Search

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has radically transformed workplaces, bearing an adverse impact on the mental health of employees. Aim: The current study attempts to gain an understanding of the mental health of employees while working from home (WFH) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting and Design: The research followed a mixed-methods design and was conducted across two phases, with participants divided into two subgroups - the WFH subgroup (currently engaging in WFH) and the not working from home (NWFH) subgroup (unable to engage in vocational tasks due to the pandemic). Materials and Methods: The first phase employed quantitative standardized measures of workplace well-being, work and social adjustment, and quality of mental health across 187 participants. The second phase involved in-depth interviews of 31 participants selected from the previous phase, to understand the factors impacting mental health. Results: Strong correlations were recorded between the mental health of an individual and work-related constructs such as workplace well-being and work and social adjustment. The study revealed that participants rated themselves as being significantly more stressed and less productive during the pandemic. Thematic analysis identified the stressors (factors that negatively impact mental health) and enhancers (factors that enhance mental health). Fourteen stressors and 12 enhancers were identified for the WFH group, while five stressors and three enhancers were identified for the NWFH group. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate a significant relationship between the mental health of employees and work-related experiences through the pandemic. Further research on the stressors and enhancers identified through the study can pave the way for effective interventions to promote employee mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a complex intervention that improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients with heart failure (HF). Besides exercise training (ET), CR includes aggressive risk factor management, education about medication adherence, stress management, and psychological support. Current guidelines strongly recommend CR as an integral part of chronic and stable HF patient care. However, CR programs are underused for multiple reasons, namely, low physician referral and patient adherence, high cost, and lack of awareness. In this review, we present existing evidence of the beneficial effects of ET and CR in HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction, the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms by which exercise might alleviate symptoms, and the different types of exercise that can be used in HF. Current guidelines supporting the use of CR, reasons for its underutilization, and home-based CR as an alternative or adjunct to traditional center-based programs are also described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The unprecedented onset of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) had a huge impact on health-care facilities, leading to different psychosocial challenges among health-care workers (HCWs) during this pandemic. Aim: This study aimed to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the work, family, and personal life of HCWs engaged in COVID-19 duties during the first wave in India and gain insights on the coping strategies. Materials and Methods: The findings from 12 qualitative in-depth interviews were analyzed and presented in this article. This study is a part of a mix-method design study conducted at two hospitals and one community site in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The present qualitative sample was drawn conveniently from the randomly selected quantitative sample chosen from the three sites. Results: This study highlights that in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs experienced transition in work life, burnout, disruption in family life, negative emotions such as fear, and experiences of stigma. The findings also reveal that while institutional workers faced discrimination and stigma outside their workplace, noninstitutional workers faced discrimination at multiple sites during traveling and at in their residential places and additionally faced harassment while working in the community. The findings also suggest that despite numerous challenges faced by HCWs, they were driven by a sense of responsibility and displayed resilience. Conclusion: Considering the HCWs as the backbone of the health-care system, it is crucial to boost and maintain the mental well-being of HCWs by providing timely and tailored interventions to sustain their resilience and build better responses to future pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The primary aim of the current study was to examine the unique contribution of psychological need frustration and need satisfaction in the prediction of excessive usage of smartphones and its relation to psychological distress and mindfulness. Methods: We conducted a correlational study using the smartphone addiction scale - shorter version, basic psychological needs satisfaction and frustration scale, psychological distress, and mindfulness among 423 graduate and postgraduate engineering students from Bengaluru, South India. Results: The results showed that excessive usage of smartphones is positively correlated with the time spent on the phone r = 0.19, P = 0.05; and basic psychological needs frustration r = 0.18, P = 0.05; and negatively correlated with basic psychological needs satisfaction r = -0.19, P = 0.05 and mindfulness r = -0.39, P = 0.001. However, among the optimal users of the smartphone group, time spent is positively correlated with satisfaction at r = 0.13, P = 0.05, and further, basic psychological needs satisfaction is negatively correlated with frustration at r = 0.30, P = 0.001 and also found a positive correlation between mindfulness and basic psychological needs satisfaction at r = 0.31, P = 0.001. Conclusion: The results suggest that excessive usage of smartphones is associated with frustration, psychological distress, and time spent on the mobile. However, there is a positive trend in the time spent on the phone among the optimal users of smartphones suggests that smartphones are used as a coping mechanism to gain momentary satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An evaluation of Iranian pregnant women's mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak is an ignored issue. The current study aimed to investigate the mental health of Iranian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Literature searching was conducted, and studies were published from 01 March 2020 to 30 June 2022 on PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SID, and Magiran screened for the relevant articles. Results: There was a total of 10 studies included in this systematic review. In the present study, the prevalence of moderate to the high level of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms was 40%, 19 to 74%, and 70%, respectively. There were some protective factors such as physical activity, social support, using progressive relaxation, and husbands' involvement in caring behaviours of their pregnant wives that can enhance the mental health of Iranian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Regarding the high prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among Iranian pregnant women during the current pandemic, the mental health status of pregnant women should be regularly evaluated and essential educational and interventional programs should be provided for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A multidimensional family support and well-being programme (FSWP) was initiated to support the families of children in conflict with law (CICL) and strengthen their participation in the integration process. This programme aims to successfully reintegrate children into the family and build parental capacity to manage them. This study presents the overview of the multidimensional FSWP initiated in an observation home, facility for CICLs, Bengaluru, a metropolitan city of India. Methods and Materials: The team of psychiatric social workers systematically delivered the family support programme to promote families' involvement at multiple levels (individual, relationships, community, and societal) for successful reintegration of children in communities. The preliminary data about the participants was collected using strengths and difficulties questionnaire and parent interview schedule. Results: The programme activities consisted of engaging parents and family members in the parenting management training programme, addressing their psychosocial issues, identifying resources for postrelease rehabilitation and promotive interventions with children and their parents. The FSWP activities are developed to increase positive outcomes like favorable behavioral changes in children and emotional regulation, frequent participation and support of parents in the trial and rehabilitation process, and encouraging parental involvement in for successful community reintegration and placements of children. Conclusion: The family characteristics are integrally related to delinquency and practioners need to integrate such factors to improve parenting behaviors and enhance positive relationships between families and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, is associated with a high risk of psychiatric disorders. Aims and Objectives: We aim to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among people living with leprosy at a special community residence in Nepal. We also aimed to find the correlation between anxiety and depression. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in a community of people with leprosy staying at a centre in Nepal using all enumerative sampling. The semi-structured schedule, hospital anxiety and depression scale and stigma assessment and reduction of impact (SARI) stigma scale were applied among 119 participants. Results: About 10.1% (n = 12) and 12.6% (n = 15) of participants scored above the threshold score indicative of definitive clinically significant anxiety and depression symptoms. In multivariable analysis, leprosy-related stigma and attribution of leprosy to bad deeds were significant correlates of anxiety; whereas leprosy-related stigma and duration of stay at the centre were significant correlates of depression. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among people living with leprosy is higher than that in the general population. Sigma is a significant correlation for both. It is important to screen for mental health issues while managing patients with leprosy and implement strategies aimed at leprosy-related stigma reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a case-report of a 45-year old male diagnosed with morbid jealousy with sexual dysfunction. Revelation of the man's downturn of mental health due to suspicions of spouse infidelity and extramarital affairs; Inability of the patient to perform sexually and experience a decrease in sexual activity; Failure of fluoxetine, alprazolam, sertraline and psychosocial intervention to improve the patient's well-being; Use of sildenafil due to complaints of decreased sexual desire; Effectiveness of the drug in removing the erectile dysfunction leading to the man's recovery.

The article focuses on the controversial study by David Rosenhan titled "On Being Sane in Insane Places" and its impact on the field of psychiatry. Topics discussed include the unreliability of psychiatric diagnoses, the influence of the study on the creation of the DSM-III, the response of influential figures in American psychiatry, and the ongoing need for a new paradigm in psychiatry.

Objectives: According to the most recent studies on the mental health impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), psychological effects are salient in the community, but they are not obvious in the military population. In the study, we intended to examine mental health state and suicide ideation among soldiers with past histories of COVID-19 and to compare them with non-infected controls. Methods: We recruited 193 active-duty military personnel from northern Taiwan and collected their responses of a series of copies of the questionnaire, i.e., Beck's Depression Inventory for depression, Beck's Anxiety Inventory for anxiety, Davidson Trauma Scale for symptoms of posttramatic stress disorder (PTSD), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep disturbance and sleep dissatisfaction, and Five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale for suicide ideation. Results: Among our samples, about 58.5% (113/193) reported a past history of COVID-19 infection (infected group) at least once. More than 85% had vaccinated in more than two doses. The infected soldier group presented themselves significantly higher magnitude (1.92 ± 0.54) of impacts on their lives than noninfected control group (1.72 ± 0.66, p < 0.05). The discrepancy in life impact between infected and non-infected groups was significantly more salient in male soldiers (p < 0.05) comparing with female. In male soldiers, most mental health states were higher in the non-infected group than the infected group but nonsignificant. Conclusion: This study shows the common and differences in mental health states and suicide ideation between COVID-19 infected and non-infected soldiers in Taiwan and genders. In line with the findings of current studies, our results showed nonsignificant differences between male and female groups in the military population although significant differences among the community population. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more details are needed to confirm our assumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brain infections are serious neurological events that require immediate care, with around 171 districts of 19 states in India reporting cases every year. Along with the biomedical factors, psychosocial factors of health (BPS) are influential in the outcomes of brain infections as well. Materials and Methods: A scoping review was conducted to understand the psychosocial factors explored in brain infections in the last decade. Articles focusing on social, psychological, public health factors, sequelae, and rehabilitation of inflammatory conditions, both pathogenic and autoimmune were covered. The search was conducted using keywords related to brain infections in electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Prisma-ScR guidelines were used to screen articles and the identified factors were categorized under eight psychosocial factors using Arksey and O'Malley's framework of analysis. Results: From a total of 6012 documents retrieved, 11 articles met the criteria. Global burden associated with brain infections, disability and death, the vulnerable population at risk of developing brain infections, gaps in existing literature, pathways to care, mental health, cognitive difficulty associated with infections and their sequelae were the major psychosocial factors identified. Conclusions: The review focussed to understand the multitude of psychosocial factors causing delay and damage in brain infections in LMIC context. Along with biomedical factors, there exist several psychosocial factors that could potentially influence the outcome of treatment in brain infections. However, only few have been explored, suggesting the need for more studies to inform the care and sustainable interventions at the macro level to improve the outcomes and reduce the burden in brain infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The article aims to explore the studies performed on suicide because of coronavirus disease 19 through a bibliometric analysis. A quantitative analysis of the topic furnishes data on the publication pattern, influential research journals, highly cited articles, productive countries and organizations, the authorship pattern, and the collaborative pattern between authors. Methods: Data regarding the type of documents, most cited articles, influential research journals, contributions per country, and so on were extracted for the study from the Scopus database. Data analysis and visualization were performed through R-Studio and the VOSviewer application. Results: A bibliometric analysis encompassing scientific contributions based on suicide or suicide-related ideation because of the coronavirus pandemic showed a total of 494 documents published in 230 journals/books. The articles published by proficient authors in reputed journals highlighted the key areas of research in the field. USA dominated the list of scientific production of countries contributing to 340 documents. Conclusion: The results provided by this analysis could act as a steppingstone for experts to design a roadmap for mental health research during the pandemic. Studies can be designed to gather information on mental health conditions across specific age groups. Research collaborations that facilitate the publication of pooled protocols and data are encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge mental health impact on people, especially the infected population. They are at greater risk of developing psychological symptoms due to the fear of death and developing severe disability, lack of proper treatment and social restrictions, stigma, and discrimination. The early psychological symptoms, if ignored, may have long-term consequences on the health and well-being of COVID patients. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health services have been impacted negatively, and the need for technology-based psychological interventions has been identified as an alternative treatment method. Hence, the Telephone-Based Brief Psycho-Social interventions (TBPSI) will be developed for COVID-19 patients. Materials and Method: A five-session tele psychosocial intervention including rapport establishment and assessment, supportive counselling, activity scheduling, relaxation technique, and post-assessment will be developed based on the extensive review of the literature. Face and content validation of the intervention package will be done by the mental health experts. Further, the feasibility of the intervention program will be tested on COVID-19 patients in the Dharwad district, and later, the same will be implemented across the COVID hospitals of Karnataka state. Discussion and Conclusion: The study results may bring new insights into the culturally sensitive technology-oriented interventions during this pandemic in the country. The paradigm may be shifted from routine treatment to cost-effective and time-based intervention in the public health system in India. The telephonic brief psychosocial interventions can be utilised as a mainstream treatment during non-emergency situations as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The resilience interventions have the potential to enhance the protective factors to prevent mental health problems in young adolescents. The present study evaluated the feasibility of brief resilience interventions in a sample of college students. Methods: The present randomized controlled study was conducted among 220 college students and the study protocol was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of India (Ref.No.CTRI/2021/04/032716). The participants were randomly allocated to two groups: (i) A brief resilience intervention program group and (ii) a resilience self-help pamphlet group. The brief resilience intervention program is based on positive psychology and consists of two sessions, delivered on a 2-week interval period. The outcome measures were changes in the scores of the Brief Resilient Coping Scale (BRCS), Perceived Stress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-4. Results: The mean age of the participants was 19.31 years (standard deviation – 1.17) and both the study groups were comparable during baseline (P > 0.05). At the 1-month follow-up, there was a slight increase in the mean BRCS scores of the brief resilience intervention group (15.57 vs. 15.87) as compared to the resilience self-help pamphlet group (16.15 vs. 15.79). There was no evidence that brief resilience intervention was superior to the self-help booklet in any of the outcome measures (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Brief resilience interventions have the potential to promote resilience and coping skills among college-going students in this setting. The integration of brief resilience interventions among college-based cohorts would appear to be an appropriate strategy for building protective factors to bolster resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prisoners are vulnerable to mental health-related problems. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of 6 months Yoga practice on the mental health of jail inmates. The study's main objective was to assess the impact of 6 months of Yoga practice on the mental health of Jail inmates. Materials and Methods: A total of 37 Tihar Jail inmates (27 males and 10 females) participated in the study. With the help of questionnaires, anxiety, depression, stress, aggression, physical health, psychological health, and general well-being of the jail inmates were assessed. The study employed a Single Group Repeated Measures design. Pre and posttest methods were adopted in the study. Results: Significant reduction in stress and aggression and improvement in physical health, psychological health, and general well-being were found after 6 months Yoga-training; however, there was no significant reduction in anxiety and depression in the combined group. In male inmates, anxiety, depression, stress, and aggression were reduced significantly, and their physical health, psychological health, and general well-being significantly improved after 6 months of Yoga training. In female inmates, aggression got reduced after 6 months of regular Yoga practice; but no significant changes were found in other parameters. Conclusion: Regular Yoga practice for 6 months significantly improved the mental health of Tihar Jail inmates, especially male inmates. However, there is a need to conduct more studies to confirm the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plausible Mechanism of Meditational Processes in the Context of Mental Health Yoga meditation (Dhyana) is the very process of a comprehensive healing, happening due to comprehensive awareness getting pervasive, even to the cellular and the neuronal levels, culminating into realizing all human possibilities, here and nowYoga practices try to bring the internal sensations to the field of our comprehensive awareness, sufficiently. There has been a renewed interest in Mental Health in the context of yoga, post COVID-19 pandemic. Standpoints of Modern Psychology and Yoga on Mental Health The modern concept orients itself to achieving a phenomenal success in life and living, through bettering one's problem-solving, decision-making, and mental and psychomotor abilities toward achieving Mental Health. Different traditional yogic approaches are being tried in tackling the complex Mental Health issues, necessitating a relook at the very concept of Mental Health in the modern as well as in the yogic sense of the term. [Extracted from the article]

COVID-19 lockdown enforced distressed reverse migration in Sundarban, which caused an unprecedented population addition to the already devastated fragile Sundarban ecosystem. Acute poverty and food crisis prompted many migrants to explore forest-based living, thus enhancing fatal human–tiger conflicts. Families of deceased migrants face significant mental health trauma and catastrophic psychosocial consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first consultation with a depressed patient is important because many patients do not return for subsequent visits. Therefore, the first consultation provides a unique opportunity for diagnosis (if required) and treatment, but there are risks of both under and over-diagnosis. Aim: To understand how general practitioners utilize diagnosis when patients present with a new episode of depression. Method: We approached a random selection of twenty-one general practitioners (GPs) in Auckland, New Zealand and asked them to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview. The interviews explored "the first consultation for a depressed/distressed patient" were undertaken to theme saturation. Interviews were hand-written and later transcribed. Results: We identified three major themes in GPs' approach to diagnosis. The issue of diagnosis was underpinned by a complex understanding of depression and the GP role. GPs did not always make a formal diagnosis, but the experience of a patient's distress/depression was understood by drawing on a range of factors and resources. These included time, screening tools, clinician experience, and patient affect. GPs were careful about how they communicated a diagnosis, both in their documentation and in their conversations with patients. Conclusion: At an initial appointment, the distressed/depressed patient can present to their GP with various symptoms and differing degrees of distress. GPs draw upon a variety of skills and resources to negotiate these complexities. The value of a diagnosis was questioned and issues such as impairment may be more useful concepts for GPs. This is the first study to report the findings of the first visit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exergames is a new arena of mental health intervention in the elderly. The present article is a clinical review on various areas where exergaming has been used to enhance mental health in the elderly. The review looks at the use of exergames in dementia, geriatric depression, as a tool for movement and to improve memory and cognition. The role of exergames in improving intellectual function, instability and falls in the elderly is also discussed. The role of exergames to improve fragility is mentioned. The review looks at the advantages and disadvantages of exergames in the elderly and the limitations of various studies done so far from a clinical and scientific rigor standpoint. The future research needs are also discussed. Exergames is a mental health intervention area in geriatric mental health that will be used more in the years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poverty, hunger, and homelessness have been shown to be perhaps the greatest adverse biological and social risk factors for mental health problems and disorders worldwide. They also have significant adverse impact on cognitive, psychological, psychosocial, and physical development in children and youth. This article reviews the psychosocial effects of poverty, hunger, and homelessness on children and youth, including their impact on psychopathology and mental health. It also includes recommendations for governmental entities, advocates, and care providers on mitigating their adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic in March 2020. It had opened doors to several issues that were never envisaged. The global economy and the health equilibrium were disturbed. This review systematically assesses and compiles the literature describing the influence of COVID-19 on the psychological or mental health of the younger generation. Databases such as PubMed, SCOPUS and Google Scholar were searched electronically for relevant data. The results indicate that the mental health of the younger generation was affected to a large extent. The school and college students had to adapt to the new way of online education. COVID-19 had affected childhood, family dynamics and students' lives in schools and colleges. It increased the number of domestic violence cases, which had severe effects on the mental health status of the younger generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health promotion programs are commonly delivered to adolescents as a part of school mental health programs. Among the various mental health promotion programs, resilience-building programs are also gaining popularity in India. The resilience-building programs will be undoubtedly useful to various adolescent groups. Adolescents in difficult circumstances, such as those residing in institutions, will be the most benefitted by the resilience-building programs. However, the components of resilience-building programs are of utmost importance. While most of the existing programs focus on enhancing the personality characteristics that contribute to resilience, a few other determinants should also be the focus. This article gives an outline of the components that can be included in building resilience in adolescents residing in institutions in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on economy, power, or foreign policy which being the state of research in our country. Topics include current state of medical research in India marked by a lesser number of publications in comparison to Western countries and China; and requirements of research for the purpose of promotion being easily met by most either through gift authorship or through predatory journals.

DO OPTIMISM IMPROVES CANCER SURVIVAL A META - ANALYSIS Abstract Objective: To provide a quantitative summary of role of optimism on cancer survival, and to present the year wise reporting aspects of the previous studies. Method: Electronic searches and manual searches of reference lists were done from review articles and retrieved papers. A coding manual was prepared which include the following variables: publication year, authors name, title of the studies, statistical analysis used, result and whether the study accepted/ rejected the role of optimism in cancer survival. Results: twenty five articles from published journal between 1966 and 2016 (20 years) were included in the present meta-analysis. Of these, only 11 studies are aimed to find out the direct relation between optimism and cancer survival and 6 of them proved significant relation except five that oppose the direct relation between optimism and cancer survival. 14 studies are aimed to find out the relation between cancer survival and the related concepts of optimism like pessimism, minimization/ denial, physical as well as mental health, emotional wellbeing coping style and benefit finding and found positive relation between the variable that may indirectly influence the survival. Three studies identified the psychosocial factors that influence cancer survival and didn't point out optimism as a psycho-social factors. Very few studies were found (only 10 in number) before 2006 and 5 of them didn't prove optimism as a factor in cancer survival. The recent findings from the remaining 15 studies proved significant relation between optimism and cancer survival. Conclusion: 20 out of 25 studies revealed a significant relation between optimism and cancer survival. But a definite conclusion about whether optimism predicts cancer survival seems premature, because of the lack of articles related to the topic. Future studies within the psycho-oncology should address the role of psycho-social factors in cancer survival and if it is proved should develop a psycho-social intervention module which can reach the needed people for betterment of the life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disasters have a great and lasting impact on children physically and psychologically because of their particular physiological and social developmental stage. Disasters are recognized as potential risk for the overall development of children, and children exposed to disasters require some abilities or protective factors which serve as a shield to buffer the risk. The present study was aimed at studying the role of sociodemographic factors on psychological impact and resilience among children exposed to disasters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive research design was used to accomplish the study. The study included 100 out of 502 children, 25 each from four schools from four villages selected randomly of four zones of district Anantnag using multi-stage sampling and systematic sampling. The Children Revised Impact of Events Scale-13 and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-25 were used to assess the posttraumatic symptoms and resilience among the children. Results: The results showed that children had mild-to-moderate level of posttraumatic symptoms, and majority of the children had intermediate to high resilience. This study provided interesting results that female children were found high on resilience and low on posttraumatic symptoms, which is not usual. Significant differences were found between resilience and gender, education, socioeconomic status, income, and domicile as well. Similarly, differences were found between posttraumatic symptoms and displacement, family type, domicile, and education. Conclusion: Flood disasters increase the psychological vulnerability for children. To prevent the potential risks, children need protective factors. The present study highlighted that psychological resilience can be improved by looking and improving the sociodemographic factors and making promising ways of establishing resilience-building strategies to regain the spirit of children and families at individual and community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Backgroud: Physicians are at a high risk of being infected by coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Methodology: Our aim was to understand lived experiences of physicians who recovered from COVID-19 by focusing on mental health and psycho-social protective factors through a qualitative study using a narrative approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was outlined referring to literature and seeking experts' opinions. Telephonic interviews were conducted after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and narratives were written and interpreted. Results: Mental health concerns identified from the narratives of five physicians are fear of infecting others, feeling guilty of transmitting infection, stigma, loneliness, and worry about complications after recovery. Social support, faith in a higher power, sense of purpose, and resilience were their sources of strength. Conclusion: Given the vulnerability and professional commitment to serve people, there is an urgent need to address their mental health needs. Support groups and having interactions with mental health professionals during periods of isolation are some recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important occupational and environmental pollutants are biological agents such as various types of viruses. Recently the 2019-nCoV causes lower respiratory tract disease, called novel coronavirus pneumonia that in addition to causes physical disorders, can lead to mental health problems. This study looks at some of the articles that deal with psychological problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic in different groups of people. For this purpose, a review of the published literature was performed in some databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Elsevier) and related references were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on clinical practice guidelines for human rights and privileges of mentally ill persons.

The article focuses on medicolegal issues with reference to ndps and mhca in management and rehabilitation of persons with substance use disorders.

The present paper is an attempt to understand emotions and the affect from Indian traditional point of view. In the Indian philosophical texts' detailed descriptions of emotions are not available nor are dealt with as a separate concept. This view of emotions lays emphasis on desires as the root cause of emotional upheavals. They are seen as modification of desire and attachment. The desires are seen as arising from the contact and attachment of the ego or ahamkara with the external world and are caused by a sense of imperfection, incompleteness or non-fulfillment. Ego or ahamkara is differentiated from the true Self or atman. Emotions are viewed as springs of action and are bipolar in nature. According to Patanjali's Yoga Shastra, suffering is due to ignorance about one's true "self" (avidya). Hence, suffering or dukha arises from within and not from the outside world. Bhagvadgita traces all emotional experiences to the gunas, i.e., sattva, rajas, and tamas. Works of Bharathmuni have contributed to the understanding of emotional experiences. Concept of rasa or aesthetic relish is central to this approach to understanding affective experiences as dealt with in the Natyashastra of Bharathamuni. These views underline the recommended path for self-transformation. Regulating emotions, both emotional experience and emotional expression, is an integral part of the recommended "principles of living". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian Journal of Psychiatry published three articles in its first issue way back in 1958. Since then, it has steadily published more than 200 papers on one or the other aspect of schizophrenia. From rudimentary research methodology and descriptive approach, schizophrenia research, as published in the Journal, seems to have come of age with more and more sophisticated research designs and methodologies. Our ardent researchers have made significant contributions in the understanding of this riddle called schizophrenia. Notable contributions have been made in the field of epidemiology, course and outcomes and phenomenology of this disorder. However, research in psycho-social rehabilitation of schizophrenia and related areas is sparse and sporadic. The need to conduct research that impacts health policies and planning of services for this disorder is evident and our researchers would do well to provide impetus in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sleep quality is an important predictor for prognosis of bipolar disorder (BD). Factors associated with sleep quality in BD such as childhood trauma experience merit investigation. Methods: We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Measurement of Support Functions (MSF) to access patients with BD-I (n = 31), and those with BD-II (n = 34). Results: We found that 71.4% of patients with BD-I and 90.9% of those with BD-II had poor sleep quality. Significantly higher CTQ physical abuse score and poor life quality were found among patients with BD-II (b = −0.008, Wald χ2 (1) = 5.024, p < 0.05). This effect remained robust (b = −0.012, Wald χ2 (1) = 8.150, p < 0.01) after controlling the use of drug (sedative, benzodiazepine, antipsychotic, and antidepressant). Moreover, the experience of childhood trauma was associated with poor sleep quality among patients with BD-II. A buffer effect of social support between physical abuse and daytime dysfunction, as measured by PSQI, was found in patients with BD-II, but not in those with BD-I. Conclusion: Social adversity and support were associated with sleep quality in patients with BD-II. This finding implied a stress-buffering model in patients with BD-II. But the underlying biological mechanism remains unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world, particularly in the past decade was shaped by events that exposed the drastic inequalities in modern-day societies. The social scientists and policy makers have looked at the interactions between these inequalities and health/illness. These interactions play a key role in the prevention, precipitation and treatment outcomes of mental health problems. The relevance of social determinants are often shaped by public policies that is a reflection of prevailing political ideologies. Adding to the problem is also a chronic underfunding in mental health creating a mental health treatment gap. Tackling these inequalities and understanding these social determinants, particularly in mental health and illness, will be key in the years ahead. The article will look to explore the social determinants, especially in the context of mental illness, in this unequal world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WHO declared the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic shook the entire world on January 2020 last year and is still posing a major threat to the entire humanity. In order to manage the urgent psychological need for support in response to the anticipated reaction of the population to the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors, who are members of Psychiatry Department, Fayoum University, Egypt, developed a new psychological crisis intervention model by implementing a psychological support system. The idea came to light at the time of the first wave of COVID-19 in Egypt, at the mid of May 2020 when the negative psychological impact of the virus was observed and constituted a great demand on the outcome of the virus. It will make a sound basis for developing a more effective psychological crisis intervention response system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Online gaming has gained a lot of popularity due to easy accessibility of Internet-enabled devices. This has given rise to a new phenomenon of gaming addiction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) published by American Psychiatric Association, in 2013, included the term Internet gaming disorder (IGD). Impact of IGD on physical and psychologic health warrants further exploration. Objectives and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students to find out the prevalence of IGD and the associated health effects. The study was conducted from July to September 2019. Data collection was carried out using a semistructured self-administered questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic profile, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, DSM-5 criteria for IGD and examination of participants. Data were entered and analyzed using frequency, percentage, and Chi-square test. Results: Almost three-fourth participants (72.2%) engaged in the online games out of which 30.9% had IGD. A higher proportion of male students were found to be suffering from IGD. Sleeping disorder was also found to be significantly more among those who had IGD. Conclusion: Prevalence of IGD was found to be high among medical students. The majority of gamers also faced various health consequences of which sleeping disorder was the major problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Lockdown and social isolation during the pandemic situation caused an especially stressful situation for families with children with special educational needs and disabilities. The psychological repercussions on parents of these children remain unattended. Aims: The primary aim was to find the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among parents of children with special needs during COVID-19 pandemic using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS)-21. The secondary aim was to determine the correlation between the three domains of DASS-21 scale with the parent characteristics. Settings and Design: This was an observational study on parents of children with special needs visiting tertiary care center and special schools. Subjects and Methods: Eighty-seven parents of children with special needs participated Either parent of each child with special needs answered the questionnaire DASS-21. The total score of each participant was calculated for each component under each domain of the questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: Frequency distribution for occurrence of depression, anxiety and stress was analyzed. The linear associations were studied using correlation coefficient. Results: Out of 87 parents who participated in the study, 5.6% of the subjects had depression, 15.3% had anxiety, and 12.5% had stress. There was no significant correlation noted between individual domains of DASS-21 and the parent characteristics (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress in parents of children with special needs was not significant. Further, no correlation was found between DASS-21 and the demographic characteristics of the parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in elderly patients recovered from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection, the present study aimed to compare the prevalence of psychiatric morbidity among elderly (aged ≥60 years) and adult patients (aged 18–59 years). Methodology: Two hundred and three elderly patients and 1714 adult participants had completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disorder-7 (GAD-7), Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale, The Brief Resilience Scale, and a self-designed questionnaire to assess the neuropsychiatric symptoms. Results: In the whole sample, the prevalence of depression was 34.4%, GAD was 32.6%, sleep disturbances were 58.3%, suicidal ideations were 23%, COVID-19-related fear was 32.1%, low resilience was 18.7%, and low resilient coping was 49.5%. Compared to adult participants, elderly participants had significantly higher prevalence and severity of depression, anxiety, COVID-19 fear score, low resilience, and low resilient coping. In the whole sample, the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms was 23.8%–25.3%, panic attacks were 17%, loneliness was 23.2%, forgetfulness was 21.8%, and cognitive slowing was 19%. Compared to the adult participants, significantly higher proportion of the elderly reported PTSD symptoms, cognitive slowing, and forgetfulness. Conclusions: Compared to adult subjects, elderly subjects who have recovered from COVID-19 infection have significantly higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, fear, post-traumatic symptoms, and cognitive symptoms. Hence, there is an urgent need to assess psychiatric morbidity among the elderly subject who have recovered from COVID-19 infection and institute interventions at the earliest to improve their mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The concomitant availability of services and care with the rise in the older population in India does not commensurate with their health care needs, thus affecting their well-being and quality of life (QoL). The Indian State of Kerala, epidemiologically and demographically advanced and often compared with developed countries, has the highest number of older persons. It also ranks top in the human development index in the country. This study seeks to explore the factors influencing QoL among older persons in Kerala, a state located within a low middle-income country. Materials and Methods: Qualitative methods using exploratory design were employed. Ten focus group discussions and ten face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted in two districts of Kerala. The data were thematically analyzed using a framework approach. Results: The study explored a multitude of factors influencing QoL among older people in Kerala. The themes that emerged from the study were, "Financial securities and insecurities," "psychological well-being," "lifestyle," "health-care utilization," and "social engagement." Conclusion: The current study findings have explored the changing importance or value of the factors attributed to older persons' QoL in an advanced population within a low middle-income country such as India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the latest drift in Western countries, many lawmakers are trying to formulate policy to legalize the usage of Cannabis in the case of mentally vulnerable populations such as those suffering from depression, paranoia, and excessive anxiety. This particular trend has been due to short term success in the case of mood upliftment. Cannabis derivatives produce effects on both mood and cognitive function, which can be a double-edged sword if not followed with proper dosage. Beneficial effects, however, are limited and studies documenting those and even more meagre. Detrimental effects, especially those suffering from various hallucinating and delusional states, have been reported extensively in the literature. Here in the review article, we have tried to study and summarize various effects of Cannabis as well as Cannabis -derived products in the case of people who have various mental conditions. We have also tried to consider addiction to these substances and hence develop a framework for proper utilization of Cannabis in mentally ill people. Many clinicians are also in a dilemma when prescribing a Cannabis -based product to treat psychotic and mood-based disorders. Hence, a better understanding of the process of Cannabis -based treatment for the vulnerable population is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The announcement of a nationwide lockdown in India in March 2020 in response to the CoVID-19 pandemic led an exodus of migrant workers back to their homes. The significant adverse impact of this event in its early phase on these reverse migrants has been well documented. With the passage of several months, these reverse migrants eventually reached their homes and reentered their own communities. This study was conducted amongst a rural community on the interior regions of Almora in hill state of Uttarakhand. Aim: It aims to assess the impact of the later phase of the CoVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on the reverse migrants, and compare this impact with the residents, who have never migrated. Methodology: Door-to-door survey was conducted in the study population, 5-9 months after the lockdown was announced. The participants were matched and grouped into residents and reverse migrants and were evaluated on PHQ-9, GAD-7, IES, and BRIEF-COPE to assess the impact on the participants. Results: No significant depression or anxiety was found in the reverse migrants group, even though the impact of the pandemic and lockdown was felt more by them as compared to the residents group. In addition, there was no significant difference between the two groups for depression or anxiety. Conclusion: These findings can be attributed to factors such as social support from the community members, engagement in work and the use of approach based coping mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vast majority of persons diagnosed with mental disorders live with their families in most of the low- and middle-income countries. There is a growing evidence of the adverse impact of caregiving on the caregivers. There is a need to recognize the significant contribution of caregivers. Specific programs to improve skills of self-care for emotional health, skills of caregiving, social welfare, and legislative support to caregivers will make them more effective and further decrease the demand on mental health services. This is an urgent need. India has the opportunity to show the way through innovative training, legislative, and other measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As healthcare workers around the world teeter on the verge of burnout, exhaustion, and mental illness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this article seeks to discuss the wellbeing of a significant demographic: The medical students. We describe the effects of expectations on medical student wellness, whether regarding themselves, their college experience, their future, the profession, or the people around them. Recognizing these as potential sources of problems and future burnout, we propose possible interventions that could rectify these issues and promote their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rapid increase in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SAR-CoV-2) infection has also affected many health care providers (HCPs). This study aims to understand personal stories of HCPs affected by SARS-CoV-2, which could help with insights about ways to support them. Methods: Using a phenomenological approach and purposive sampling method, we recruited participants for semi-structured interviews through a telephone. Data saturation was achieved by the 11th participant and two more interviews were performed to confirm the same. Interviews were transcribed, and a seven-step Colaizzi method was used to identify different themes. Results: The psychological impact of SARS-CoV-2 on HCPs who tested positive can be summarized into four broad themes. These are challenges faced by HCPs, social concerns, experience of quarantine period, and positive experiences. Challenges they faced were about dealing with uncertainty, fear of spreading infection, and stigma. In the social concerns theme, what featured was concerns about family, social support from friends and hospital, and stigmatizing experience in neighborhood. In the quarantine experience theme, self-care and desperation to connect prominently colored their emotional and psychological experience. There were positive experiences also, which included personal strength, sense of gratitude, growth, and professional commitment. Conclusion: The personal stories of HCPs highlight that while they coped effectively during the recovery process, it may be important to address psychosocial factors of well-being as they worked with patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article author talks about screen-time for children and adolescents in COVID-19 times will need to have the contextually informed perspective. Topics include the lockdown following the COVID‑19 has changed the way a large proportion of people around the world go about their lives, the continued school closure and in a bid to adjust to this new way of life, and the educational institutions has resorted to the use of Internet-based technology to reach out and engage with the students.

Life expectancy is gradually increasing due to continuously improving medical and nonmedical interventions. The increasing life expectancy is desirable but brings in issues such as impairment of quality of life, disease perception, cognitive health, and mental health. Thus, questionnaire building and data collection through the questionnaires have become an active area of research. However, questionnaire development can be challenging and suboptimal in the absence of careful planning and user-friendly literature guide. Keeping in mind the intricacies of constructing a questionnaire, researchers need to carefully plan, document, and follow systematic steps to build a reliable and valid questionnaire. Additionally, questionnaire development is technical, jargon-filled, and is not a part of most of the graduate and postgraduate training. Therefore, this article is an attempt to initiate an understanding of the complexities of the questionnaire fundamentals, technical challenges, and sequential flow of steps to build a reliable and valid questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: By examining associations between vision loss and various types of psychopathology within the literature, this manuscript will provide ophthalmologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists insight into the relationships between vision and psychopathology to foster cross-professional relations. Design: Retrospective narrative literature review. Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus searches. Study types included reviews, case studies, survey analyses, population-based studies, and twin studies, among others. Topics explored include mental health consequences of vision loss, functional neurological disorders and deception syndromes, eye specific personality changes, Charles Bonnet syndrome, and vision disorders associated with psychosis. Results: Visual impairment correlates with depression and worsened overall quality of life and mental health. Visual health clinicians should improve competencies in basic suicide risk assessments in collaboration with primary care providers and mental health colleagues. When patients with functional neurological disorders or deception syndromes present, understanding their symptoms and motivations is crucial for proper management. Patients with myopia and keratoconus are anecdotally alleged to have unique personalities; however, research shows openness is the only trait correlated with myopia, while a proposed "keratoconus personality" is unfounded. The unique vivid hallucinations of Charles Bonnet syndrome typically do not bother patients and physician reassurance is usually enough to ease the anxious patient. Finally, Usher syndrome involves congenital deafness and progressive blindness in young children with links to psychosis and schizophrenia. Conclusions: The bidirectional psychosomatic ophthalmological landscape highlights a need to improve screening, recognition, and integrated treatment coordination between visual health providers and mental health providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]