Industrial Psychiatry Journal最新文献

We present two case studies that illustrate the classical Charles Bonnet Syndrome and a patient with multisensory hallucinations and delusion in a visually impaired elderly subject. These cases highlight diagnostic complexity and underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach in management.

Background: Tobacco and arecanut use are commonly seen in patients with psychiatric illnesses.

Aim: Assess dependence on arecanut, and the level of awareness of the adverse effects of arecanut use in psychiatric patients.

Materials and methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was performed. The sample comprised 100 newly diagnosed and old follow-up patients of psychiatric illness, aged above 18 years. Patients were recruited to the study by convenience sampling. Socio-demographic pro forma, Betel Quid Dependence Scale (BQDS), and self-designed awareness pro forma were used for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 22 for Windows.

Results: Arecanut use was seen in 42% of the total sample. The association between total duration of arecanut use was greater in non-psychotic patients (85%; n = 36; P = 0.027). Patients on the psychotic spectrum used areca nut with tobacco significantly more than the non-psychotic group. Higher quantity of arecanut use, that is, more than three quids/day, was seen in 37.5% of those with psychotic illness, and 13.8% in the non-psychotic illness class. BQDS score indicated that dependence was higher among the psychotic group compared to the non-psychotic group. The highest awareness about harm from arecanut use was seen in people with a degree/diploma level of education.

Conclusions: Among psychiatric patients' substance use, like arecanut, is much higher compared to the general population. Part of the reason for the higher use is a lack of awareness about the adverse effects of arecanut use.

Background: Schizophrenia impacts not only patients but also their intimate partners. Sexual dysfunction (SD) among spouses is a critical yet underexplored consequence of this caregiving burden.

Aim: To compare sexual functioning in spouses of individuals with schizophrenia versus control spouses.

Materials and methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 120 heterosexual couples-60 with one partner diagnosed with schizophrenia and 60 control couples. Sexual functioning was assessed using the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (CSFQ), while symptom severity in patients was measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Statistical analyses included t-tests, Chi-square tests, and correlation analysis.

Results: SD was significantly more prevalent among spouses of schizophrenia patients (50% males, 70% females) versus controls (33% and 32%, respectively). Spouses of patients had lower CSFQ scores across all domains. Negative symptoms in patients showed a moderate negative correlation with sexual desire in female spouses. Gender differences were significant, with female spouses reporting greater impairment.

Conclusions: Spouses of individuals with schizophrenia experience higher rates of sexual dysfunction, which are influenced by the clinical profile of the patient and caregiving burden.

Antipsychotic-induced metabolic dysfunction affects 37-63% of patients, contributing to reduced life expectancy in serious mental illness. Aripiprazole demonstrates a differential effect being weight-neutral in monotherapy but producing substantial weight reduction when combined with clozapine. This is a narrative review of clinical studies examining aripiprazole's metabolic effects across different treatment contexts, focusing on monotherapy versus adjunctive therapy combinations. Monotherapy studies consistently demonstrate aripiprazole's weight-neutral profile. However, adjunctive aripiprazole with clozapine produces dramatic weight reduction. Meta-analysis data support adjunctive aripiprazole producing -2.13 kg weight reduction, though effects appear specific to clozapine combinations. This counterintuitive finding may result from aripiprazole's complex receptor interactions addressing clozapine's high-affinity H1 and 5-HT2C receptor blockade, restoring metabolic homeostasis while preserving antipsychotic efficacy. Thus, aripiprazole combination transforms clozapine into a more viable long-term treatment by preserving superior antipsychotic efficacy while reversing metabolic dysfunction. Current evidence supports this as standard care for clozapine-treated patients with metabolic complications.

Background: Dengue is a major public health concern in Latin America, not only due to its widespread transmission and physical complications but also because of its psychological impact on affected populations. The fear of infection, uncertainty about disease progression, and potential for severe outcomes contribute to heightened anxiety, particularly in endemic areas. Despite this significant burden, there is currently no validated instrument specifically designed to assess anxiety related to the risk of contracting dengue, highlighting a critical gap in psychosocial evaluation and care.

Aim: To develop and validate the Dengue Anxiety Scale (DENAS), a novel instrument specifically designed to assess anxiety related to the risk of dengue infection within the general population of Paraguay.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to achieve this, involving 408 participants from diverse demographic backgrounds. The development process included item generation, expert evaluation for content validity, and statistical analyses to assess the scale's psychometric properties, including reliability and construct validity.

Results: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a two-factor psychological and physical dimensions model accounting for 61.6% of the variance. Content validity was confirmed using Aiken's V, and reliability was excellent (McDonald's ω = 0.903). The DENAS correlated significantly with established anxiety and depression measures.

Conclusion: The DENAS is a reliable, valid instrument for evaluating dengue-specific anxiety, with promising applications in public mental health in endemic areas.

Alcohol use is a major public health concern in India. Disulfiram is one of the few effective drugs approved for treatment of alcohol use disorder. There have been a few, if any, research studies on resistance to disulfiram as well as other nondeterrent effects of the drug. Here, we shall discuss three cases with disulfiram resistance, with one of them having possible anticraving effect, and also reflect on probable etiologies leading to this unexpected phenomenon. In this context, more research is needed into how different populations and ethnic/racial groups respond to this medication.

Background: The way that the lesbian, bisexual, gay, and transgender (LGBT) community is understood has changed from an abnormal concept to a normal variant of sexuality. Despite this action, the Indian population still harbors a great deal of fear toward this community. The health of the LGBT community is further negatively affected by the high rates of stigma and discrimination they experience in medical facilities. As aspiring medical professionals, it's critical to understand medical students' awareness of and attitudes toward this community.

Aim: This study is to assess the Attitude, Awareness and Knowledge of medical students towards the LGBT community in Kerala.

Materials and methods: This was a cross sectional study done at a medical college in Kerala. Students from first year MBBS till internship were included in the study after approval by the institutional ethical committee. Informed consent was obtained from all participants after providing details of the conduct of the study and assurance of participant's confidentiality. Semi structured questionnaire and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Development of Clinical Skills Scale were circulated among the students.

Results: 380 students participated in the study. Majority were first years (35.3%) and were females (69.7%). Participants scored highest on the attitudinal awareness subscale and lowest on the clinical preparedness subscale.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the positive attitudes of medical students but also identifies their self-reported inadequacies in LGBT patient care-related clinical skills and preparedness.