bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender differences of suicidal behavior in belarus: Epidemiology
Authors: Paravaya O.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

In Western Europe male die much more often by means of suicide than do females, although females attempt suicide more often. This pattern has been found in Belarus with some peculiarities.

Object of study

Men and women under 18, who committed a suicide or made a suicide attempt.

Aim of the study

To investigate peculiarities of suicides and parasuicides among men and women in Belarus in order to reveal target group for suicide prevention.

Methods

We used the Suicide database of the Ministry of Health for epidemiological analyze.

Results

The study is still being carried out. The male to female suicide ratio is 5:1 in 2008 year. Prevalence of suicides hasn’t changed a lot in women during last 20 years. It rapidly grew among men in the beginning of 90ies with the peak in 2000 year. Then it started to decrease slowly with the rate of 48,5 in 2008 year. Prevalence of suicides is 2.5 time higher in countryside in comparing with cities. Men have higher suicide rate in age from 40 to 60 and after 70 years old, women -after 70 years old. Data on parasuicides have been collecting centrally since 2007. Prevalence of parasuicides was 80 per 100 000 of population and male: female ratio was 1:1 in 2009.

Conclusion

Men show a big influence of socio-economical state on suicidal behavior. Risk factors have different power in cities and in countryside. Main group for suicide prevention is 40–60 years old men in countryside with alcohol dependence.
A legislative framework for enhancing the care and management of the mentally ill. The mental health ACT (2007) and the role of paramedics
Authors: Parsons V.
Published: May 2011

The role of paramedics in the care and treatment of mental health patients has attracted limited attention in the research arena. With the introduction of new emergency provisions under Australian state and territory- based mental health legislation paramedics in some jurisdictions have now been granted the authority to detain, restrain, search and sedate behaviourally disturbed patients who require involuntary emergency medical assistance.

The granting of mental health legislative responsibilities to paramedics has heralded a new era in not only the delivery of pre-hospital mental health care but also in the way the community perceives the role and responsibility of paramedics. The introduction of these new provisions is founded on the recognition that paramedics have a key role to play in providing high quality pre hospital mental health care. The inclusion of the provisions is also aimed at reducing the proportion of patients being handcuffed and transported to hospital by police.

Drawing upon previous research which has focused on the role of paramedics in relation to mental illness (Shaban.,2005, 2006 & Roberts, 2009), this paper will detail what is currently known about mental health care in the pre-hospital setting and the clinical decision making used by paramedics when responding to mental health patients. This paper will also propose the need for further research to identify what clinical decision processes are used by paramedics when fulfilling their mental health legislative responsibilities.
Assessment of suicide attempts in an emergency service of a General Hospital
Authors: Pérez García M. , Portela Traba B. , Mozos Ansorena A. , Cornes Iglesias J.M. , Páramo Fernandez M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

There is a high frequency of attendance at emergency medical service for suicide attempts.

Objectives

Determine the type of urgency for suicide attempt in our country.

Material and methods

The present study treats of suicide attempts (n = 248) attended by the Psychiatric Emergency Service of Hospital in our city between 2004–2008. The diagnoses were made by clinical interview following ICD-10 criteria.

Results

248 suicide attempts (60% women), with age between 15 and 88 years.There are equal proportions of singles and married (a 38%). 53% live with couple with/without children, 30%live with parents and a 10%live alone. >55% of patients have a middle education and socioeconomic level. The average time from suicide attempt until the assessment in the emergency department is 2.71 ± 3.64 hours. The day of the week with more assistance for this reason is Monday. Also it's observed an increase in the months between May and October. The cases are uniformly distributed throughout the month, although there is a decrease in the number of cases in the initial and final days of the month. 60% of patients haven’t history of previous attempts and use an only method that is drug overdose. Personality disorders are the most frequent diagnose and 44% patients need an internment in a psychiatric ward.

Conclusions

Profile of the patient who makes a suicide attempt and that is evaluated in the Psychiatric Emergency Service of our Hospital: woman 36 years old, married/with couple and lives with him/her. She comes to emergency department in the first 4 hours after the drug overdose. She hasn’t history of previous attempts.She is diagnosed of emotionally unstable personality disorder.
Suicide and fatal alcohol poisoning among rural and urban population of Belarus
Authors: Razvodovsky Y.E.
Published: May 2011

Background

In most countries suicide rates are generally higher in rural than in urban areas. In many countries there has been a disproportionate increase in rural suicide contributing to greater rural/urban gradient. A wide range of factors, including social isolation, material deprivation and unfavorable changes in the demographic structure, have been cited as possible reasons for comparatively higher suicide rates in rural community. Given that alcohol abuse is a major risk factor for autoagressive behavior, we assume that alcohol may be the reason behind rural/urban gradient in suicide.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the suicide and fatal alcohol poisoning rates (as a proxy for binge drinking) among rural and urban population of Belarus.

Method

Using country age-adjusted, gender-specific mortality data between 1990 and 2005, we estimated rural/urban differentials in suicide and fatal alcohol poisoning rates over time. Results: Significant rural/urban gradient in suicide and fatal alcohol poisoning rates was found. The gradient increased consistently, suggesting widening rural/urban differentials across the period. The results of the correlation analysis indicate the presence of close association between the two variables for rural man and women.

Conclusion

The increase rural/urban gradient in suicide observed in this study might to some degree reflect differentials changes over time in the alcohol-related problems rate for rural and urban population.
Socio-demographic correlates of suicide in the regions affected by chernobyl nuclear disaster
Authors: Razvodovsky Y.E.
Published: May 2011

Background

The Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident that occurred on 26 April 1986 was the greatest technological disaster in history. There is evidence that the accident has had a significant long-term impact on psychological well-being of the affected population. In particular, the rate of suicide has increased dramatically among the exposed population.

Aims

This study was design to examine same of the socio-demographic characteristics which might explain this rise.

Methods

A psychological autopsy study of suicides occurring in the regions affected by Chernobyl nuclear disaster between 2003 and 2007 was conducted.

Results

The suicide rate among the affected population is 3–4 times higher (95–130 per 100.000 of the population) than among general population (33 per 100.000 of the population). The risk factors for suicide among the affected population are the same as for general population. These include unemployment, low income, low education level, acute and chronic alcohol intoxication. Alcohol dependence was diagnosed in 70% of male suicides and 71.4% of female suicides. Alcohol dependence was diagnosed more frequently among men age 30–39 (81.1%) and 50–59 (80%). In the present study 72.3% of males and 62% of females were BAC-positive at the time of death. Positive BAC cases were found more frequently in men age 30–39 (86.5%); 50–59 (86.7%) and women age 30–39 (85.7%).

Conclusions

These results are consistent with previous studies suggesting that acute and chronic alcohol intoxication may function as proximal and distal risk factors of suicide.
Cognitive inhibition in suicidal depressed elderly
Authors: Richard-Devantoy S. , Annweiler C. , Beauchet O. , Camus V. , Le Gall D. , Garré J.-B.
Published: May 2011

Rationale

Deficits in executive functions may play a leading role in late-life suicide behaviours.

Objective

To determine whether executive functions, and more specifically cognitive inhibition, could be associated with increased risk of suicidal behaviours among depressed elderly individuals.

Methods

We compared 10 depressed suicide attempters aged 65 and older with 10 depressed suicide non-attempters matched for age, gender and education. To assess cognitive inhibition, we used neutral material, in the form of the Modified Card Sorting Test (MCST), Go-No-Go task (GNG) and Stroop test (ST). The Brixton Spatial Anticipation test (BSA), the dual-task performance and verbal fluencies test were also used to assess flexibility, planning tasks and memory.

Results

Suicidal (mean, 75.30 years; 70% female) and non-suicidal (mean, 72.90 years; 70% female) depressed groups were comparable in terms of burden of physical illness and severity of depression according to the Hamilton Depression Scale (mean score 27.90, p = 0.529). Suicide attempters showed greater impairments in cognitive inhibition as illustrated by significant between-group differences in the number of MCST errors (p = 0.023) and MCST preservative errors (p = 0.035), and by the trend of worse performance on GNG (p = 0.052). No significant differences were found in the scores on ST, BSA, dual-task performance and in semantic or phonemic verbal fluencies. Furthermore, suicide attempt was also associated with GNG score (adjusted Odds Ratio = 0.25 [95CI = 0.07–0.95], p = 0.041) after adjustment for age.

Conclusions

Our case-control study shows that poor cognitive inhibition is associated with suicidal behaviours in late-life depression.
Profile of attachment and suicidal ideation during a major depressive episode
Authors: Rochette J. , Polo P. , Pacaut-Troncin M. , Terra P.J.-L.
Published: May 2011

During a major depressive episode, suicidal risks are increased and the possibility of request of help and treatment is conditionedby the way the subject structured its attachment in the childhood. We present a study which concerns the detailed examination, during 6 months, mental states of 40 patients presenting a major depressive episode and frequenting a Medical psychological Center connected with a Psychiatric hospital. The collection of the data is made with tools stemming from various fields (DSM4, theory of the attachment, the psychoanalytical psychology)“.The population is divided to three Camire profiles (Pierre Humbert et al, 1996) (Secure, Preoccupied, Avoidant). We chose 3 markers which can inform us about the evolution of the crisis according to the profile of attachment :

1-Intensity of the suicidal idéation « SSI » (Beck et all.1979)

2-therapeutic Alliance “WAI” Horvath et Greenberg, 1989)

3-Intensité of the depression. (Hamilton HAMD-21)

Hypothesis

The attachment says “sécure” facilitate better scores in these 3 markers.

Results

1)

The regulations emotional Secure does not protect against strong suicidal ideation in patients suffering from major depressive disorder. Freud's theory of trauma in this direction by assuming a tolerable threshold above which any topic is disorganized. (p-value = 0,05)

2)

The strategies of emotional regulation parts protect against suicidal thoughts while concerned about emotional regulation strategies to expose depressed suicidal subjects. (p-value = 0,09)

3)

According to the literature, we find a better alliance with secure attachment. (except at the beginning of care) (p-value = 0,06 at period T3 and p-value = 0,08 at period T6)
Is suicide predictable? A classification of predictive factors in Iranian women who had multiple suicide attempts
Authors: Seghatoleslam T. , Habil H. , Rezaee O. , Sadr S. , Emamhadi R.
Published: May 2011

Background

The current study aims to test the hypothesis: Is suicide predictable? And try to classify the predictive factors in multiple suicide attempts.

Method

A cross-sectional study was administered to 223 multiple attempters, women who came to a medical poison centre after a suicide attempt. The participants were young, poor, and single. A Regression Logistic Test was used to classify the predictive factors of suicide.

Results

Women who had multiple suicide attempts exhibited a significant tendency to attempt suicide again. They had a history for more than two years of multiple suicide attempts, from three to as many as 18 times, plus mental illnesses such as depression and substance abuse. They also had a positive history of mental illnesses.

Conclusion

Results indicate that contributing factors for another suicide attempt include previous suicide attempts, mental illness (depression), or a positive history of mental illnesses in the family affecting them at a young age, and substance abuse.
Antidepressants in unipolar and bipolar depression and increased suicidal risk: Is there scientific evidence?
Authors: Serafini G. , Pompili M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Suicidal behavior represents a major public health issue. There has been a controversy concerning the possible increased risk of suicidal behaviour in some depressed patients treated with antidepressants and whether antidepressants affect the risk of suicidality among patients with major affective disorders is still matter of debate.

Objectives

To investigate the real impact of SNRIs in treating patients with unipolar and bipolar disorder.

Aims

Recently we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of duloxetine versus venlafaxine in the acute treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression.

Methods

In a non randomized controlled trial, we recruited 62 participants as consecutive outpatients (41 men; 21 women) affected by unipolar and bipolar depression treated either with duloxetine and venlafaxine.

Results

More patients treated with duloxetine had a positive response to treatment and remission both for depression (HAMD17 response: 90.3% vs 0.0%; p < .001; HAM-D17 remission: 48.4% vs 0.0%; p < .001), and anxiety (HAM-A response: 90.3% vs 6.5%; p < .001; HAM-A remission: 71.0% vs 6.5%; p < .001) than controls. Patients treated with duloxetine were also more likely to show a decrease in HAM-D17 suicidality (100% vs 45.2%; < .001) and an increase in the quality of life (SF-36 percentage of improvement: 6.35 [SD = 9.66 vs -2.58 [9.98]; p < .001) than controls.

Conclusions

Among SNRIs, based on our results, duloxetine is more effective in reducing anxiety and suicidal ideation. Both duloxetine and venlafaxine were safe and tolerated, and both may be successfully used in unipolar and bipolar depression.
Affective temperaments, white matter hyperintensities and suicidal risk in patients with mood disorders
Authors: Serafini G. , Pompili M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Patients with white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) may be at higher risk for affective disorders and suicidal behaviour and affective temperaments may play a significant role in mood disorders.

Objectives, aims, methods

Recently, we conducted a study in a sample of 247 patients with major affective disorders consecutively admitted as psychiatric inpatients.

Results

We found that those with higher dysthymia and lower hyperthymia were more likely to have higher BHS scores, more WMHs, higher MINI suicidal risk, and more recent suicide attempts than patients with higher hyperthymia and lower dysthymia. Previously, we have reported that depressive, cyclothymic, irritable and anxious temperaments are risk factors whereas the hyperthymic temperament is a protective factor for suicidal behaviour, at least for suicide attempters. This is in line with recent genetic studies showing that the short allele of serotonin transporter gene promoter (5-HTTLPR) was significantly related to depressive, cyclothymic, irritable and anxious temperaments (but not to the hyperthymic temperament) and individuals with the short allele of the 5-HTTLPR and major affective disorders have more microstructural white matter abnormalities in specific brain regions.

Conclusions

In subjects with mood disorders, some temperament profiles in addition to WMHs presumably play a critical role in the emergence of hopelessness and suicidal behaviour. Differences among temperament profiles associated with WMHs may be used as biological markers for clinically grouping subjects at higher risk both for the emergence of mood disorders and suicidal behaviour (highly lethal suicide attempts) and this may have relevant implications for treatment.
A descriptive study of the mortality of psychiatric patients in Nottingham
Authors: Shetty A. , Doody G.
Published: May 2011

Objectives

1.

To examine all deaths in patients aged 16–65 years in Nottingham who were known to secondary psychiatric care services between 1998–2003.

2.

To compare the numbers of suicides with numbers in the general population.

3.

To identify the predictors of suicide.

Methods

Ethical approval was granted by the local research ethics committee. Patients who died between 1998 to 2003 were identified from our electronic database. AS reviewed case notes and filled out data on a template.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) provided the causes of death and coroners’ verdicts, and the total numbers of suicides in the general population. All data was coded, entered onto a spreadsheet and analyzed using SPSS version 15.0.

Analysis was conducted using T-tests and chi-squared analyses to differentiate between groups. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of suicide.

Results

Using a logistic regression model, the variables that predicted suicide were age (p < 0.001), diagnosis of affective disorder (p < 0.001), previous self-harm (p < 0.001) and being admitted to a psychiatric unit in the last year (p = 0.028). For each increasing year of age upto 65 years, the odds of dying by suicide decreased by 11%.

In total, 275 people aged 16–65 committed suicide in the study period. Of these, 71 were open to psychiatric services at the time of death.

Conclusions

The majority of patients committing suicide are not known to psychiatric services. There is a need for stronger links with primary care to improve identification of people at risk of suicide.
Assessment and treatment of patients with suicidal thoughts and attempts in emergency psychiatry
Authors: Sinani L. , Kola V. , Dyrma A.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Assessment of suicidal risk is the most important and difficult goal in a psychiatric emergency. To prevent the suicide, it is essential to be effective and accurate with the prediction of individual cases and time-intervention.

Objective

To determine an assessment model which will reduce suicidal behavior. To identify risk and protective factorsGoal: Improve assessment, management and treatment of patients with suicidal thoughts and attempts in the psychiatric ward.

Method

Prospective case-crossover study, 32 patients (19 men, 13 women), during 24 weeks. Psychiatric evaluation based on structural clinical interviews and questionnaires related to risk factors were conducted to patients with suicidal thoughts and attempts.

Results

74% of cases with high Suicide risk were hospitalized; only 40% were medium risk. Frequent factors often identified were lack of hope, the presence of major mood disorders / schizophrenia, previous suicidal attempts, psychological distress and personality disorders. The risk for patients with strong or average desire for suicide attempt, if not subject to proper management is almost five times greater than other patients.

Conclusions

Compared to the general population, the risk of death from a person already having attempted suicide is seriously higher. Evaluation and selection of proper treatment and circumstances is the key for a significant reduction of suicidal thoughts within a short time.
Is the time for suicide a random choice among young adults? An Italian study
Authors: Solano P. , Pizzorno E. , Gallina A.M. , Mattei C. , Gabrielli F.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Every year between 100’000 and 200’000 young people die by suicide and possibly 40 times as many attempt it [1]. Several studies analyze the seasonality of suicide in the general population, but few of them investigate it among young adults.

Objectives

We look for a seasonal pattern in suicidal behaviors performed by young adults and evaluate the lethality of their behaviors.

Aims

We test the hypothesis that

(a)

suicidal behaviors in young adults follow a seasonal pattern and

(b)

acts performed by males have a different lethality that those carried out by females.

Methods

Analyses are based on data for 3614 cases of suicidal behaviours performed by individuals aged between 18 to 24 occurring between 2001 and 2008, provided by the Italian Institute for Statistical Analysis (ISTAT). Variables included in the analysis were gender, lethality of the act and season.

Results

ANOVA shows a significant association between months and number of suicides with a significant difference between the first and the second semester. Peaks were found in January, March and May. Males have a significantly greater regularity of the peaks than females (Mann-Whitney U- Test p < 0,001). Females have a rapport between completed and attempted suicides of 0.14, while among males it is of 0.72.

Conclusions

Clinical implications of these findings should be considered with the aim of developing more effective preventative strategies targeted to this age group.
Rorschach and suicide-theories: A preliminary study in young women
Authors: Solano P. , Antico I. , Magi E. , Gabrielli F.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The accuracy of the Rorschach Test in identifying the pathway to suicide is still controversial, though it can help for a better understanding of the functioning of suicidal minds.

Objectives

To investigate whether Rorschach indexes fit major suicidal models.

Aims

To evaluate whether Schneidman's psychache theory (1993), Baumeister's thought deconstruction model (1990) and Maltsberger's affect deluge model (2003) fit with Rorschach test indexes.

Methods

Three young women hospitalised for near-lethal suicide- attempts were analysed through the Rorschach test by trained researchers using the Exner Comprehensive System. The Concept of the Object Scale on the Rorschach (COR) and the Mutuality of Autonomy Scale (MOA) were used for a systematic assessment of object relations and as index of interpersonal relationship capacities respectively.

Results

All the tests are scarce. All patients rejected Table 9.

Patient 1: L = 1.4, EB=3:0, X- index = 0.25, M- = 2, EA=3; X+% = 0.58; P=3; Zd = −1.5; Afr =0.2;Ego index = 0.5 sR=1 and S-CON = 9. COR: poor differentiation, articulation and integration and MOA level 2.

Patient 2 : L = 1.5; CDI +; EB = 2:0; Afr = 0.37. Ego index 0.3; EA = 2 ; S-CON = 8. COR = good differentiation and integration, though a poor articulation of the object, MOA level of 2.

Patient 3: L = 1.42; Ag=0, COP = 0; S-CON = 8; MOR = 2; Afr = 0.41, SumC’ = 1; CDI +; FM = 2, m = 1, M = 1. COR: scarce differentiation, severely impaired articulation and integration of the object, MOA = level 6.

Conclusions

Patient 1's Rorschach test suggests Baumeister's model; patient 2's test Maltsberger's model and patient 3's test Schneidman model.
Suicide intent scale in the prediction of suicide
Authors: Stefansson J. , Nordström P. , Jokinen J.
Published: May 2011

Objective

To assess the predictive value of the Suicide Intent Scale in patients with a high suicide risk. The secondary aim was to assess if the use of the factors of the Suicide Intent Scale would offer a better predictive value in case detection. Finally a short version of the scale was created after an item analysis.

Method

Eighty-one suicide attempters were assessed with the Beck‘s Suicide Intent Scale (SIS). All patients were followed up for cause of death. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves and tables were created to establish the optimal cut-off values for SIS and SIS factors to predict suicide.

Results

Seven patients committed suicide during a mean follow up of 9.5 years. The major finding was that mean SIS distinguished between suicides and survivors. The positive predictive value was 16.7% and the AUC was 0.74. Only the planning subscale reached the statistical significance. Four items were used to test a short version of SIS in the suicide prediction. The positive predictive value was 19% and the AUC was 0.82.

Conclusions

The Suicide Intent Scale is a valuable tool in clinical suicide risk assessment, a short version of the scale may offer a better predictive value.
Let's talk about suicide: Primary prevention programmes focusing on youth, elderly and media
Authors: Tančič Grum A. , Poštuvan V. , Roškar S.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Slovenia is a country with a very high suicide rate. Unfortunately, there is a lack of primary suicide prevention programmes.

Objectives

Our main objective was to develop suicide prevention programmes, which would decrease suicide rate in Slovenia. We would achieve that by increasing awareness and knowledge of different professionals, who address or come in contact with the most vulnerable risk groups.

Methods

Firstly we identified school counselors, family doctors and media as professionals to target. School counselors have an important gatekeeper’s role in youth suicide prevention and family doctors are of a similar importance for elderly population. Besides, media has a significant influence on any at-risk person regarding suicide prevention. Secondly, we prepared manuals with practical guidelines: for school counselors - how to recognize and deal with suicidal youth, for family doctors - how to recognize and treat depression and suicidal behavior among elderly, and for media representatives - how to responsibly report about suicide. Lastly, we performed 1-day workshops for all gatekeepers’ groups covering the contents of the manuals.

Results

All the initiatives received highly positive expert-reviews and a lot of encouraging feedbacks from participants. An evaluation with pre-post questionnaire showed that participants’ feelings of competency in dealing with suicidal person have improved after the involvement in programmes’ workshops and reading the manuals.

Conclusions

Experiences showed that primary suicide prevention programmes are highly appreciated and we believe that is necessary to continue and deepen the work in this area also in the future.
The role of sunshine in suicide: an explanatory model for the suicide peak in spring
Authors: Vyssoki B. , Sonneck G. , Praschak-Rieder N. , Kasper S. , Willeit M. , Kapusta N.D.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

It is known from previous studies that suicide follows a seasonal pattern with a peak in spring.

Objectives

Analyze whether suicidal behavior is associated with the increase in the duration of sunshine in spring.

Aims

To investigate the effect of number of sunshine hours per month on suicide rates in Austria between 1996–2006.

Methods

Suicide data, differentiated by month of suicide, gender, and method of suicide (violent vs. non-violent methods), were provided by Statistics Austria. Data on the average number of sunshine hours per month were provided by the Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology. For statistical analysis ANOVA tests and Pearson correlation tests were used.

Results

Suicide frequencies were highest between March and May, lowest between November and January (df = 11, F = 5.2, p < .0001). The average number of sunshine hours per month was significantly correlated with the number of suicides among both genders r = .43 (p < .0001), violent methods (r = .48; p < .0001) but not with nonviolent methods (r = .03; p = .707).

Conclusions

Light, possibly through interaction with melatonin, norepinephrine and serotonin, may improve motivation and drive first while mood improves at a later point in time. Thereby, a rapid increase in sunshine in spring might increase suicidal tendencies in vulnerable subjects.

Fig. 1

[Suicides and sunshine hours in Austria,1996-2006]
Behavioral, chronic and mental health in minority women: results from the national Latino Asian American study
Authors: Appel H. , Ai A. , Huang B.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Asian Americans and Latino women underutilize mental health services.

Studies show Asian American women have higher depression scores and less physical activity than their male counterparts. Ethnic minorities are deterred from seeking mental health care in a timely manner or from following appropriate treatment guidelines. Asian American women are less likely to seek mental health services compared to Latina and white women. Mental health issues in Asian and Latina women may be masked by psychosomatic complaints. Data from the National Latino Asian American Study, the first comprehensive epidemiological study of Asian Americans and Latinos in the USA.

Objectives

To examine the behavioral, chronic and mental health issues in Latina and Asian American women.

Methods

3,012 Asian American and Latina American women from six ethnic subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican Americans) from metropolitan areas were interviewed. Measures include behavioral, drug, chronic health conditions, and mental health issues, and frequency of health service seeking using T-tests and ANOVA.

Results

The results showed Asian Americans women have less heart disease compared with Latina American women, but higher rates of smoking. More Filipinos rated their health as “Excellent” compared with Chinese and Vietnamese, and experience less major depressive disorder than their Asian counterparts. All three Asian American subgroups experience less anxiety than Latina American women.

Conclusions

While raters of mental health problems may be low, they are unique in how they manifest themselves, and in the distinct ways in which they seek health services. There are marked differences among major ethnic subgroups.
Quality of life and social adaptation in women suffering from fibromyalgia
Authors: Guerro-Prado D. , Echeverria N. , Jiménez L. , Leira M. , García-Resa E. , Ceverino A. , Barjau J. , Rodriguez J.R. , Duque A. , Stantiford E.
Published: May 2011

We set up a study to analyze quality of life and social adaptation in a group of women suffering from fibromyalgia.

Patient inclusion from 1st March to 30th June 2010. An especially designed questionnaire was used for the study, together with Short-Form-36 Health Survey (SF36), Family Apgar questionnaire, Duke-UNC Functional Social Support (Duke-UNC 11) questionnaire, and Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale (SASS). SPSS was used for statistical analysis.

Following explanation of purpose of our study and confidentiality agreement, 35 women voluntarily joined our study. Mean age was 52.2 years standard deviation (SD) 7.17. 82,9% had children (mean 2.03 and SD 0.94); 85.7% of patients acknowledged coping with fibromyalgia “badly” or “very badly”; 60% acknowledged that their illness affected their families “severely” or “critically”; 94.3% acknowledged their quality of life affected “much” or “very much”; and 85.7% of patients had their social relationships “much” or “very much” affected. 82.9% of our group of patients was under psychiatric treatment. SF36 scored an average of 27.85 on the physical functioning subscale (SD 19.93); physical role 6.42 (SD 18.53); pain 16.64 (SD 13.7); social functioning 32.14 (SD 21.92); mental health 33.14 (SD 19.0); emotional role 15.23 (SD 30.61); vitality 16.28 (SD 18.60) and general health perception 16.71 (SD 14.54). Family Apgar scored 7.34 (SD 2.53). Duke-UNC 11 scored 35.17 (SD 11.34). Finally, SASS scored 31.32 (SD 7.59).

In view of the results, women suffering from fibromyalgia showed severe changes in all parameters analyzed, social adaptation being very much impaired.
Fibromyalgia and psychopathology
Authors: Guerro-Prado D. , Echeverria N. , Jiménez L. , Leira M. , García-Resa E. , Ceverino A. , Barjau J. , Rodríguez J.R. , Duque A. , Stantiford E.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Fibromyalgia seems to be associated with various forms of psychopathology, particularly major affective disorders.

Objective

To evaluate associated psychopathology in a series of women with diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Methods

Patient inclusion from 1st March to 30th June 2010. Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) was used for evaluation. SPSS was used for statistical analysis of data and results.

Results

A total of 34 women voluntarily joined our study. Mean age was 52.2 years (standard deviation (SD) 7.17). 11.4% were singled, 74.3% married or unmarried couples, 8.6% were divorced, and 5.7% were widowers. 74.3% of women lived with their couple and/or children whereas 8.6% lived by their own, and 8.6% with their parents. Results obtained with SCL-90-R showed:

Global Severity Index (GSI) 1.86 (Standard Deviation (SD) 0.54); Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI) 2.58 (SD 0.36); Positive Symptom Total (PST) 167.85 (SD 49.30); Somatization (SOM) 2.62 (SD 0.53); Obsessive-Compulsive (O-C) 2.59 (SD 0.78); Interpersonal Sensitivity (I-S) 1.50 (SD 0.86); Depression (DEP) 2.5 (SD 0.75); Anxiety (ANX) 1.75 (SD 0.74); Hostility (HOS) 1.11 (SD 0.82); Phobic Anxiety (PHOB) 1.09 (SD 0.84); Paranoid Ideation (PAR) 1.11 (SD 0.85); Psychoticism (PSY) 1.05 (SD 0.62), and other vague symptoms 2.15 (SD 0.70).

Conclusion

Our patients with fibromyalgia scored higher in somatization, obsession-compulsion, depression, and anxiety. In view of the results, there is an important association between fibromyalgia and various forms of psychopathology.
Life course and family history in dermatitis artefact: a comparative study
Authors: El Kissi Y. , Mannai J. , Kenani N. , Nouira R. , Ben Hadj Ali B.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Dermatitis artefact (DA) is a self-inflicted skin disease. The exploration of family history and life course of patients could help to better understand the pathogenesis of this disorder.

Objective

To compare family history and life course between patients with DA with patients with other chronic skin disease and siblings.

Materials and methods

Thirty female patients meeting DSM-IV criteria of DA were recruited in dermatology department of Farhat Hached hospital (Sousse, Tunisia).

Controls consisted of 30 patients with chronic dermatitis, randomly selected and matched for age and disease duration. For each patient, one sister, the closest in age, was recruited to constitute the siblings group.

Result

Compared with controls, DA patients had lower educational level (p < 10-3), less occupational activity (p = 0.002) and were more often single (p < 10-3). They reported more medical care or prolonged hospitalization in childhood (p = 0.013), more psychiatric disorders (p = 0.006) and more suicide attempts (p = 0.001).

Compared with their sisters, patients with DA had fewer professional activity (p < 103), and were more often single (p < 10-3). They also had more medical history or prolonged hospitalizations during childhood (p = 0.006), more psychiatric disorders (p = 0.002) and more suicide attempts (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to their sisters and to patients with other chronic skin disease, DA patients were more often single, less often professionally active and had more medical care during childhood, psychiatric history and suicide attempts.
Evaluation of depression scores in 150 women in reproductive age menstrual cycle
Authors: Fakhari A. , Pour Abolghasem S. , Afsar E.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Depression is one of the prevalent mood disorders and it's the second debilitating disorder in the world. Female menstrual cycle is one of natural and psychological stage in fertility period and this cycle has different behavioral symptoms. In this study, changes in depression scores were studied during different phases of menstrual cycle.

Material and methods

During a basic study, 150 fertile women were chosen and were evaluated by Beck and Hamilton Questionnaires during a menstrual cycle. Data were gathered and analyzed by SPSS software.

Result

Thirty four people were removed because of confounding factors. About 53.4% of them were single by the mean age of 22.10 years ( ± 4.67 SD), and 46.6% were married by the mean age of 34.65 years ( ± 7.51 SD). The mean score of Back questionnaire in the first phase was 11.49, in the second phase was 9.65, and in the third phase was 11.87. The score of Hamilton questionnaire in the first phase was 11.03, in the second phase was 9.45, and in third phase was 11.04, which there was significant differences in both of the tests.

Conclusion

Depression scores increase by reduction of hormone levels in days 2–3 and they classified as mild depression on average and during days 11–14. On the other hand, depression scores decreased by increment of hormone levels to maximum during ovulation days, as well as in days 23–26, depression scores increase by reduction of hormone levels and on average they classified as mild depression.
Prevalence of suicidal ideation and desire for death in a group of female muslim students one year after exposure to suicide bomb attack in Pakistan
Authors: Faruqui R. , Bashir A. , Taj R. , Khan A. , Yousaf F. , Waheed A. , Ayub Z. , Bibi A.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Psychological distress and suicide are known to be associated with exposure to traumatic life events. No literature is available on prevalence of suicidal ideation in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

Objectives

To study suicidal ideation and desire for death in trauma exposed population in Pakistan.

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and desire for death one year after exposure to extreme trauma in a well-defined and accessible group in Pakistan.

Methods

Subjects were examined 1 year after exposure to a bomb blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. A semi-structured interview schedule and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation were used to assess a group of female University students. Assessment record of 50 consecutive study participants were evaluated to estimate point prevalence of suicidal ideation and desire for death in the study population.

Results

All subjects were enroled in full time university education at the time of assessment. 17 subjects (34%) presented with weak desire for death whilst 5 subjects (10%) presented with moderate to severe desire for death. 15 Subjects (30%) presented with active suicidal ideation at the time of assessment. However, ony 3 subjects (6%) presented with moderate to severe suicidal ideation. The subjects presenting with suicidal ideation described family ties, religious beliefs, fear of irreversible injury as protective factors against their suicidal thoughts. Only 2 subjects (4%) had engaged in some degree of planning towards committing suicide.

Conclusions

This study provides the first structured estimate of prevalence of suicidal ideation in trauma exposed population of Pakistan.
The effect of cognitive behavior therapy among a sample ofiranian women who smoked and were depressed in 2009–2010: An experimental study
Authors: Habil H. , Seghatoleslam T.
Published: May 2011

Aim

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) on the decrease of depression and the number of cigarettes smoked per day.

Method

This interventional study was carried out on 112 women (staff of a medical centre), 84 of whom were depressed and as current smokers, used on an average of 25 cigarettes per day. Some 78.6% of them were under psychiatric supervision for nine years. Finally, 28 smokers between the ages 25–55 were randomly selected and divided into two groups:

1)

experimental, and

2)

a control group.

The survey instruments were:

1)

a questionnaire that contained personal, family, and smoking information, and

2)

The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Participants received six (6) week session of CBT.

Results

Measured the effect of CBT through a pre-test and two post-tests. These results showed that there were significant decreases in depression with a reduction in the number of cigarettes smoked per day.

Conclusion

The results suggested that CBT provided some special benefits for women who smoke and suffer from depression.
Comparison of mental status in mothers and wives of addicted men, with mothers and wives of non-addicted men
Authors: Jamilian H. , Khansari M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Substance abuse of main family member can affect other family members in some studies.

Aims

Comparing the mental status of mothers and wives of addicted men, with mothers and wives of non-addicted men.

Methods

In a case-control study which performed in a recovery home in Arak-Iran, In 2009, 57 mothers and wives of addicted men, and 57 mothers and wives of non-addicted men were assessed by MMPI-2 questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using SPSS V17.

Results

The mean scores of addicted men's mothers were significantly higher than non-addicted men's mothers in hypochondriasis, depression, psychopath deviation, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizoid, and F scales. On the other hand, the mean scores of addicted men's wives were significantly higher than non-addicted men's wives in hypochondriasis, psychopath deviation, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizoid, and F scales.

Conclusion

There are severe psychiatric problems in mothers and wives of addicted men.
The comparison of mental health in fertile and infertile women
Authors: Jamilian H. , Jamilian M. , Doroodgar Hezaveh F.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Infertility affects life of couples and family function. Infertility can cause mental disturbances in some studies.

Aims

The goal of this study was the comparison of mental health in fertile and infertile women.

Methods

A case-control study was done in Arak-Iran, Taleghani hospital which is a center of Gynecology, in 2010. 60 infertile women as case group and 60 fertile women as control group participated in the study, randomly. Both groups were assessed by GHQ questionnaire and data were analyzed by T-Test and logistic regression.

Results

The severity of mental disturbances were much more in infertile women (P < 0.001). Social dysfunction (P < 0.001) and somatic complaints (P < 0.001) were also higher in infertile women. The probability of mental disturbances was much higher in infertile women (P < 0.001 and OR = 5.57).

Conclusion

Mental health of infertile women is very critical and disturbed. The findings of our study necessitate the multidimensional interventions in the treatment of infertility.
Study of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphorik disorder in Azerbaijan
Authors: Katibli S.
Published: May 2011

Objectives

The study is aimed to investigate clinical and social aspects of premenstrual disorders in Azerbaijan.

Methods

180 women at the age 20–49 from general population have been included in the research. The study used the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool to assess severity of premenstrual symptoms. The women's quality of life was evaluated with QoLS (Quality of life Scale).

Results

The most prevalent complaints included sleep disorders, fatigue, irritability and depressed mood. These symptoms affected work efficiency or productivity, relationships with co-workers, relationships with family members, social life activities, and home responsibilities. At the same time short-term presentation of these symptoms had limited impact on quality of life indicators attributed to long-term outcomes.

Conclusions

The activities on increasing awareness on premenstrual disorders are recommended as an important component of reproductive health program.
Therapeutic and psychopreventive approaches in rehabilitation of women with breast cancer
Authors: Kupriyanova I.E.
Published: May 2011

Objective of investigation

To study structure of borderline neuro-mental disorders in women with breast cancer with subsequent development of therapeutic and psychopreventive activities.

Material and methods

We examined 102 women. At the first stage we have analyzed the role of constitutional-biological, social and psychogenic factors in formation and subsequent clinical dynamic of borderline neuro-mental disorders. Classification of psychiatric diagnosis was conducted according to ICD-10. During diagnosis we used the following diagnostic categories: for neurotic disorders (F41–48) and for personality disorders (F60). Results: Women with neurotic disorders reliably predominated, and namely - mixed anxiety and depressive reaction (F43.22). At stage I and II patients with pre-nosological disorder predominated (asthenic variant with predominance of mental fatigue) (22,73% and 24,14%, respectively), and at stage III - with dysthymic variant of pre-nosological disorder (18,18%). At stage II of breast cancer we have diagnosed mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (F41.2) (3,45%).

Conclusion

Medico-biological block included early diagnosis of revealed psychopathological disorders at pre-hospital stage; identification of profile of the personality and level of mental health during stay in hospital. Psychopharmacotherapeutic block consisted of individual therapeutic programs for women with various level of mental health. Social block based on organization of system of rehabilitation, including work with patients in the hospital, joint observation with cancer therapist for a half of the year, participation of patients in an open psychotherapeutic group.
Influences of alexithymia and assertiveness in the self-concept - study of women's situation in Portugal
Authors: Lopes R.
Published: May 2011

The self-concept, its importance has been widely investigated in different areas of knowledge and involved in numerous clinical situations, and is considered an entity in different vulnerable psychopathological disorders in women.

We conducted a study aiming to identify some psychological characteristics that influence and / or predictors of self-concept in women, specifically, alexithymia and assertiveness. In this study, descriptive, correlational and cross, the instrument of data collection was composed of scales (validated in the Portuguese population); Self-concept Clinical Inventory (SCCI) Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS20) and Rathus Assertiveness Scale (RAS).

The convenience sample consisted of 104 female students in the Bachelor of Nursing, aged between 18 and 35 years, mean age 19,32 years and standard deviation 1,7. The self-concept varied between 58 and 94 (minimum-maximum), with an mean of 74,06 and 72,00 of mode.

Correlational study found that alexithymia (TAS20) (rho =−,426; p = ,000) and its factors: identifying feelings (F1-TAS20) (rho =−,270; p = ,006), describe feelings (F2-TAS20) (rho =−,392; p = ,000) and externally oriented thinking (F3-TAS20) (rho = ,372; p = ,000) correlated negatively and highly significantly with self-concept. Assertiveness correlated positively and highly significantly with self-concept (rho = ,412; p = ,000).

Through hierarchical multiple regression predictor variables emerged as the self-concept: alexithymia (2,25%;p = ,000 negative contribution), assertiveness (2,64%; p = ,002 positive contribution) externally oriented thinking (2,92%; p = ,008 negative contribution).

We conclude that the implementation of strategies which promote personal and social development and personal and social skills of women, particularly assertiveness and expression of emotions are essential to a better self-concept and consequently to the mental health of women.