bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation of nursing students’ experiences in an Iranian psychiatric unit
Authors: Sarvghamat M. , Karimollahi M.
Published: May 2011

Aim

This qualitative study set out to discover and explain clinical experiences of nursing students in a psychiatric unit in an Iranian hospital.

Method

This Heideggerian hermeneutic phenomenological study was carried out in a psychiatric unit of an educational hospital in Iran. Data were produced through an in-depth interview with 13 participants. Analysis rooted in the Diekelmann manner helped to interpret data and uncover frequent themes.

Findings

Four correlated themes - Anxiety, Maturation, Learning Routines and Enthusiasm were recognized in the data.

Conclusion

These results present exclusive insight for scheduling and applying and fitting clinical Education in Iran, especially in psychiatric units. The exploration and description of experiences of the nursing students will help nurse educators plan clinical learning opportunities in such a way that they are less stressful, thus ensuring that nursing students are equipped to use themselves as therapeutic instruments.
The comparison between resiliency and mental health among athlete and non-athlete male students
Authors: Khodabakhshi A. , Khodaee M.R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

One the factor is very important to encounter the stress in daily life's is resiliency. People, who had the high resiliency profile, could overcome the obstacles in their lives. Some investigations indicated that people, who had routine exercise, applied better coping strategies to coping with stress.

Objectives

Propose of this study is to the comparison between resiliency and mental health among athlete and non-athlete male students.

Methods

100 male students who had routine exercise and the other 100 male students who had not any physically activity from three universities in Tehran were selected in present study. Total 200 subjects were answered General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Resiliency Questionnaire (CD-Resi). The data were analysis with SSPS version 18.

Results

The results indicated resiliency and mental health of athlete students were dramatically difference in comparison to non-athlete students. In the other word, the athlete students had higher scores in resiliency and mental health questionnaires. Moreover, the results showed the positive correlation between the resiliency and mental health scores in two group of students.

Conclusion

According to the results students who had regular physical activity were more resiliencies than the other group of students. For coping with the stress people need the effective coping strategies like, problem solving strategy. The results of this research indicated that athlete students had better mental health profile than the non-athlete students. This is noteworthy to note that, the exercise or regular physical activity could be influence the resiliency and mental heath of people.
Psychological and psychiatric aspects of rehabilitation participants in the karabakh war
Authors: Mehdiyev E.
Published: May 2011

Most often in combat environment adaptive and disadaptive registers of prepathologic level as well as prenosologic registers of pathologic level of psychic disorders are observed in servicemen. Acute psychologic and pathologic reactions of prenosologic level are predominant, with a considerable decrease of reactive psychoses, especially of their persisting forms.

Principal peculiarity of the system of psychological correction and medicopsychological rehabilitation of combatants with combat stress reactions is, alongside with the detection and treatment of psychic disorders, its orientation to the restoration of their combat ability, if they are to participate in combat actions, and the restoration of their working ability, if they are to resume peaceful life. The author worked out approaches to the creation of a system of medicopsychologic and psychocorrective rehabilitation measures for this group’ of persons and suggested a number of original psychotherapeutic methods.

The realization of psychocorrective and medicopsychologic rehabilitation measures oversteps the competence limits of psychiatrists alone and can be effective if their efforts are combined with the activity of specialists in psychophysiology, social and medical psychology, narcology and some other fields.
Validation of the specific scale of perceived stress among Tunisian students
Authors: Mnif L. , Yaich S. , Ammar Y. , Masmoudi J. , Damak J. , Jaoua A.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The university transition life is the most frequent source of problems. These problems results from stress academic and family relationship dysfunction. These stress factors can pose a risk in student's mental and physical health.

However, stress is the result of a transaction between the person and the environment.

The objective

Of this work is to validate the specific scale of perceived stress among Tunisian students.

Methods

To evaluate the perceived stress among students, we used the specific scale of perceived stress (Boujut E, Bruchon-Schweitzer M, 2003). This scale was constructed and validated on French students.

The scale is as a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 25 items.

The validation was made on a representative sample of university students (n = 500) randomly selected.

The main properties studied were: acceptability, reliability (Pearson’s coefficient ‘r’), face validity and content validity (Cronbach's alpha).

Results

The acceptability of the questionnaire was good, less than 10% of students were unable or unwilling to complete the questionnaire. The Pearson coefficient showed good reliability for this scale r = 0.98, p < 0.05. The Cronbach's alpha was acceptable for all items of the scale α = 0.81.

Conclusion

The specific scale of perceived stress is valid among Tunisian students. It is now available for clinicians to measure the level of perceived stress among students.
Stress and burnout syndrome in medical professions in the Czech Republic
Authors: Ptacek R. , Celedova L. , Kuzelova H. , Cevela R. , Kebza V. , Solcova I.
Published: May 2011

Stress in medical practice has always been a topical issue. This is partly because medical service involves taking care of other peoples’ lives and mistakes or errors could be costly and sometimes irreversible. It is thus expected that the medical doctor himself must be in a perfect state of mind devoid of morbid worries and anxieties. This is however not usually the case, because the doctor apart from being affected by the same variables that impose stress on the general population, is also prone to stress because of the peculiarities of his work situation and the expectation of the society at large.

We have conducted an extensive research to determine the level of stress load and occurrence of burnout syndrome between Czech medical doctors comparing to general professions. Group of medical doctor (n = 500) was compared to group of on medical professions (n = 500) using questionnaires for evaluation of stress load and burnout syndrome.

The results of the study confirmed that occurrence of high stress load and burnout syndrome is substantially higher than in non-medical professions (p < 0.01) and further several specific factors influencing occurrence of stress and burnout syndrome was identified (i.e. age, length of medical practice etc). The study supports the hypothesis that medical professions represent serious factor in stress load and thus persons in medical professions should be subject to special care.
Burnout and engagement in portuguese nurses working with mental illness
Authors: Queiros C. , Dias S. , Marques A.J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

In their activities nurses deals with pain, suffering people and deficient work conditions related with physical aspects, emotional relationships within the team or difficulty to adapt to new rules. Working with mental ill individuals increase the demands and some professionals became emotional exhausted, stressed and feel in burnout, whereas others became motivated and engaged. According to recent literature, engagement can protect from burnout, helping professionals to efficiently cope with stressful situations (Schaufeli et al., 2002).

Aims

Identify the levels of burnout and engagement of nurses working with mental illness.

Methods

Data were collected using a translation from Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson, 1997) and Utrech Work Enthusiasm Scale (Schaufeli & Bakker, 2003), applied to 110 portuguese nurses working with mental illness. The sample was composed by 21% male and 79% female; mean age 37.7 years.

Results

Our nurses don’t feel burnout, showing low emotional exhaustion (M = 2.3 in a Likert scale 0–6 points), lowest cynism (M = 0.97) and higher professional efficacy (M = 4.5). They feel engaged with work, showing higher dedication (M = 4.3), vigor (M = 3.99) and absorption (M = 3.7). Some differences were found, with males showing higher cynism than females. Burnout was negatively correlated with engagement.

Conclusions

Despite lower results of burnout in our sample, nursing is a professional activity that elicits stress, making professionals vulnerable to burnout, especially when they work with patients with special demands such us mentally ill people. However, engagement appear as a protective factor to feel burnout, allowing professionals to be dedicated and absorbed by their activity.
Socioeconomic and sex inequalities in job satisfaction of Japanese civil servants: Role of job strain, work hours and work-family conflicts
Authors: Sekine M. , Tatsuse T.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Under slow economic growth, the maintenance of job satisfaction is important. This study aims to evaluate

(1) whether psychosocial stress at work and work-family conflicts contribute to low job satisfaction and

(2) whether these work and family characteristics explain socioeconomic and sex inequalities in low job satisfaction.

Methods

The subjects were civil servants in local government in Japan. Questionnaire survey was conducted in 2003. Altogether 4272 subjects (response rate: 79.2%) responded. The questionnaire included questions on job satisfaction, job strain, as measured by the job-demand-control-support model, work hours, shift work, family structure, and family-work conflicts.

Results

Approximately two thirds of participants were satisfied with their job. Low job control, high job demands, low social support, long work hours and high work-family conflicts were associated with low job satisfaction. Low grade employees were likely to report low job satisfaction but the associations were significant only for men. In men, the grade differences in low job satisfaction reduced and were no longer significant after adjustment for job strain, work hours and work-family conflicts. In women, the grade differences in low job satisfaction hardly changed after adjustment for job strain, work hours and work-family conflicts. More women than men reported low job satisfaction. The sex difference reduced and was no longer significant after adjustment for job strain, work hours and work-family conflicts.

Conclusion

Job strain, long work hours, and work-family conflicts may cause low job satisfaction and contribute to socioeconomic and sex inequalities in low job satisfaction.
Cognitive coping strategies in mothers of HIV-infected children and their connection to the mother's psychological distress, parenting, and spousal relations
Authors: Tartakovsky E. , Hamama L.
Published: May 2011

Objective

The main goal of the present study was to investigate the coping strategies of mothers of HIV-infected children and their relation to the mothers’ psychological distress, parenting, and spousal relations.

Methods

The study was conducted in Southern Kazakhstan in the wake of a children's HIV-epidemic caused by the use of unsterile instruments and infusions of infected blood in State hospitals. Mothers of HIV-infected children undergoing testing and treatment in the municipal HIV Center participated in the study (n = 63).

Results

The most frequently used strategies were focusing on planning and catastrophizing; the least common strategies they employed were putting into perspective and self-blame. Focusing on planning and rumination were associated with a high level of acceptance of the child, while self-blame was associated with a low level of acceptance. Positive refocusing was associated with a low level of psychological distress, and catastrophizing was associated with a high level of psychological distress. Self-blame was associated with a low level of spousal relations, while positive refocusing and focusing on planning were associated with high levels of spousal relations.

Conclusions

The results obtained are discussed in light of stress-coping theory (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), the positive psychology paradigm (Seligman et al., 2005), and the two-track model of grieving (Rubin, 1996).
Chronic stress and anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders in patients of phoniatric practice
Authors: Stukalo A. , Veltishchev D. , Romanenko S. , Seravina O. , Kovalevskaya O.
Published: May 2011

Objectives

To research the influence of stress factors on the development and circuit of voice disorders in their relation to anxiety and depressive spectrum.

Aims

To analyze the extent to which the anxiety and depressive disorders are spreading among the patients with voice dysfunctions, to determine the variety of factors for psychological traumatic experience, and to distinguish the variety of anxiety and depressive disorders.

Methods

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the projective psychological tests.

Results

Preliminary HADS screening was conducted among 180 patients. More than half of the patients (57.5%) had high risk of anxiety and depressive disorders. 55 patients (44 women, 13 men, age of 18–70) with voice disorders and the positive results of screening were included to the study. Patients underwent a complete otolaryngologic examination and were grouped into organic voice pathology (34.5%) and non-organic voice pathology (65.5%). In accordance with ICD-10, anxiety and depressive disorders were diagnosed in 48 (87%) patients. In most cases the phoniatric pathology developed in chronic stress conditions. The prevailed chronic stress factors that provoked both anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders and voice pathology were inability to reach pre-set social goal (65.4%), ethical conflict (18.2%) and lack of external control factors (16.4%). Professional factor was also important as 38.2% of the group claimed heavy voice load at work.

Conclusion

Chronic stress factors play significant provoking role in the development of voice and anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders, which should be taken into account to design diagnostic and therapeutic tactics for patients with voice pathology.
Personality disorder as a relevant factor to the management of drug overdoses in the emergency service
Authors: Artieda Urrutia P. , Gomez-Arnau Ramirez J. , Sanchez Paez P. , Gomez Soler R. , de la Vega Sanchez D.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Voluntary drug overdoses are an important part of psychiatric demand in the emergency service. Nevertheless, a protocolized attention for these cases does not exist. Therefore, its management only depends on doctors’ personal criteria. Many of these cases have been previously diagnosed as Personality Disorder.

Objectives

Studying the differences in management of drug overdosing depending on previous diagnosis of personality disorder. Also, we look for associated factors that can influence the final decision.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 112 drug overdoses attended from July to December 2009. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results

34 attended patients (30,4%) have previous diagnosis of personality disorder. In these, the most frequent diagnosis was parasuicide attempt in the Emergency Service. In contrast, the rest of the patients were diagnosed as suicidal attempt.

We found statistically significant differences (p < 0,05) in the destination after Emergency evaluation (ambulatory or hospitalization) depending on a previous personality disorder diagnosis.

The media of previous overdoses in personality disorder group was significantly higher (3,29 Vs 0,64; P < 0,01).

We found that humor and anxiety disease comorbility, associated toxicomany, alcohol or cocaine use during the overdose, were more frequent in the group with personality disorder.

Conclusion

Although drug overdoses in patients with personality disorder have less letal intention, these patients were hospitalized more frequently than the others. This finding could be explained because of the presence of other associated factors that contribute to the global risk of overdosing. Previous overdoses seem to have significant influence in final decision.
A preliminary naturalistic study of low-dose ketamine for depression and suicide ideation in the emergency department
Authors: Larkin G.L. , Beautrais A.L. , Turelli R.R. , Sanacora G. , Powsner S. , Lippmann M. , Krystal J.
Published: May 2011

Background

Rapid-onset antidepressants could have important clinical impact if their benefits extended to ED patients. We examined preliminary feasibility, tolerability and efficacy of single-dose IV ketamine in depressed ED patients with suicide ideation (SI).

Methods

Fourteen depressed ED patients with SI received a single IV bolus of ketamine (0.2 mg/kg) over 1–2 minutes. Patients were monitored for 4 hours, then re-contacted daily for 10 days. Treatment response and time to remission were evaluated using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Kaplan Meier survival analysis, respectively.

Results

Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Young Mania Rating Scale scores transiently increased in two subjects, consistent with ketamine's cognitive/behavioral effects in other populations. Mean MADRS scores fell significantly from 40.4 (SEM:1.8) at baseline to 11.5 (2.2) at 240 minutes. Median time to MADRS score ≤10 was 80 minutes (Interquartile Range: 0.67–24 hours). Suicide ideation scores (MADRS item 10) decreased significantly from 3.9 (SEM:0.4) at baseline to 0.6 (SEM:0.2) at 40 minutes post-administration, with improvements sustained over 10 days.

Conclusions

These data provide preliminary, open-label support for the feasibility and efficacy of ketamine as a rapid-onset antidepressant in the ED.
High rate of suicide and attempted suicide in the lipjan detention center (LDC), compared to other correctional institutions of kosovo (CIK)
Authors: Blakaj Ramadani V. , Blakaj S. , Gjocaj M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

In Correctional Institutions of Kosovo (CIK), the rate of suicide and attempted suicide is low (in the last six years have been six suicide).

Disturbing is the fact that during the period October 2007 to January 2009 at the Lipjan Detention Center (LDC) have been nine suicide and three attempted suicide, while in all other correctional institutions has not happened any suicide and only one attempted suicide. This level is to high when we consider the fact that the capacity of LDC is approximately 200 prisoners, while in all other correctional institutions have about 1500 prisoners.

Objectives

The objective is to find reasons for such a high level of suicide and attempted suicide in LDC.

Aims

The aim is to return the low level of suicidal behavior in LDC.

Methods

Mapping:

1.

Survey documentation

2.

Interviews

3.

Focus groups

Results

1.

Lack of detection of cases at risk for suicide during admission.

2.

Inadequate administrative and health management.

3.

Insufficient communication between staff and prisoners

Conclusions

Better management in early detection of cases Creation of a multidisciplinary team for management of cases referred as risky for suicide
Suicide attempts and suicide ideation in adolescents: SDQ scores in the Spanish sample of “saving and empowering young lives in Europe” (SEYLE) project
Authors: Burón P. , Al-Halabí S. , Díaz-Mesa E. , Garrido M. , Galván G. , Rancaño J.L. , Casares M.J. , García-Portilla P. , Sáiz P. , Bobes J.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Behaviour disorders in adolescents are a risk factor associated with suicidal behavior.

Aim

To examine the distribution of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores in the Spanish sample of adolescents from the “Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe” (SEYLE) project and study the differences according to the gender and the relationship with both suicide attempts (SA) and suicidal ideation (SI).

Method

875 pupils from 12 secondary schools sited in Asturias (Spain) [50.7% males; mean age (SD) =14.5 (0.72)] were assessed through the SDQ and Paykel Suicide Scale (PSS).

Results

No significant differences were found in the SDQ total score by gender, but were found (p< 0.001) in some subscales as emotional symptoms (t=-6.769) (women scoring higher), hyperactivity (t=3.283) and prosocial (t=5.260) (men scoring higher). Regarding PSS, 3.1% tried to take their life during past six months. No significant differences were found in SA by gender but were found (p< 0.050) for the thought that life not worth (t=-3.597), women scoring higher, and about wish to be dead (t=-2.630), men scoring higher. Previous SA were significant related (p< 0.001) with SDQ total score (X2=38,437), emotional symptoms (X2=25,528), hyperactivity (X2=13,572) and behaviour disorders (X2=7,505). SI was significant related (p< 0.001) with SDQ total score (X2=38,437), emotional symptoms (X2=31,077), behaviour disorders (X2=33,011), peer problems (X2=35,161) and prosocial behavior (X2=17,978).

Conclusion

SA and SI were related with difficulties (SDQ criteria), mainly on emotional symptoms and behaviour disorders. Prevention strategies in high risk groups are likely to become increasingly important.
Active screening of suicide risk in an adolescent population
Authors: Cosman D. , Nemes B. , Herta D.C.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Suicide has emerged as one of the most important causes of death in the age group 15–34 and ranks as the second cause of death after traffic accidents and other injuries in the age group 15–19. In Europe, more than 13,000 young men and women aged 15–24 die by suicide each year. Therefore, identifying risk factors for suicidal behavior has become a priority, and suicide prevention in the young population is a major area of interest for public health professionals, stakeholders and researchers.

Aim

To actively screen for a range of unhealthy behaviors used as cut-offs in the Romanian SEYLE (Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe) sample, and to assess their significance as risk factors for suicidal behavior.

Method

1143 9th grade pupils aged between 14 and 16 from 16 high schools in two counties in North-Western Romania were randomized in the SEYLE protocol. They were screened for suicidal ideation and behavior, depression, anxiety and a number of risk-taking behaviors: non-suicidal self injury, unhealthy eating behavior, sensation seeking & delinquent behavior, substance abuse, increased exposure to media, limited social relationships, bullying, and truancy.

Results and conclusions

Suicidal behavior in adolescents is commonly associated with anxiety and a number of risk-taking behaviors, which may be used as warning signs while actively screening for suicide risk in adolescent populations. Although a high number of at-risk pupils were identified at baseline, no completed or attempted suicides were recorded in the assessed sample at 3-months follow-up.
Psychiatrist's reactions to patient suicide
Authors: Da Ponte G. , Neves T. , Lobo M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The suicide of a patient in ongoing treatment is surely among the most traumatic events in the professional life of a psychiatrist.

Objectives

Alert to the psychiatrist's reactions to patient suicide.

Methods

Review of literature relevant in medline database.

Results

A substantial proportion, estimated to range from 15% to 68%, of psychiatrists has experienced a patient suicide. A significant proportion of psychiatrists show strong negative reactions, affecting professional and personal lives at levels of distress that are frequently comparable with those seen in clinical populations. Psychiatrists develop rather classic symptoms of anxiety, depression, or acute or posttraumatic stress symptoms, and their responses are typical: in the beginning occurs shock, disbelief, denial and depersonalization; and in the second phase takes place: grief, shame and guilt (“did I listen to him?”), anger (toward the patient who did not honor a therapeutic contract), relief (for example, after the suicide of a chronically suicidal patient), and the finding of omens that the psychiatrist considered signs of the coming suicide. But they are predictors of increased distress among psychiatrists who experienced a patient suicide, and the more consistent are age, experience, individual personality and psychiatric history. Recognition of all this combined with an avoidance of isolation is an effective coping mechanism that prevents the structuring of a pathological response to the patient's suicide.

Conclusions

Psychiatrist's reactions to patient suicide are specific but not noted; its recognition is important to help them find appropriate coping mechanisms.
Psychiatric management of drug overdose: Risk factors, diagnosis and treatment
Authors: de la Vega Sánchez D. , Sánchez Páez P. , Gómez Soler M.R. , Artieda Urrutia P. , Gómez Arnau J. , Chinchilla Moreno A.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Suicidal behaviours are commonly found at increased rates among individuals with psychiatric disorders.

Objectives

To identify risk factors of suicide among the population attended in our area, describe the characteristics of the attempt and the management.

Methods

Review of the drug overdosings attended in our Hospital from July to December of 2009.

Results

We identified 112 drug overdosings. 80′4% of the patients had psychiatric history: Mood-Anxiety disorders 60′7%, Substance-Related Disorders 41′1%, Personality disorder 30′4% and Psychotic disorder 10′7. Previous attempts were found in 43′8% of the patients. The most common drug used were benzodiacepines (73% of the cases), followed by antypsychotics (17′9%). Up to 32′1% of the patients used non psychiatric drugs. 64′3% of the patients consumed alcohol and 13′4% cocaine. Moreover, 15′2% of the patients took other toxic substances such us bleach, soap and other chemical products.

We did not find significant differences when studying triggers (family, partnership, economical or others)

The most common diagnosis was suicide attempt (41′1%), followed by parasuicide attempt. 41′4% of the drug overdosings were not considered as self injurious behavior. 64% were referred to ambulatory services, 22′5% needed hospitalization in psychiatric units, and 5′4 were hospitalized in medical services. Although those diagnosed of personality disorder were more often diagnosed of parasuicide (50% Vs 32′1%), they needed more hospitalizations (41% Vs 21%)

Conclusions

-

Self-injurious behavior is one of the most common causes of consulting in the emergency services.

-

Patients diagnosed of personality disorder are more commonly hospitalized after making a suicide attempt.
Risk factors for suicidal behavior in adolescents from European countries with different suicidal rates: The possible role of cross-cultural differences
Authors: Sedlar N. , Sprah L. , Rosker S. , Jericek Klanscek H. , Dernovsek M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Adolescence is a time of developmental shifts that may leave young people especially vulnerable to suicidal behaviour. Suicidal rates in different European countries differ, which may be due to many factors, including cross-cultural differences.

Aims

We aimed to explore differences in risk factors for suicidal behaviour (poor subjective health and low life satisfaction, health-related behaviours, including alcohol drinking habits, family and peer factors) between European countries with different suicidal rates.

Methods

The data were collected through questionnaires in the survey ‘Health Behaviour in School-aged Children’, 2005/2006, using nationally representative samples of 15 year old students (N = 11,093) from 7 countries (Lithuania, Finland, Ireland, Slovenia, Norway, Italy, Greece).

Results

Principal component analyses were used to characterize how selected risk factors for suicide cluster together into factors. Differences for these factors were compared between 3 groups of countries: countries with low, average and high magnitude of suicidal rates (SDR; suicide death rate per 100 000, 15–29 years). Between group differences on first two factors, loaded by items measuring health-related behaviours, were significant and medium-sized and indicated cultural differences in alcohol use. Youth from Northern European countries - with high SDR, reported greater number of drunkenness occasions, whereas frequency of alcohol intake was greater for youth from Southern European countries - with low SDR.

Conclusions

Results indicated a possible association of suicidal behaviour and different drinking cultures, arising from different geographical locations and socio-cultural environments. Therefore research and preventive measures should consider specific socio-cultural context.
Retrospective - suicides in „east mostar” region in the period 1999 to 2009. Is there a reason for concern?
Authors: Duranović-Vinković L. , Šator E. , Mujić S.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Suicide represents act of conscious and intentional taking of own life.

According to ICD10 and DSMIV - suicidality and suicidal situations are a part of pathology within different diagnostic categories - most frequently PTSD, mood disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, addiction disease - with common attribute - loss or deterioration of vital instincts. Fifteen years after the war in B&H rise of suicides is evident.

Aim

determine number, characteristics, age/sex distribution and specifics of suicidal behaviour of population of subject region, and provide recommendations for preventive action.

Methods

it's a retrospective study of 10-year long monitoring of hospitalization by Psychiatry department of RMC DrS. Mujić in Mostar, under a diagnosis of Tentamen suicidii.

Results

Rise of suicide attempts is evident, especially in the period 2007–2009. In the period 2004–2009 threefold increase in share of men, whereby 6,9% pertains to ages 0–19, 37.6% to ages 20–34,23,5% to ages 35–44, and only 4.7% to ages 65+. Intoxication by medicaments is a leading mean.

Statistical processing - Microsoft Excell.

Conclusion

„East Mostar” region is an artificial creation, result of war, segregations, migrations, of predominantly Muslim population, which carries air of specific war trauma and after-war hopelessness, material and spiritual impoverishment, unfulfilled expectations and lack of perspective, and characteristics of suicidal behaviour of its population are therefore - specific.

It's necessary to conduct comprehensive research on state level, form centers with educated teams. Media and influence of religious communities can be critical in the segment of coping strategies.
Association of FKBP5 gene haplotypes with completed suicide in the Japanese population
Authors: Hishimoto A. , Sasada T. , Fukutake M. , Shiroiwa K. , Supriyanto I. , Shirakawa O.
Published: May 2011

Background

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is known to have a role in suicidal behaviors in patients with affective disorders. However, the incomplete overlapping of the genetic factors of suicidal behaviors and the genetic factors of affective disorders suggest that the genes associated with predisposition to suicidal behaviors and affective disorders are different. There is increasing evidence that genes regulating the HPA axis have effects on suicidal behaviors. To test this idea, we examined the association of three HPA axis-related genes (glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), mineralocorticoid receptors (NR3C2), and FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5)) with suicide.

Methods

We selected 3 SNPs of the FKBP5 (rs3800373, rs1360780, rs2395635), 2 SNPs of the NR3C1 (rs6196, rs10052957), and 3 SNPs of the NR3C2 genes (rs5525, rs5522, rs2070951) based on their frequency in the Japanese population. Using Taqman probe assays, we determined these SNPs in 219 completed suicide victims and 228 age- and gender- matched healthy control subjects.

Results

No significant differences in genotypic distribution or allelic frequency of any single SNPs between the completed suicide and control groups were observed. The distributions of TT, TC, and GT haplotypes of the FKBP5 gene (comprised of rs3800373 and rs1360780) between the completed suicide and control groups were significantly different (p < 0.05 for each haplotype). The TC haplotype withstood correction for multiple comparisons (corrected p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that haplotypes in FKBP5 gene are associated with completed suicide. This finding needs to be confirmed using rigorous SNPs selection in a larger sample.
Suicidality in ADHD: A review
Authors: Impey M. , Heun R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and suicidal behaviour are common psychiatric conditions with significant social and emotional morbidity. Although completed suicide in ADHD has been assessed in a previous meta-analysis, other domains of suicidal behaviour such as attempts and ideation have been documented only in individual studies. This review provides a summary of these studies in order to examine the relationship between attention deficit and risk to self.

Method

Electronic and manual literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PSYCHINFO, using a range of search terms around suicidality, attention-deficit and hyperactivity. Articles included both those looking at diagnosis of ADHD in suicidal populations, and those looking at suicidality in pre-diagnosed ADHD populations.

Results

Wide variation was seen in all dimensions, with the main determining factor being co-morbid diagnoses.

Suicidal populations

In populations completing suicide, ADHD was present in 4 to 25.9%. In suicide attempt and ideation populations, 1.6 to 65% and 10.5–31.8% respectively had ADHD. Attention deficit disorders were diagnosed more frequently in suicidal males than females. Age and location differences were not consistent across groups.

ADHD populations

In those with diagnosed ADHD, 9.1–70% had attempted suicide and 15.8–66.3% described suicidal ideation. Higher rates were seen in prison inmates and drug dependent subjects.

Discussion

Although there is a positive relationship between ADHD and risk to self, the magnitude can vary greatly between different populations. Further research on larger samples is necessary to firmly establish this. The process of risk assessment in ADHD needs to take into account the possibility of intentional self-injury and provide management strategies.
Hopelessness and serotonin related genes in depresseed suicide attempters
Authors: Jovanovic D.B. , Jovanovic A. , Ivkovic M. , Jasovic Gasic M.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

One million people worldwide commit suicide each year; the number of attempters is 20 times larger. The diathesis to suicidal behavior is inherited independently from mental disorders and is most often associated with depression. The importance of serotonergic genes in the genesis of suicidal behavior and depression is assumed. The link between depression and suicidal behavior is hopelessness.

Objectives

Analyzing the link of certain serotonergic alleles and genotypes with suicidal behavior and depression, as well as with hopelessness.

Aims

To analyze the association of chosen serotonergic alleles and genotypes (5HTT LPR, LPR SNP, VNTR2; THP1 A218C, 5HTR1A C1019G; 5HTR2A T102C, C1354 T) with suicidal behavior, depression and hopelessness.

Methods

The study included 30 depressed suicide attempters, 30 depressed patients without attempt and 30 healthy controls. Polymerase Chain Reaction method was used to analyze serotonergic gene polymorphisms. Participants were tested with Beck Depression Inventory, Suicidal Intent Scale, Becks Hopelessness Scale.

Results

Two analyzed polymorphisms are associated with depression, but not with suicidal behavior (5HTTintron 2 alele 10 and A218 of the TPH1 gene). Hopelessness is more prominent in depressed suicide attempters.

Conclusions

The results support the role of two serotonergic genes in the genesis of depression. Hopelessness is an important predictor of suicidal behavior. Further investigation of the role of serotonergic genes in various subtypes of suicidal behavior is suggested.
Differences in the prevalence of insomnia and their predictive value in patients with deliberate drug self-poisoning
Authors: Kokras N. , Kouzoupis A. , Paparrigopoulos T. , Papadimitriou G.N.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Evidence suggests a relationship between sleep disturbances and suicidal ideation. The temporal appearance of insomnia has been proposed as a warning sign of imminent suicidal acts. However, there is little information on the temporal relation of insomnia with acts of deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) in particular.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify the insomnia prevalence in DSP patients and test its predictive value in relation to current psychiatric diagnosis and history of previous DSP acts.

Methods

Seventy consecutive patients with DSP admitted from February to September 2010 into three general hospitals had a psychiatric consultation and their sleeping pattern during the week before the DSP act was assessed using the Athens Insomnia Scale.

Results

Patients, with a mean age of 34 ± 2 years, predominantly women (70%), were diagnosed with personality disorders (68%), depression (22%) and psychosis (10%). The overall insomnia prevalence was 69%. A chi-square analysis showed that patients with an Axis I diagnosis were significantly more likely to present insomnia than patients with an Axis II diagnosis. Interestingly, when the number of previous DSP acts was included into the analysis, patients with an Axis I diagnosis with and without previous DSP acts had an equal prevalence of insomnia. On the contrary, in patients with an Axis II diagnosis and previous DSP acts, insomnia was three times more prevalent than in those with no previous DSP acts.

Conclusions

These results suggest that insomnia may be a valid proximal warning sign, particularly in patients with personality disorders and previous DSP acts.
Mental pain and suicide risk in women with major depression
Authors: Konstantakopoulos G. , Soumani A. , Oulis P. , Masdrakis V. , Damigos D. , Ploumpidis D.
Published: May 2011

Objectives

Previous studies have provided evidence on the possible relationship between mental pain (psychache) and suicide. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether more intense psychache is related with higher suicide risk independently of the severity of depression.

Methods

Orbach's Mental Pain Scale was administered in 58 women with major depression: 24 inpatients and 34 outpatients. Severity of depressive symptoms was evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory. Suicide Risk Scale was used for the assessment of suicide risk. Level of physical pain was measured by McGill Pain Questionnaire-Short form. Pearson's correlation was used to examine the relationship between variables and a multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the independent strength of the associations.

Results

Suicide risk was significantly and positively associated with the level of current psychache and the severity of depressive symptoms, and negatively with the age of onset of the illness. The levels of physical pain or worst-ever psychache were also correlated with suicide risk; however, these associations did not remain significant in the multiple regression models.

Conclusions

Higher levels of mental pain may be a factor of vulnerability to suicidal behaviour in major depression. Higher symptom severity and earlier onset of the illness may also contribute to suicide risk. The association between physical pain and suicide risk appears to be mediated by mental pain or other aspects of the illness.
Knowledge and experience of suicidal behavior in physicians in the county of Minsk, Belarus
Authors: Lasy Y. , Minkevich K. , Padruchny D. , Martynova T. , Mittendorfer-Rutz E.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Belarus has one of the worlds’ highest suicide rates (48.5 and 9.1/100,000 for men and women, respectively). The country's first suicide prevention project (2009–2013) focuses on educational courses for all physicians employed in primary health care (N = 120) in two regions of the county of Minsk (Total population: 73,663).

Objective

The aim of this paper was to investigate physicians’ knowledge with regard to suicide prevention as well as their experience of suicidal behavior based on findings from the pilot study.

Methods

45 physicians (mean age 43.6; 31 women, 14 men; 35% of all physicians) had participated in the first training courses, including two educational seminars (24 hours, 2009–2010). All participating physicians answered the questionnaire with 40 items distributed before the training courses.

Result

The preliminary findings indicate that half of the participating doctors (N = 22) considered mental disorders as being the main risk factor for suicide and equally many defined suicide as an expression of “spiritual weakness”. 48% considered that asking patients about suicidal thoughts can stimulate the act. As many as 47% (21 physicians) had experienced a patients’ suicide during their professional practice (14 of them more than once). About half of the doctors (N = 24) have been confronted with a patient's suicide attempt and 20 participants (44%) experienced suicidal behavior of close friends and relatives. 17 (38%) and 2 doctors reported suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts ever in life, respectively.

Conclusion

Improved suicidological knowledge is badly needed, particularly in the light of the frequent confrontation with suicidal patients.
Intent, lethality and psychological characteristics of medically serious suicide attempters
Authors: Levi Y. , Horesh N. , Apter A.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

The study of near fatal suicide attempters may provide insight into the minds of persons who die by suicide. Such attempts are characterized by high suicide intent, together with high medical lethality. The ability to fully understand the specific psychological profiles associated with severe of suicide intent can provide insights for suicide prevention.

Objectives & aims

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship of suicide intent to lethality among medically serious suicide attempters. Our aim was to examine specific psychological variables related to the subjective and objective components within suicide intent.

Methods

102 suicide attempters belonged to one of two groups: 35 subjects who made medically serious suicide attempts were compared with 67 non- medically serious suicide attempters. All were interviewed and completed questionnaires covering mental pain, communication difficulties, and seriousness of the suicide intent.

Results

The objective component of the suicide intent scale (SIS) was highly correlated the lethality, as well as to communication difficulties, such as self disclosure while the subjective component of the SIS was related to mental pain variables such as depression and hopelessness. A significant interaction between mental pain and communication difficulties was found to predict severity of the objective suicide intent.

Conclusions

The suicidal person whom suffers from depression and hopelessness and cannot signal his pain to others because of communication difficulties can be a risk for a serious suicide attempt - which is more planned, with more precautions against discovery and without communication before or during the attempts.
Support groups for suicide survivors: Self regulation and social support as mediating the effect of recovery
Authors: Levi Y. , Weinberg S. , Nadjar R.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Individuals grieving a suicide death (suicide survivors) may be at risk for psychiatric complications and suicidal behaviors. Support groups may provide valuable resource for survivors, who often do not seek out mental health treatment. Social support and self regulation which are at the nature of the support groups can facilitate growth from crisis.

Objectives & aims

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of support groups for suicide survivors. The specific aims were to assess the relationship between group participation and stress related growth and to assess the role of self regulation and social support as mediating variables.

Methods

74 suicide survivors belonged to one of two groups: 32 survivors who participate in a support group, compared with 42 survivors who did not participate. All participants completed questionnaires covering of self regulation, social support and stress related growth.

Results

Survivors who participated in a support group showed better recovery from stress than those who didn’t participate. The effect was stronger in survivors who lost their offspring. A hierarchical regression indicates that time past from the event as well as self regulation and social support explained more than 33% of the variance of stress related growth.

Conclusions

Support groups for suicide survivors are a helpful intervention tool and can serve as a powerful form of primary and secondary prevention. Social support as well as self disclosure to other survivors can facilitate growth from crisis and diminish feelings of guilt, shame and other psychiatric complications.
Seasonality of suicide attempts: Association with gender
Authors: Mergl R. , Havers I. , Althaus D. , Rihmer Z. , Schmidtke A. , Lehfeld H. , Niklewski G. , Hegerl U.
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Some studies suggest seasonality of suicide attempts in females, but not males. Only few studies investigated whether gender differences in seasonality of suicide attempts reflect gender differences in the choice of method, with inconsistent results.

Objectives/aims

To analyze the association of gender with seasonality in suicide attempts by persons living in two Northern Bavarian regions (city of Nuremberg and region of Wuerzburg) between 2000 and 2004.

Methods

The sample consisted of 2269 suicide attempters (882 males and 1387 females). The overall seasonality was assessed using the chi2 test for multinomials. Moreover, the ratio of observed to expected number of suicide attempts (OER) with 95% confidence intervals within each season was calculated.

Results

Overall distribution of suicide attempts differed significantly between seasons for women (chi2 = 9.19; df = 3; p = 0.03), but not for men. Female suicide attempts showed a trough in the spring (OER = 0.9; 95% C.I. = 0.8 – 1.0) which was restricted to female low-risk suicide attempts (OER = 0.87; 95% C.I. = 0.77 – 0.98). No seasonality was found for men. Seasonality of high-risk methods was more pronounced than that of low-risk methods; however, no significant gender differences were found.

The overall distribution of the sub-types of suicidal acts (parasuicidal gestures, suicidal pauses, suicide attempts in the strict sense) showed seasonality neither for males nor for females.

Conclusions

Whereas seasonality was absent in male suicide attempters, the frequency of low-risk suicide attempts in females was 13.1% lower than expected in the spring.