; Kaur, Harjinder; Mehta, Seema
Background: Infertility is more prevalent nowadays and affects both males and females. It is an extremely challenging and unpredictable situation with social, interpersonal, and financial consequences. Therefore, it affects psychological health and quality of life of the couple. We assessed psychiatric morbidity and quality of life among couples and the relationship of duration of infertility with psychological burden, along with comparison between primary and secondary infertility. Methodology: 75 couples attending a tertiary care hospital in the age range of 18-45 years fulfilling the criteria for infertility and consenting for the study were interviewed and DASS 21 and WHO-QOL BREF was applied to analyze depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of life. Patients with previous psychiatric illness, intellectual disability was excluded. Results: The mean age of males and females was 29.6 years with 75% couples of primary infertility and 25% of secondary infertility. Females showed a higher range of psychiatric morbidity than males with 56% females and 12.2% males had depression, 56% females and 18.1% males had anxiety, 88% females and 66.7% were stressed. The data was clinically significant for anxiety in males and for stress in both males and females. QOL had scores on the lower side with non-significant association between primary and secondary infertility. Conclusions: Infertility has an impact on psychological health, and it affects females more than males. It also impairs QOL of the couple and hence there is need for an integrated approach to reach favorable outcomes.
Olfactory Reference Syndrome: a case report
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-06) Dhake, Leena; Karia, Sagar; Pandya, Arushi; Prajapati, Nandlal; Desousa, Avinash
Olfactory reference syndrome (ORS) is a psychiatric condition characterized by the false belief that an individual emits an offensive or foul odour from their body. It causes lot of embarrassment and social impairment to these patients. Treatment options include antidepressants and antipsychotics. Here we present a case of Olfactory Reference Syndrome who responded to combination of antipsychotics and antidepressant.
Piagetian and Vygotskian Concepts of Cognitive Development: A Review
(Desousa Foundation, 2022-09) Pedapati, Kruthi
This kernel of this article is to provide in-depth understanding of the developmental psychology concepts of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, who have laid the foundation for extensive research and scope for refinement their theories in developmental psychology, primarily in child and adolescent growth. The Piagetian stages, criticisms and limitations of Piaget’s stages cognitive development, and critical works of Neo-Piagetians have been highlighted. Parallelly, Vygotsky’s Socio-cultural theory, limitations and criticisms of his theory, and the significant contributions of Neo-Vygotskians in refining and re-defining Vygotsky’s works to fill the gaps in his research, have also been shed light on. Finally, an extensive comparison of the Swedish and the Russian Psychologist’s theories is done, to grasp the concepts of the two clearly, and to better understand how teachers, parents, and psychologists alike can permutate and combine the concepts and practices of the two-most fundamental theories of developmental psychology

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