GHQ Scores Research Articles

Community-Dwelling Patients With Dementia and Their Informal Caregivers With and Without Case Management: 2-Year Outcomes of a Pragmatic Trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate outcomes for persons with dementia and primary informal caregivers of 2 types of implemented case management (intensive case management [ICMM] and linkage [LM] models) with no case management (control group). DesignA pragmatic trial using a prospective, observational, controlled, cohort study. SettingCommunity care in the Netherlands. ParticipantsA total of 521 dyads. InterventionCase management provided within one care organization (ICMM), case management where multiple case management organizations are present within one region (LM), and a group with no access to case management (control). MeasurementsNeuropsychiatric problems in persons with dementia assessed by the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and psychological health in informal caregivers as measured with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Secondary outcomes included care and support needs, quality of life, and institutionalization. Comparability of groups at baseline was secured by inverse-propensity-score-weighted mixed models. ResultsNo significant differences in changes in total NPI or GHQ-12 scores between the groups over 2 years were found. Secondary outcomes showed better quality-of-life scores for informal caregivers in the ICMM than the LM. Total needs, met and unmet care needs were significantly less in the ICMM compared with the control group. ConclusionNeither case management type affected clinical outcomes of dyads meaningfully. The ICMM has positive impact on caregivers' quality of life and patient's number of needs compared with persons in LM and persons without access to case management respectively.

Reliability, Validity and Factor Structure of the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire among General Population.

AIM:The aim of the study is to analyze the internal consistency; validity and factor structure of the twelve item General Health Questionnaire for the Macedonian general population.MATERIAL AND METHODS:Data came from nationally representative sample of 1603 randomly selected Macedonians all aged 18 years or older.RESULTS:The mean GHQ score in the general sample was found to be 7.9 (SD = 4.3). The results revealed a higher GHQ score among women (M = 8.91, SD = 4.5) compared to men (M = 6.89; SD = 4.2). The participants from the rural areas obtained a lower GHQ score (M = 7.55, SD = 3.8) compared to participants coming from the urban areas (M = 9.37, SD = 4.1). The principal component analysis with oblique rotation (direct oblimin) with maximum likelihood procedure solution was performed and the results yielded a three factor solution which jointly accounted for 57.17% of the total variance: Factor I named social management (items 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8); Factor II stress (items 2, 5 and 9) and Factor III named self-confidence (items 10, 11 and 12). Its factor structure is in line with representative research from other population groups.CONCLUSION:The GHQ-12 can be used effectively for assessment of the overall psychological well-being and detection of non-psychotic psychiatric problems among the Macedonian population.

What accounts for ‘England's green and pleasant land’? A panel data analysis of mental health and land cover types in rural England

Exposure to green space is associated with a variety of positive health states. Research to date has focused primarily on ‘generic’ green space in urban areas, where green space is relatively scarce and where it is dominated by playing fields and parks. The current research adds to our understanding with an examination of relationships between different types of green space and mental health in rural areas in England (approximate rural population=4 million). The aggregate land cover classes of Land Cover Map 2007 were linked to rural residential areas (Lower-level Super Output Areas) and then linked to rural participants (n=2020) in the 18-year longitudinal British Household Panel Survey. Random effects regression of mental health (as measured by GHQ12 scores) against land cover enabled effects to be simultaneously estimated from both mean between-individual differences and from within-individual differences over time. The nine natural land cover classes (Broadleaved woodland; Coniferous woodland; Arable; Improved grassland; Semi-natural grassland; Mountain, heath and bog; Saltwater; Freshwater; Coastal) were not significantly associated with differences in mental health between individuals. However, significant relationships were observed between some types of land cover and within-individual change in mental health amongst individuals who relocated during the 18 annual waves of the panel. These findings indicate the presence of important health related ecosystem services from different land cover types that have not previously been investigated and which help more effective spatial planning and land use management.

Development and validation of the Stress Sensation Inventory (SSI) to measure stress among students aged 15 to 19 years in Sri Lanka

Background Despite the fact that stress may be associated with adverse psychological effects, there are no validated scales to measure stress among Sri Lankan adolescents. Objectives To develop and validate a scale (SSI) to measure stress among students aged 15 to 19 years in Sri Lanka. Methods In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted among adolescents, in order to explore physical symptoms and thoughts experienced and their behavioural responses, when faced with challenging problems and situations. Following this, a brief, self-administered instrument, the Stress Sensation Inventory (SSI) was developed by a group of experts. The SSI was then validated among 127 school-going adolescents, and the scores were compared with the GHQ30 score and the clinical assessments carried out by a psychiatrist. The cut-off point was determined using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. Results Cronbach’s alpha reliability of the SSI score was 0.8319. The reliability of the psychological, psychosomatic, emotional, and cognitive subscales were 0.7931, 0.6323, 0.6389 and 0.7439 respectively. Measures of validity were satisfactory, with a sensitivity of 84%, specificity of 72%, positive predictive value of 62%, and negative predictive value of 90%. The Kappa agreement between the SSI and GHQ 30 was fair (0.35). Conclusion The SSI is an acceptable, easy to use instrument for measuring stress in school-going adolescents in Sri Lanka. It fulfils stringent criteria of reliability and validity. The Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry Vol 6(1) : 17-21

Self-reported health and socio-economic inequalities in England, 1996–2009: Repeated national cross-sectional study

Tackling social inequalities in health has been a priority for recent UK governments. We used repeated national cross-sectional data for 155,311 participants (aged ≥16 years) in the Health Survey of England to examine trends in socio-economic inequalities in self-reported health over a recent period of sustained policy focus by successive UK governments aimed at tackling social inequalities in health. Socio-economic related inequalities in self-reported health were estimated using the Registrar General's occupational classification (1996–2009), and for sensitivity analyses, the National Statistics Socio-Economic Classification (NS-SEC; 2001–2011). Multi-level regression was used to evaluate time trends in General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) scores and bad or very bad self-assessed health (SAH), as well as EQ-5D utility scores.The study found that the probability of reporting GHQ-12 scores ≥4 and ≥ 1 was higher in those from lower social classes, and decreased for all social classes between 1997 and 2009. For SAH, the probability of reporting bad or very bad health remained relatively constant for social class I (professional) [0.028 (95%CI: 0.026, 0.029) in 1996 compared to 0.028 (95%CI: 0.024, 0.032) in 2009], but increased in lower social classes, with the greatest increase observed amongst those in social class V (unskilled manual) [0.089 (95%CI: 0.085, 0.093) in 1996 compared to 0.155 (95%CI: 0.141, 0.168) in 2009]. EQ-5D utility scores were lower for those in lower social classes, but remained comparable across survey years. In sensitivity analyses using the NS-SEC, health outcomes improved from 2001 to 2011, with no evidence of widening socio-economic inequalities. Our findings suggest that socio-economic inequalities have persisted, with evidence of widening for some adverse self-reported health outcomes.

Evaluation of Mental Health and Physical Pain in Patients with β-Thalassemia Major in Northern Greece

β-Thalassemia major (β-TM) is a chronic, genetic blood disorder. Patients are considered to be vulnerable to emotional and behavioral problems. The aim of this study was to assess mental health and somatic pain of patients with homozygous β-TM, who are systematically transfused in our unit. In this survey, 54 adult patients were studied. The general health questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used as mental health assessment model aimed at detecting mental disorders. The model of Binary was used as scoring method of GHQ-28. Overall ratings below 5 indicate no psychiatric problem, while a total score over or equal to 5 indicated the likelihood of a psychiatric disorder. The visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain was used as model for pain evaluation. One out of four examined patients who presented with a GHQ-28 score above or equal to 5 had an increased chance of being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Concerning the pain, the majority of the studied patients scored between 1 and 3, meaning that they were feeling mild pain. There was no statistical significant correlation between age and GHQ-28 score. There was a statistical significant correlation between age and somatic symptoms (p = 0.026), anxiety and somatic symptoms (0.004) as well as anxiety and depression (p = 0.022). Thalassemic patients tend to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and it seems that they do not feel severe pain. More quantitative and comprehensive studies have to be conducted in order to estimate specific effective factors in psychosocial health.

G18 Evaluation of a peer parenting support scheme for parents of disabled children

Aim This presentation will discuss findings from a study which evaluated Scope’s Face 2 Face peer parenting support scheme for parents of children with a disability or additional need within a regional children’s hospital. Methods Data were collected before and after the period of befriending from the parents providing support (befrienders) and the parents receiving support (befriendees). This was a mixed methods study. Quantitative data were collected from the administration of four structured questionnaires (GHQ-12, Paediatric Inventory for Parents, Peds QL™ Family Impact Module, Contact with Health Professionals). Qualitative data were collected during semi-structured qualitative interviews. Results 26 befriendees (24 mothers and 2 fathers) and 13 befrienders participated in the research project. In total 72 sets of questionnaires were completed and 75 interviews were conducted. The parents in this study (befriendees and befrienders) demonstrated high levels of psychological distress (GHQ-12 scores) before befriending compared to other published parent literature. The befriendees and befrienders reported positive experiences of the scheme and this was reflected in their improved questionnaire scores for psychological wellbeing, family functioning and health related quality of life. Despite improved scores the parents continued to demonstrate poor psychological and emotional wellbeing. After the befriending experience, the befriendees reported coping better, developing a positive view of being a parent to a disabled child and feeling more able to move forwards. The befrienders described both a sense of fulfilment and worth at being able to help and support another parent and they expressed a renewed sense of well-being. Conclusion The findings demonstrated the need to address and support the emotional wellbeing of parents with disabled children and highlights the importance of this support being delivered by other parents who ‘know and have been there’. Befrienders and befriendees reported improvements in psychological well-being, family functioning and health-related quality of life.

Tu1418 Physiologic Esophageal Length in Adults Is Associated With Gender and Presence of Hiatal Hernia but Not With Age

(15.6%) had at least one functional esophageal symptom (FES). FES were commoner among female than male (338/1924 [17.6%] vs. 186/1427 [13%]; p 5) than those without (36/521 [6.9%] vs 74/2809 [2.6%], p<0.000). Conclusions: 16% people in rural Bangladesh had at least one functional esophageal symptom, heartburn being the most common; other symptoms like globus, functional chest pain and dysphagia were uncommon. Female gender, marriage, Muslims religion and low income were the risk factors for EFS on univariate analysis. Psychological distress as evidenced by high GHQ-28 score was higher among subjects with EFS.

AIDS-related stigma and mental disorders among people living with HIV: a cross-sectional study in Cambodia.

BackgroundAIDS-related stigma and mental disorders are the most common conditions in people living with HIV (PLHIV). We therefore conducted this study to examine the association of AIDS-related stigma and discrimination with mental disorders among PLHIV in Cambodia.MethodsA two-stage cluster sampling method was used to select 1,003 adult PLHIV from six provinces. The People Living with HIV Stigma Index was used to measure stigma and discrimination, and a short version of general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to measure mental disorders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted.ResultsThe reported experiences of discrimination in communities in the past 12 months ranged from 0.8% for reports of being denied health services to 42.3% for being aware of being gossiped about. Internal stigma was also common ranging from 2.8% for avoiding going to a local clinic and/or hospital to 59.6% for deciding not to have (more) children. The proportions of PLHIV who reported fear of stigma and discrimination ranged from 13.9% for fear of being physically assaulted to 34.5% for fear of being gossiped about. The mean score of GHQ-12 was 3.2 (SD = 2.4). After controlling for several potential confounders, higher levels of mental disorders (GHQ-12≥ 4) remained significantly associated with higher levels of experiences of stigma and discrimination in family and communities (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.6), higher levels of internal stigma (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2–2.3), and higher levels of fear of stigma and discrimination in family and communities (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–2.2).ConclusionsAIDS-related stigma and discrimination among PLHIV in Cambodia are common and may have potential impacts on their mental health conditions. These findings indicate a need for community-based interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination in the general public and to help PLHIV to cope with this situation.

General Health Among Parents Who Lost Their Children in the Bam Earthquake.

Aim:Bam earthquake and its profound tragedy of thousands killed has caused emotional and psychological trauma for tens of thousands of people who have survived. This study aimed to investigate general health of parents who lose their children in Bam earthquake 10 years after the earthquake.Method:General health of 166 parents who lost their children in Bam earthquake was assessed using a translated version of General Health Questionnarie-28 items.Results:The mean score of GHQ was 25.63 ± 15.28. Among all domains, the higher mean score belonged to the category of “anxiety/insomnia” and the lower one belonged to the category of “severe depression. The results revealed significant correlation between total GHQ mean score and gender as well as educational level (0.003)Conclusion:Providing reflective narrative environments in which survivors can express their own experiences and feelings about earthquake, their loss and how they cope with it seems to be as an effective approach to identify their psychosocial situation and its influential factors. In such narrative environments special attention should be given to older participants, females and those who are single.

Study of the Status of Mental Health in Mothers with Parenting Style in the Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is most common behavioral disorder that affects children. The family has a very important role in the management of these children. The aim is parenting style and parental mental health status in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder This study is a descriptive study and study is ADHD children referred to psychiatric clinics in 5th Azar and Taleghanis hospital. The case group (64 children with ADHD) are based on random sampling. The control group selected of 64 school children in Gorgan based on the multi-stage cluster sampling. The description provided to parents of children then demographic questionnaire, DSM-IV, Bamrynd and GHQ will be provided. After data collection we analyzed Descriptive statistics and Chi-square 47 male and17 females werein each group, subscales of physical symptoms, maternal anxiety and depression one the base of GHQ questionnaires was a significant relationship between on ADHD and control groups. This means that maternal ADHD children are more anxious and depressed and have poorer health than the others. GHQ score of the two groups was also significant in the sense that the mother's mental health is impaired ADHD. Authoritative parenting style out of the case and control groups showed no statistically significant difference The results of this study appear to be the outcomes of the four factors of ADHD, maternal education, GHQ mother and maternal age on the sheer style of ADHD is more effective than the GHQ. Thus, the second factor that is important for the mental health of families: 1 – treatment ADHD 2. ADHD- level of education

Long-standing poliomyelitis and psychological health

Objective: To compare the psychological health of the individuals with long-standing poliomyelitis, with or without post-polio syndrome (PPS), to the general population and to identify the role of work as well as other variables with regard to their psychological health. Design: A cross-sectional study. Subjects: One hundred and ninety-five polio patients attending postpolio clinic in Jerusalem. Methods: Emotional distress (ED) was measured using the general health questionnaire (GHQ-12). Demographic, medical, social and functional data were recorded using a specific structured questionnaire. Each polio patient was compared to four age- and sex-matched controls. Results: ED was higher in the polio population as compared to the general population. Within the polio population ED was inversely correlated with work status. No correlation was found between ED and the functional level of polio participants and no difference was found in GHQ score between polio participants with or without post-polio. In addition, ED was less affected by subjective perception of physical health among polio patients as compared to the general population. Conclusions: Long-standing poliomyelitis is associated with decreased psychological health as compared to the general population. Yet, the resilience of polio survivors is manifested by their ability to block further decline of their psychological health in spite of deterioration in their physical health. Work appears as a significant source of resilience in the polio population.Implications for RehabilitationIndividuals with long-standing poliomyelitis often suffer from high emotional distress and may benefit from psychotherapy aimed at reducing distress.As active employment status is associated with increased mental health among polio survivors, encouraging participation at work needs to be a significant component of psychotherapeutic programs.Polio survivors, although physically disabled, may be relatively resilient, as their mental health is less affected by their negative health perception. This and other expressions of resilience may serve as a platform for increasing personal growth among them by implementing hope-oriented psychotherapy.

Association Between Psychological Distress and Liver Disease Mortality: A Meta-analysis of Individual Study Participants

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity and hypertension, have been associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Psychological distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, so it might also be associated, directly or indirectly, with liver disease. We investigated the relationship between psychological distress (measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire [GHQ]) and liver disease mortality. We performed a meta-analysis of data from individual participants in 16 prospective studies of the general population in the United Kingdom, initiated from 1994 through 2008. Subjects were assigned to groups based on GHQ score: 0 (no distress), 1-3, 4-6, or 7-12. We analyzed data from 166,631 individuals (55% women; mean ± SD age, 46.6 ± 18.4 years; range, 16-102 years). During a mean follow-up period of 9.5 years, 17,368 participants died (457 with liver disease). We found a significant increase in liver disease mortality with increase in GHQ score (Ptrend < .001). The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio for the highest GHQ score category (ie, 7-12), compared with the 0 score category, was 3.48 (95% confidence interval: 2.68-4.52). After adjustment for health behaviors, socioeconomic status, body mass index, and diabetes, this hazard ratio decreased to 2.59 (95% confidence interval: 1.82-3.68). Based on a meta-analysis, psychological distress is associated with liver disease mortality, although this finding requires additional analysis. Although one is not likely to cause the other, we provide additional evidence for the deleterious effects of psychological problems on physical health.

Testing measurement invariance of the GHQ-28 in stroke patients.

In order to combine self-reported measures data from multiple studies to conduct an integrated data analysis, the construct measured must have the same meaning across the studies. This study investigated the measurement invariance of the General Health questionnaire (GHQ-28) in two stroke studies before combining the data for an integrative data analysis. The study used data from the Stroke Outcomes Study 1 (SOS1, n = 448) and second Stroke Outcomes Study (SOS2, n = 585). The initial analysis was a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) for each study separately to confirm the four-factor structure of GHQ-28 questionnaire. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) was used to assess the measurement invariance of the GHQ-28 questionnaire in the two stroke cohorts. Measurement invariance at configural invariance (same items associated with same factor across groups); factor loading invariance (equal factor loadings across groups) and scalar invariance (equal intercepts across groups) was examined. CFA supported all three invariances measured. Results showed that the GHQ-28 questionnaire has comparable measurement properties in the SOS1 and SOS2 stroke studies. Strong measurement invariance was established, and based on the results from this study, integrative data analysis of GHQ-28 scores from the two stroke studies is merited.

An Empirical Study on the Effects of the Beach on Mood and Mental Health in Japan

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether beach-going affects the mood and mental health of Japanese people, and to examine gender-based differences with regard to these effects of beach-going. We used a short version of Sakano et al.’s Mood Inventory to measure tension and excitement, fatigue, depressive, anxious, and refreshed moods; and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to measure mental health. We randomly selected data from 180 people in Japan, including 104 males (57.8%), and 76 females (42.2%). Based on the participants’ degree of enthusiasm for going to the beach, they were categorized into three groups: the high enthusiasm group, moderate enthusiasm group, and low enthusiasm group. The findings of this study showed that (1) a high degree of enthusiasm for beach-going had a greater significant effect on mood and mental health than did moderate and low degrees of enthusiasm for beach-going. There were vast differences in scores on the subscales assessing depressive mood, anxious mood, and refreshed mood, and the GHQ-12 scores, among the three groups, and (2) for males, the differences in the mood inventory and GHQ-12 scores among the high, moderate, and low enthusiasm groups were more pronounced and significant than they were for females. Although the females did not differ much in terms of the quality of their mood and mental health status, there was a slight difference among the three groups. These results suggest that especially for Japanese males, the beach has a great influence on improving mood and mental health.

The prediction of postpartum depression: The role of the PRECEDE model and health locus of control.

Background:The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the PRECEDE model and health locus of control (HLC) on postpartum depression. This study used the path analysis to test the pattern of causal relations through the correlation coefficients.Materials and Method:The participants included 230 pregnant women in the north-east of Iran who were selected by convenience sampling. To analyze data, Pearson correlation and path analysis were applied to examine the relationships between variables using SPSS 20 and LISREL 8.50software.Results:The result of path analysis showed that a positive correlation exists between predisposing (knowledge, internal HLC, powerful others HLC, chance HLC) enabling and reinforcing factors with postpartum depression by GHQ score (GFI = 1, RSMEA = 000).Conclusion:The current study supported the application of the PRECEDE model and HLC in understanding the promoting behaviors in mental health and demonstrated their relationships with postpartum depression.

Hazardous alcohol use among doctors in a Tertiary Health Center.

Background:Doctors have been identified as one of the key agents in the prevention of alcohol-related harm, however, their level of use and attitudes toward alcohol will affect such role.Aim:This study is aimed at describing the pattern of alcohol use and the predictors of hazardous drinking among hospital doctors.Setting:Study was conducted at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.Design:A cross-sectional survey involving all the doctors in the teaching hospital.Materials and Methods:All the consenting clinicians completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and alcohol use was measured using the 10-item alcohol use disorder identification test (AUDIT) and psychological well-being was measured by the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12).Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical analyses were done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. Chi-square tests with Yates correction were used to describe the relationship between respondent's characteristics and AUDIT scores as appropriate.Results:There were a total of 122 participants. Eighty-five (69.7%) of them were abstainers, 28 (23%) were moderate drinkers, and 9 (7.3%) hazardous drinkers. With the exception of age, there was no significant relationship between sociodemographic status, years of practice, specialty of practice, and hazardous alcohol use. Experiencing stress or GHQ score above average is significantly associated with hazardous drinking.Conclusion:Hazardous drinking among hospital doctors appears to be essentially a problem of the male gender, especially among those older than 40 years. Stress and other form of psychological distress seem to play a significant role in predicting hazardous drinking among doctors.

Patterns of Psychiatric Morbidity Before and After a War in Lebanon at Twelve Months Following Cessation of Hostilities

Objective: This study is a reassessment of the prevalence and predictors of psychiatric disorders in a general population from South Lebanon conducted one year after the July war in 2007, and was thereafter compared to an assessment conducted one year pre-war in 2005 on the same population. This study aims to (1) assess for PTSD, depression and general health in South Lebanon 1 year after the month-long July war, and (2) to report on the results and compare them to pre-war findings in the same population. Method: This study assessed PTSD, depression, and general health (GHQ) using the Beck Depression Inventory, Harvard Trauma Questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire. The sample consisted of 681 citizens from six villages in South Lebanon using a cross sectional design through random sampling. This sample was compared to another sample of 632 Lebanese citizens interviewed in 2005 before the outbreak of the July war. Results: Findings revealed a drop in PTSD symptoms in the 2007 sample at a rate of 17.9% from 24.1% in 2005. There was no significant change in depression except in the 60 and above age group. A drop in GHQ-28 scores in 2007 was also observed (4.2 in 2007 from 6.7 in 2005, p value = <0.001). Conclusion: This reassessment is further evidence that prevalence of mental disorders is difficult to capture in war-torn areas. Social contexts may play a more important role in mental health outcomes of trauma events experienced in developing countries whose civilians suffer continuous armed conflict.

Genetic and environmental influences underlying the relationship between autistic traits and temperament and character dimensions in adulthood

BackgroundIn recent years, several twin studies adopted a dimensional approach to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and estimated the contribution of genetic and environmental influences to variation in autistic traits. However, no study was performed on adults over 18years of age and all but two studies were based on parent or teacher ratings. Also, the genetic and environmental contributions to the interplay between autistic traits and adult personality dimensions have not been investigated. MethodsA sample of 266 complete twin pairs (30% males, mean age 40±12years) drawn from the population-based Italian Twin Register was administered the Autism-Spectrum Quotient, Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-125), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Genetic structural equation modelling was performed with the Mx program. Estimates were adjusted for gender, age, and GHQ-12 score. ResultsGenetic factors accounted for 44% and 20%–49% of individual differences in autistic traits and TCI dimensions, respectively. Unshared environmental factors explained the remaining proportion of variance. Consistently with the notion of a personality profile in ASD characterised by obsessive temperament, autistic traits showed significant phenotypic correlations with several TCI dimensions (positive: HA; negative: NS, RD, SD, C). Genetic and unshared environmental correlations between AQ and these TCI dimensions were significant. The degree of genetic overlap was generally greater than the degree of environmental overlap. ConclusionsDespite some limitations, this study suggests that genetic factors contribute substantially to individual differences in autistic traits in adults, with unshared environmental influences also playing an important role. It also suggests that autistic traits and the majority of temperament and character dimensions share common genetic and environmental aetiological factors.

Validation of the Sinhala version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire

Objective : To determine the criterion validity of the Sinhala version of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including 374 patients (between the ages 18 to 75 years) attending the outpatient department of the Colombo North Teaching Hospital during the period June 2009 to September 2010. The Sinhala version of the GHQ-12 was completed by the participants. The ‘Clinical Examination’ was done by the designated psychiatrist (blindly to the GHQ score) by employing the ICD 10 classification of ‘Depression/Anxiety and Social Dysfunction’ as a reference standard. Cut-off values for the GHQ-12 were determined by applying the Receiver Operation Characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The optimal cut-off level for GHQ-12 was 1/2 with a sensitivity of 74% (95%CI 66%-81.5%), and a specificity of 71% (95%CI: 65.4%–76.6%). Optimal cut-off levels were not changed based on gender, age and educational levels. The area under the ROC curve for GHQ-12 was 0.79 (95% CI: 74%–84%). Despite the above mentioned statistics/measurements, GHQ scores with specific likelihood ratios of >1 were obtained only for the total scores of ≥3. Conclusions: The GHQ-12 displays its efficacy when used among the Sinhala speaking Sri Lankan primary care settings for assessing psychiatric disorders. Journal of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine 2014; 1 (1):E8:1-7 DOI: http://dx.doi.org//jpgim.7859