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The article offers information on the development and application of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for cognitive remediation in neuropsychiatric disorders. Topics include cognitive impairment assessment and remediation techniques; the historical and cultural context of cognition in Indian literature and philosophy; and the challenges and effectiveness of cognitive remediation in psychiatric care.

Background: There is lack of data on bipolar disorder (BD) type II from India. Aim: To compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with BD-I and BD-II using the data of the Bipolar Disorder Course and Outcome study from India (BiD-CoIN study). Methodology: Using the data of the BiD-CoIN study, patients with BD-I and BD-II were compared for demographic and clinical variables. Results: Out of the 773 patients, 59 (7.63%) participants had BD-II. Compared to BD-I, patients with BD-II had a higher income; were more often unemployed or housewives; had a higher mean number of episodes per year of illness, higher severity of depressive episodes, higher depressive affective morbidity, and a higher number of hypomanic episodes (in the lifetime, and number of episodes per year of illness); received lower doses of lithium and a lower number of medications; and had lower prevalence of alcohol dependence, higher prevalence of seasonality, a high proportion of them sought faith healing treatment, and a higher proportion of them have predominant depressive polarity. Conclusions: Patients with BD-I and BD-II differ from each other on certain demographic and clinical variables. The difference in the clinical variables suggests that the patients with BD-II may require different treatment approaches for management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The study aimed to assess the perceived quality of life (QOL) and to estimate the prevalence of depression among infertile couples as well as to study the congruence of the outcome among both partners. The sociodemographic factors influencing these outcomes were also examined. Method: A prospective, cross-sectional study of 130 infertile couples over 1 year at a tertiary level teaching hospital. Couples were requested to complete the WHOQOL-BREF instrument and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Data was analyzed using paired t test, 1-way multivariate linear variance analysis, and regression, and correlation models. Results: Mean QOL scores between men and women showed a strong agreement within psychological, social, environmental, and physical domains (r = .70, .67, .69, and .59 likewise). The presence of depressive symptoms was associated with significantly impaired QOL scores through all domains. Depression was present in 30.6% of female partners and 27.2% in male partners. Pearson correlation between female partner BDI scores and male partner scores was highly statistically significant with a correlation coefficient of .745. The presence of depression was not found to be significandy associated with sociodemographic and clinical parameters. Conclusions: QOL and depression scores of 1 partner were reflected in the scores of the other partner. Henceforth, screening and psychoeducation should be couple based considering the couple as 1 unit which is likely to improve the mental wellbeing of the couple. The presence of depression is not influenced by the sociodemographic profile of couples therefore all infertile couples should be screened and offered counseling. Public Significance Statement This study highlights the alarming prevalence of depression among infertile couples which is not influenced by their sociodemographic parameters in a significant way. The impaired Quality of Life score of 1 partner was reflected strongly in the scores of the other partner. These findings suggest the need for routine couple-based screening of infertile couples for psychological morbidity irrespective of their sociodemographic status. Keywords: infertile couples, depression, quality of life, WHOQOL-BREF, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Parenthood is one of the most primary and universal desires among all cultures and societies (Riskind & Patterson, 2010) and is considered a vital milestone in adult life. Continuation of [...]

Previous studies have found that bilinguals differ in their response times on the bilingual version of Stroop Task. Automaticity and control and Language proficiency have emerged as important factors that lead to differences in the response time. This study aimed to understand Stroop Effect in Hindi-English bilinguals on the computerized version of Hindi and English language Stroop task. The study was conducted on 42 Hindi-English bilinguals. All were more proficient in the Hindi language as compared to the English Language. Results of the study revealed greater Stroop Effect in the English language as compared to the Hindi language.

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) experience abounding physical and mental exhaustion mandating a deliverable solution for their mental health care. Kriya yoga (KY) includes several relaxation techniques and offers a stress-alleviating experience. The objective signature of KY benefits needs to be investigated. Aim: To study the effects of KY practice on brain oscillations and perceived stress in health care providers. Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. HCWs were enrolled to the intervention group (IG) and control group (CG) after obtaining an informed consent. IG visited the yoga center for learning the KY technique. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded in both the groups, at baseline, and at the end of 6 weeks in the EEG Laboratory. Perceived stress scale (PSS) scores and participants' subjective response to KY practice were also collected. Paired t-test and independent t-test were used for statistical comparison wherever applicable. Results: Age and baseline EEG powers among the IG and CG (N = 25) were statistically comparable. Absolute power analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in alpha and delta powers after 6 weeks of KY practice. The PSS scores revealed a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress after KY practice. Furthermore, 83% of the participants reported the subjective calming effects of KY practice. Conclusion: KY practice ensues relaxing effects on the brain, as evident from the EEG absolute power analysis, PSS scores, and participants' subjective response. As KY is a brief technique, it may be encouraged during short break session among the HCWs for promotive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding pathways to dual diagnosis (DD) care will help organize DD services and facilitate training and referral across healthcare sectors. Aim: The aim of our study was to characterize the stepwise healthcare and other contacts among patients with DD, compare the characteristics of the first contact persons with common mental disorder (CMD) versus severe mental illness (SMI), and estimate the likelihood of receiving appropriate DD treatment across levels of contacts. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study in eight Indian centers included newly enrolled patients with DD between April 2022 and February 2023. The research spans varied geographic regions, tapping into regional variations in disease burden, health practices, and demographics. The study categorized healthcare contacts by using the WHO Pathways Encounter Form. Results: The sample (n = 589) had a median age of 32 years, mostly males (96%). Alcohol was the most common substance; SMI (50.8%) and CMD were equally represented. Traditional healers were a common first contact choice (18.5%); however, integrated DD care dominated subsequent contacts. Assistance likelihood increased from the first to the second contact (23.1% to 62.1%) but declined in subsequent contacts, except for a significant rise in the fifth contact (97.4%). In the initial contact, patients with CMD sought help from public-general hospitals and private practitioners for SUD symptoms; individuals with SMI leaned on relatives and sought out traditional healers for psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion: Recognizing the cultural nuances, advocating for integrated care, and addressing systemic challenges pave the way to bridge the gap in DD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Assessment of the severity of substance use disorders (SUDs) in a culture-sensitive manner can help gauge the current condition of the substance user and assess change with time. The present study aimed to develop a scale for the assessment of the severity of SUDs in the Indian clinical context. Methods: Based upon the review of literature on previously available instruments and a consultative meeting of experts, a clinician-rated scale was developed that finally comprised 41 items. A briefer 5-item scale with current and lifetime versions was also developed. The scales were applied to patients with SUDs at six different clinical sites. Results: The instrument was applied to 720 patients (98.2% males, mean age: 34.6 years). The Cronbach's alpha of the full scale was 0.852. The inter-rater reliability Pearson correlation coefficient of the full-scale was r = 0.821 (P < 0.001), and the intra-class correlation coefficient single measure was 0.800 (95% confidence interval: 0.724-0.956). A four-factor solution was suggested to be the most tenable. The mean application duration of the full scale was 13.4 minutes, and that of the briefer version was 2 minutes. Conclusion: This validated scale could be a potentially useful assessment measure for the severity of SUDs in the Indian context. The utility lies in the simplicity of administration and scoring and the balance between brevity and thorough assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity in the population. In low- and medium-income countries like India, there is a wide treatment gap for SUD. A multicentric study on the care pathways for SUD in India can help to understand service provision, service utilization, and challenges to improve existing SUD care in India. Aim: We aimed to map pathways to care in SUD. We compared the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who first consulted specialized services versus other medical services. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive, consenting adults (18-65 years) with SUD registered to each of the nine participating addiction treatment services distributed across five Indian regions. We adapted the World Health Organization's pathway encounter form. Results: Of the 998 participants, 98% were males, 49.4% were rural, and 20% were indigenous population. Addiction services dominated initial (50%) and subsequent (60%) healthcare contacts. One in five contacted private for-profit healthcare. Primary care contact was rare (5/998). Diverse approaches included traditional healers (4-6%) and self-medication (2-8%). There was a 3-year delay in first contact; younger, educated individuals with opioid dependence preferred specialized services. Conclusion: There is a need to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems and integrate SUD treatment into public healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: The literature is limited on correlates of psychological well‑being among Indian medical undergraduates. The study aimed to assess the psychological well‑being, life satisfaction, self‑efficacy, positive state of mind, and emotions among first‑year medical undergraduates. Materials and Methods: It was a cross‑sectional study assessing 121 first‑year medical undergraduate students. Psychological well‑being scale, satisfaction with life scale, general self‑efficacy scale, positive state of mind scale, and positive and negative affect schedule revised version were used. Results: The majority of medical undergraduate students were satisfied with the life. Their life satisfaction was positively associated with general self‑efficacy, positive state of mind, and positive affect score. These indicators were negatively associated with negative affect score. Male students had significantly greater self‑efficacy. Conclusion: Medical students’ life satisfaction was found to be positively associated with other wellness indicators. Resilience‑based positive psychology interventions should be implemented in medical colleges to enhance psychological well‑being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited literature on stress management interventions targeting Indian medical undergraduates. With this background, the study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of stress management intervention on perceived stress, coping and burnout amongst first-year medical undergraduates. It was a quasi-experimental study assessing the effect of "Comprehensive Stress Management Skill Training Program". This intervention emphasized on self-awareness of early warning signs of stress, adopting a healthy lifestyle, developing assertiveness at work, maintaining work–life balance. The stress reduction techniques mainly consisted of deep breathing exercises, progressive muscular relaxation and visualization. It was delivered by a team of a psychiatrist and a nurse to hundred first year medical undergraduate students. Medical Students Stressor Questionnaire, Brief COPE Questionnaire and Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey were applied for assessment of perceived stress, burn out, and coping, respectively, at baseline, finish of one and three months of intervention. Significant improvement was noted in academic stress, interpersonal-related stress, teaching learning–related stress, and total stress scores, emotional exhaustion, and emotion-focused coping at the end of the three months of intervention. Positive feedback about the intervention was given by majority of the students. Stress management intervention was found to be feasible and effective in improving stress, coping, and emotional exhaustion in first year medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents letter to the editor focuses on two cases of sertraline-induced oral ulcers, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of side effects. Topics include the management of these adverse reactions, the role of the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale in assessing drug-related effects, and the impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on oral health.