Common Psychiatric Illness Research Articles

Generalizable and replicable brain-based predictions of cognitive functioning across common psychiatric illness.

A primary aim of computational psychiatry is to establish predictive models linking individual differences in brain functioning with symptoms. In particular, cognitive impairments are transdiagnostic, treatment resistant, and associated with poor outcomes. Recent work suggests that thousands of participants may be necessary for the accurate and reliable prediction of cognition, questioning the utility of most patient collection efforts. Here, using a transfer learning framework, we train a model on functional neuroimaging data from the UK Biobank to predict cognitive functioning in three transdiagnostic samples (ns = 101 to 224). We demonstrate prediction performance in all three samples comparable to that reported in larger prediction studies and a boost of up to 116% relative to classical models trained directly in the smaller samples. Critically, the model generalizes across datasets, maintaining performance when trained and tested across independent samples. This work establishes that predictive models derived in large population-level datasets can boost the prediction of cognition across clinical studies.

Neuro-pharmacological Assessment of Coleus forskohlii for Anti-compulsive Activity in Swiss Albino Mice

Background: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common psychiatric illness characterized by obsessions or compulsions that significantly disrupt or impair daily functioning. Coleus forskohlii, a significant medicinal crop, has forskolin in its roots. It is utilized extensively as food and medicine all over the world. Coleus forskohlii has reputed medicinal uses, which include antidepressant, antiaggregant, cAMP-genic, anticancer, etc. Objective: This study used mice models of marble burying and nestlet shredding to assess the potential efficacy of Coleus forskohlii against obsessive-compulsive disorder. 8-hydroxy-2-(di-npropylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) induced compulsive checking can demonstrate OCD-like repetitive and obsessive behavior as well as neurotransmitter imbalance (serotonin). Methods: Each group had six mice, and the therapy was administered to the animals for a total of 15 days. On days 1, 7, and 14, the marble burying test was assessed for 30 minutes, and on days 2, 8 and 15, the nestlet shredding test was assessed for 30 minutes. The T-maze paradigm was used to assess anti-OCD activity. The brain histology and morphometry were also performed. Results: When compared to the control group, treatments with Coleus forskohlii (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly enhanced performance on both behavior tests. The SAB score is dramatically increased following the administration of the 8-OH-DPAT (2 mg/kg, i.p.) group. Coleus forskohlii (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and fluoxetine (15 mg/kg, p.o.) groups showed significantly lowered results. Animals treated with 8-OH-DPAT showed a considerable reduction in serotonin levels. Following Coleus forskohlii administration, the histology of the brain tissues showed normal morphological structure with no toxicity or abnormalities. Conclusion: The combination of all these findings points to Coleus forskohlii delivering a possible therapeutic option for the treatment of OCD. The identification and anticompulsive properties of the components from Coleus forskohlii should be the main aim of future studies.

STRATEGIES ADAPTED TO CURB DEPRESSION IN MEDICAL AND ENGINEERING STUDENTS AND THEIR EFFICACY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: The most common and serious psychiatric illness that negatively affects a person’s thoughts, and behaviour is depression. This study discusses the strategies that can be adapted to curb the depression between medical and engineering students of different medical and engineering colleges in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at different medical and engineering colleges of Karachi. Sample size of 362 was calculated using SPSS-22. A close ended, self-administered, modified form of standardized questionnaire was used which comprised of two parts. First part had questions for the assessment of depression and second part was comprised of strategies practiced by students. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) was used in scoring the depression level in the study subjects. Results: In engineering and medical colleges 82.87% and 56.9% students were found depressed repeatedly. The results were significant. Out of all the strategies stated by Medical and Engineering the most effective Strategy adopted by students was listening to music which shows overall, 93 (25.8%) students listen music most of the time, 68 (18.8%) students listen to music often, 78 (21.6%) students listen to music sometime, 66 (18.3%) listen to music rarely and 57 (15.5%) listen to music almost never as a strategy to curb the depression. Conclusion: Depression reducing intervention needs to be encouraged in professional program and mentors for the effectual addressing and solving the problems is required in all professional programs. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(3):62–6, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v20i3.1747

A Phenomenological Exploration of Pandemic Experiences Among Individuals with a History of Depression

Depressive disorders are a common psychiatric illness affecting 12% of adults worldwide. This disorder represents a major problem for the general health of society and is the third leading cause of disability worldwide. In addition, the prevalence of depression appears to have increased worldwide following the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aims to find out what experiences people with depression have had in the era of Corona. Methods: The present research was a qualitative study using an interpretative phenomenological method. The number of research participants was nine. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed in three stages with open, selective and central coding. Results: After reviewing and analyzing the data, five major themes, 10 secondary themes, and 19 primary themes were identified. The main themes included fear of death and illness, conscious acceptance of reality and improvement of lifestyle, the extent of communication, confusion of the social structure of the family economy and the use of coping strategies. Conclusion: The outbreak of COVID-19 has brought with it other problems such as anxiety, tension and loneliness, in addition to the impact on lifestyle, activities, habits, interests and mental health, in addition to the recurrence of the disease in depressed people.

Prevalence and Correlates of a Positive Screening for Eating Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study among Children in Lebanese Schools

ABSTRACT Background: Eating disorders (ED) are one of the most common psychiatric illnesses that may lead to physical and psychosocial morbidity in children. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with a positive screening for ED among children and young adolescents in multiple Lebanese schools. Method: This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 253 students (45.5% females; 76.3% Syrian refugees) aged between 8 and 13 years and recruited from Lebanese private schools. Students were interviewed between February and June 2018 to collect information about sociodemographic factors and health characteristics. Logistic regression analyses were performed, using the SCOFF questionnaire for screening ED as the dependent variable. Results: Among the students, 36.4% tested positive for SCOFF. Logistic regression analyses revealed significant associations between a positive screening for ED and the following factors: being between 8 and 9 years old (p = 0.029), obesity (p = 0.010), experiencing fatigue (p = 0.017), encountering a stressful accident (p = 0.027), undergoing changes in residence, school, or country (p = 0.01), consuming meals from restaurants ≥3/week (p = 0.013), consuming ≤2 fruits/week (p = 0.01) and consuming ≥5 eggs/week (p = 0.01). Approximately 13.4% of students were underweight, while 24.5% were classified as overweight or obese. One-third (32.1%) of students spent between 2 and 5 h/day using digital devices. Half of the students (54.1%) purchased fast food ≥3/week from school cafeterias, and over three-quarters reported fluctuating their food intake in response to emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, or happiness. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention in addressing abnormal eating behaviors among children.

An Observational Study to Assess Smartphone Usage in Patients of Anxiety and Depression

Abstract Background: Anxiety and depression disorders are among the most common psychiatric illness in the community and primary care. There is paucity in data regarding the assessment of smartphone use in mental disorders. Therefore, the study was undertaken to assess the use of smartphones at the time of presentation at a tertiary care centre and after an episode of anxiety and/or depression. Methodology: 145 subjects were screened for depression and anxiety subjectively. Smartphone use was assessed at the time of diagnosis, and for 1 week, 5 weeks and 3 months by using Stay Free© App. Results: There was significant correlation between total screen time with HAM D and HAM A scores. Conclusion: Smartphone usage is significantly associated with severity of depression and anxiety. Counselling of the subjects with anxiety and depression regarding the effect of smartphones on health is required and instructions should be given regarding the proper use of gadgets.

The effect of prophylactic esketamine in labor and cesarian delivery on the prevention of postpartum depression (PPD): A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

IntroductionPostpartum depression (PPD) is a common psychiatric illness affecting maternal health, which can lead to poor outcomes for the infant, mother and family. Since the usual pharmacological treatment has low efficacy and a delayed onset of action, new treatment options should be explored. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated positive effects of racemic ketamine on PPD, but limited evidence is available on its more potent derivative esketamine.ObjectivesTo determine the effect of esketamine administered prophylactically during labor on the risk of incidence of PPD at 1 week and 6 weeks after delivery.MethodsPubMed, Scopus and GoogleScholar databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that studied the efficacy of esketamine that screened for PPD using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). Risk ratio was used to determine the effect of incidence on PPD. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. A random-effects model was used, as per moderate heterogeneity (I2=59%, p-value<0.05).ResultsWe included 7 RCTs with 1287 patients, 635 having received esketamine (49.3%). Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) or single intravenous dose during the delivery or cesarian section were the main drug delivery methods. Follow-up ranged from 4 weeks to 6 months, and EPDS cut-off scores for depression risk differed between studies, from 9 to 13 points. Dosages varied from 0.2mg/kg to 0.5mg/kg for single-dose administration and 0.1mg/kg to 1.25mg/kg for PCIA. Incidence of PPD at one week (RR: 0.459 95%CI 0.217-0.970; p<0.05; figure 1A) and at 6 weeks (RR: 0.470 95%CI 0.273-0.810; p<0.01; figure 1B) was significantly less common in patients who received esketamine during or after labor. Risk of bias was low in 5 studies and moderate in 2 studies. Risk of publication bias is significant.Image:ConclusionsProphylactic esketamine seems to improve EPDS scores in women at one and six weeks after birth. A more thorough analysis of the adverse effects on maternal and neonatal health are required, and long-term benefits are not fully understood. Larger multicenter studies would be a welcome addition to the issue at hand.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Long-term outcomes of physical activity counseling in in-patients with major depressive disorder: results from the PACINPAT randomized controlled trial

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is an increasingly common psychiatric illness associated with a high risk of insufficient physical activity, which in turn is associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes. Theory-based, individually tailored, in-person and remote physical activity counseling has the potential to increase physical activity levels in various populations. Given this, the present study investigated the effect of such a physical activity intervention on the physical activity behavior of in-patients with MDD. This was a multi-center, two-arm randomized controlled trial including initially insufficiently physically active adult in-patients with MDD from four study sites in Switzerland. The sample consisted of 220 participants (Mage = 41 ± 12.6 years, 52% women), 113 of whom were randomized to the intervention group and 107 to the control group. The main outcome, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), was assessed at three time points via hip-worn accelerometer. According to accelerometer measures, there was no significant difference in minutes spent in MVPA over a 12-month intervention period when comparing the intervention with the control group (β = −1.02, 95% CI = −10.68 to 8.64). Higher baseline physical activity significantly predicted physical activity at post and follow-up. This study showed that it is feasible to deliver an individually tailored, theory-based physical activity counseling intervention to in-patients with MDD, however yielding no significant effects on accelerometer-based MVPA levels. Further efforts are warranted to identify efficacious approaches.Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN10469580, registered on 3rd September 2018, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN10469580.

Psychiatric Diagnoses and Psychotropic Drug Usage in Gender-Affirming Voice Surgery Patients

ObjectivesTo describe the burden of psychiatric illness and psychotropic medication usage among the subset of transgender patients who undergo gender affirming laryngeal surgery and describe some of the most commonly encountered conditions experienced by this population Methods: An IRB approved chart review was conducted for the eighteen patients who have undergone gender affirming laryngeal procedures from August 2019 to June 2022 performed at a single institution. Patient demographic data, treatment details, and psychiatric diagnoses and prescriptions for psychotropic medications were recorded. ResultsOf the eighteen patients who underwent gender affirming laryngeal surgery at this institution, sixteen patients underwent these operations as part of a transition from male to female gender, while two patients were transitioning from female to male gender. In this cohort, thirteen patients were diagnosed with a psychiatric comorbidity (72.2%). Of these patients, eleven were prescribed at least one psychotropic medication (61.1%). The most common psychiatric illnesses encountered in these patients were depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Ten patients were diagnosed with more than one psychiatric comorbidity (55.6%). The most commonly prescribed psychotropic drugs were selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Three patients in this cohort had a recorded history of at least one prior suicide attempt. ConclusionsMultiple studies have demonstrated increased rates of mental illness in transgender individuals, however, this is the first study to describe the burden of these conditions specifically in the subset of patients who undergo gender affirming laryngeal surgery.

Skin Diseases in Patients With Primary Psychiatric Conditions in Northern India: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The relationship between skin diseases and psychiatric illnesses is bi-directional and is manifested as cause and effect. Psychiatric disorders such as stress, anxiety, and depression are seen to be instrumental in the development and progression of dermatological diseases on one hand, while on the other hand, cosmetic disfigurement caused by dermatological diseases is responsible for psychological distress in patients. The present study was conducted to investigate the spectrum of dermatological disorders in psychiatric patients to offer them holistic treatment andprovide them with a better quality of life. This cross-sectional, observational study wasconducted at a tertiary medical care center. A total of 170 psychiatric patients referred to the dermatology department for different dermatological manifestations were enrolled in the study. A demographic profile of the patients was done, and an association between dermatological diseases and psychiatric illnesses was done. Out of 170 study participants, 88 (51.8%) were females, and the rest (82, 48.2%) were males.A total of 13 major types of dermatological conditions were noted; among them, fungal infection (43, 25.3%) was the most common, followed by eczema (18, 10.6%), parasitic infestation (17, 10.0%), pigmentary disorder (13, 7.6%), acne (11, 6.5%), bacterial infection (11, 6.5%), pruritic disorder (11, 6.5%), hair disorder (9, 5.3%), drug reaction (9, 5.3%), papulosquamous disorder (7, 4.1%), and viral infection (6, 3.5%). Skin conditions other than the above-mentioned were present in 15 (8.8%) patients.The most common psychiatric illness in the present study was major depressive disorder (41, 24.1%), followed by generalized anxiety disorder (38, 22.4%) and psychosis not otherwise specified (34, 20.0%). Other psychiatric illnesses included in the study were bipolar affective disorder (22, 12.9%), schizophrenia (18, 10.6%), obsessive-compulsive disorder (12, 7.1%), and mixed anxiety depressive disorder (5, 2.9%). The findings of the present study depict that psychiatric patients with dermatological manifestations show a spectrum of dermatological conditions, primarily of infectious (fungal, parasitic, or viral) nature. This might be associated with a relatively poor hygienic status of psychiatric patients and thus their increased susceptibility to these disorders. Most of the time, the susceptibility to these skin conditions seemed to be opportunistic and unaffected by the type, duration, and level of control of psychiatric illness.

Autophagy dysfunction contributes to NLRP1 inflammasome-linked depressive-like behaviors in mice

BackgroundMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a common but severe psychiatric illness characterized by depressive mood and diminished interest. Both nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 1 (NLRP1) inflammasome and autophagy have been reported to implicate in the pathological processes of depression. However, the mechanistic interplay between NLRP1 inflammasome, autophagy, and depression is still poorly known.MethodsAnimal model of depression was established by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Depressive-like behaviors were determined by social interaction test (SIT), sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and tail-suspension test (TST). The protein expression levels of NLRP1 inflammasome complexes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K)/PI3K, phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT)/AKT, phosphorylated-mechanistic target of rapamycin (p-mTOR)/mTOR, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated-tyrosine kinase receptor B (p-TrkB)/TrkB, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax)/B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2) and cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (caspase-3) were examined by western blotting. The mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were tested by quantitative real-time PCR. The interaction between proteins was detected by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation. Neuronal injury was assessed by Nissl staining. The autophagosomes were visualized by transmission electron microscopy. Nlrp1a knockdown was performed using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector containing Nlrp1a–shRNA–eGFP infusion.ResultsCSDS exposure caused a bidirectional change in hippocampal autophagy function, which was activated in the initial period but impaired at the later stage. In addition, CSDS exposure increased the expression levels of hippocampal NLRP1 inflammasome complexes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR in a time-dependent manner. Interestingly, NLRP1 is immunoprecipitated with mTOR but not PI3K/AKT and CSDS exposure facilitated the immunoprecipitation between them. Hippocampal Nlrp1a knockdown inhibited the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling, rescued the impaired autophagy and ameliorated depressive-like behavior induced by CSDS. In addition, rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, abolished NLRP1 inflammasome-driven inflammatory reactions, alleviated depressive-like behavior and exerted a neuroprotective effect.ConclusionsAutophagy dysfunction contributes to NLRP1 inflammasome-linked depressive-like behavior in mice and the regulation of autophagy could be a valuable therapeutic strategy for the management of depression.

Bipolar Disorders and Seasonality

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and common neurodevelopmental psychiatric illness (1 to 4% of the general population). The severity and prognosis of this disease is partly linked to a high rate of recurrence of mood episodes with 70 to 80% relapses on average 2 years after a major episode (depressive or manic), despite treatments. These recurrences may follow a seasonal cyclicity for a significant number of patients. Almost all functions of the body are subject to the circadian rhythm, that is to say a 24-hour cycle. Thus, disorders of this rhythm can have consequences on sleep as well as on metabolism, the functioning of the cardiovascular system, the immune system as well as mood. However, the study of the effect of seasons in BD, presents a complex and heterogeneous literature, which to date does not benefit from an exhaustive synthesis. However, this article tends to improve knowledge of the influence of the biological clock on the symptoms of BD.

A Single-Nucleus Transcriptome-Wide Association Study Implicates Novel Genes in Depression Pathogenesis

BackgroundDepression, a common psychiatric illness and global public health problem, remains poorly understood across different life stages, which hampers the development of novel treatments. MethodsTo identify new candidate genes for therapeutic development, we performed differential gene expression analysis of single-nucleus RNA sequencing data from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of older adults (n = 424) in relation to antemortem depressive symptoms. Additionally, we integrated genome-wide association study results for depression (n = 500,199) along with genetic tools for inferring the expression of 14,048 unique genes in 7 cell types and 52 cell subtypes to perform a transcriptome-wide association study of depression followed by Mendelian randomization. ResultsOur single-nucleus transcriptome-wide association study analysis identified 68 candidate genes for depression and showed the greatest number being in excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Of the 68 genes, 53 were novel compared to previous studies. Notably, gene expression in different neuronal subtypes had varying effects on depression risk. Traits with high genetic correlations with depression, such as neuroticism, shared more transcriptome-wide association study genes than traits that were not highly correlated with depression. Complementing these analyses, differential gene expression analysis across 52 neocortical cell subtypes showed that genes such as KCNN2, SCAI, WASF3, and SOCS6 were associated with late-life depressive symptoms in specific cell subtypes. ConclusionsThese 2 sets of analyses illustrate the utility of large single-nucleus RNA sequencing data both to uncover genes whose expression is altered in specific cell subtypes in the context of depressive symptoms and to enhance the interpretation of well-powered genome-wide association studies so that we can prioritize specific susceptibility genes for further analysis and therapeutic development.

Assessment the Levels of Depression among Patients with Hemodialysis at the Dialysis Centers in Mosul City

Aim: Depression is the most common psychiatric illness in patients with end-stage renal disease . Objectives: a descriptive study design, aiming to assess the levels of depression among patients with hemodialysis at two dialysis centers in Mosul City for the period 1st January to 15the Jun 2023. Material and Methods: The study used a non-probability accidental sampling method, 84 patients with Chronic Kidney Disease who were subjected to hemodialysis was enrolled in two dialysis centers at Mosul City. The study was conducted using the diagnostic poll method and standardized research tools: Part 1 collected socio-demographic characteristics of the patients. Part 2 [the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-R-20)], a 20-item self-report questionnaire to measure depressive symptoms. The scale had a 4-level Likert scale, and a total score was calculated by summing the 20 items. Scores equal to or above 16 indicated a person at risk for clinical depression. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires. Conclusion: The findings indicated varying levels of depression among the patients, with some experiencing high levels of depression symptoms. Recommendation: The study provides valuable insights about the need for coordination between mental health professionals and dialysis patients in dialysis centers. Keywords: Hemodialysis, depression, patient.

Melatonin alleviates depression-like behaviors and cognitive dysfunction in mice by regulating the circadian rhythm of AQP4 polarization

Depression is a common chronic psychiatric illness, which is resistant to medical treatments. While melatonin may alleviate certain depression symptoms, evidence for its efficacy against core symptoms is lacking. Here, we tested a mechanism whereby melatonin rescues the behavioral outcomes of the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse model of depression. CUMS mice showed depressive behaviors to tail suspension, open field behavior, and sucrose preference test, and cognitive dysfunction in the Morris water maze. Impairments in these measures were relieved by melatonin treatment. Moreover, CUMS mice had impaired glymphatic function across the sleep-wake cycle due to the astrocytic loss and disturbance of circadian regulation of the polarized expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels in perivascular astrocytes. EEG results in CUMS mice showed a reduced total sleep time and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, due to sleep fragmentation in the light phase. CUMS mice lost the normal rhythmic expressions of circadian proteins Per2, Cry2, Bmal1, Clock, and Per1. However, the melatonin treatment restored glymphatic system function and the polarization of AQP4, while improving sleep structure, and rectifying the abnormal expression of Per2, Bmal1, Clock, and Per1 in CUMS mice. Interestingly, Per2 expression correlated negatively with the polarization of AQP4. Further studies demonstrated that Per2 directed the location of AQP4 expression via interactions with the α-dystrobrevin (Dtna) subunit of AQP4 in primary cultured astrocytes. In conclusion, we report a new mechanism whereby melatonin improves depression outcomes by regulating the expression of the circadian protein Per2, maintaining the circadian rhythm of astrocytic AQP4 polarization, and restoring glymphatic function.

Phallicide a Rare Mode of Suicide: A Case Report

Suicide is one of the major health problems worldwide and suicide is frequently associated with psychiatric illness. Depression is one of the common psychiatric illness which is associated with suicide. Patients attempt suicide by various methods and genital self-mutilation or phallicide is a very rare method for attempting suicide. Hereby we are reporting a case of 63-year-old male a case of severe depression who attempted suicide by phallicide and who was managed in a multidisciplinary team for managing both psychiatric and surgical emergencies.

Prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among school-going adolescents in the age group of 13–19 years

BackgroundAdolescent mental health problems are vast and varied and early identification and intervention can be of utmost help. There is sparse data on mental health issues in the adolescent population from India in general and J&K in particular; thus, it was decided to embark on this study.ResultsThe prevalence of various psychiatric disorders among school-going adolescents was as major depressive disorder 13.7%, obsessive compulsive disorder 4.0%, panic disorder 1.4%, self-harming behavior 2.5%, generalized anxiety disorder 2.5%, social anxiety disorder 2.2%, dysthymia 1.7%, and adjustment disorder 0.8%. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall psychiatric morbidity group among males and females (P = 0.90). However, panic disorder and borderline personality disorder as a group were more commonly found among females compared to males (P = 0.016 and 0.001 respectively). Also, 34% from urban and 28% from rural areas met the criteria for any psychiatric disorder (P = 1.38).ConclusionChildren and adolescents represent a tender part of the human life cycle and they may be at a higher risk of psychiatric disorders. There is a very high prevalence of psychiatric morbidity of any kind among adolescents in Kashmir, many of which are unidentified and thus untreated. Depression is the most common psychiatric illness among adolescents with a higher prevalence in males while anxiety disorders are more common among females. There is a need for further research in this age group and teachers and parents need psycho-education for the identification of such children.

Prevalence of Anxiety among Paramedic Students in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric illnesses, resulting in considerable functional impairment and distress. The stressful nature and complex work demands of studying and practicing paramedics make them more prone to psychiatric illnesses, one of which is anxiety. AIM: This study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety among paramedic students in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among paramedic students in the 3rd and 4th year of the Emergency Medical Services of the College of Applied Medical Sciences at all King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Science branches in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Al-Ahsa’a, Saudi Arabia. We obtained the data from our sample size during May 2020. The study utilized the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) test to screen for anxiety and assess its severity in paramedic students. RESULTS: There were 181 participants, of which 133 (73.5%) were male students. Most participants reported being unmarried, 99.4%. Regarding the GAD-7 test, 32.6% had no anxiety, whereas the most had mild anxiety, 43.1%, and 14.9% had moderate anxiety, with the fewest, 9.4% having severe anxiety. CONCLUSION: Significant anxiety level was reported among the students, and most showed excessive worrying and nervousness, which affected them academically and occupationally. More research is required to assess the prevalence of anxiety among paramedic practitioners. Addressing the impact of anxiety on students at an earlier stage can improve their academic and work performance.

Depression in Dialysis patient (A Poor Prognostic Factor and the Mechanism behind it)

Major Depressive Disorder is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses. The effect of depression on one’s physical health is well-known, which can include anything from weight gain or loss to chronic illnesses such as heart disease, kidney or gastrointestinal problems. Provided the increasing prevalence of patients suffering from End Stage Renal Disease and receiving dialysis treatment, it is important to investigate how affects the outcome of their treatment. The incidence of depression in dialysis patients ranges from 10% to 66% in various studies, with prevalence reaching as high as 100%.

PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY AND ASSOCIATED PSYCHO-SOCIAL FACTORS AMONG INHABITANTS OF INSTITUTIONAL HOME FOR DESTITUTES

BACKGROUND- The destitute population among homeless includes beggars, commercial sex workers, and mentally ill, elderly women with dependent children, street children, and persons with disability. Amongst these, some of them have migrated from other states and some are local residents. Previous researches demonstrates that the homeless population is at a greater risk of acquiring mental and physical ill-health such as depression, drug and alcohol issues, obesity, hepatitis B and C, and dental problems. This study aimed at determining the psychiatric morbidity and associated socio-demographic correlates among the residents of a destitute rehabilitation center in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The aim was to study the prevalence of psychia AIM AND OBJECTIVES- tric morbidity and psycho-social factors among inhabitants of institutional home for destitute. This is a single-cente METHODOLOGY- r, cross-sectional descriptive study. Inmates (N=109) of APNA GHAR AASHRAM (home for destitute in Bikaner) were recruited. In our s RESULTS- tudy , out of 109 inmates, 89 (81.6%) have psychiatric illness and most common psychiatric illness among participants was psychosis (47.7%). Of the 109 Participants, 89 (81.6%) had psychiatric illness. Most common psychiatric illness was psychosis (n =52 ,47.7%) , followed by Mental Retardation (n = 11 , 10.1%), followed by Bipolar Disorder (n = 9, 8.3%). Most common reason for admission to destitute home was psychiatric illness and found wandering