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This study aimed to understand the experiences of bereaved family members in view of restrictive COVID guidelines using qualitative approach. 10 Hindu, Gujarati bereaved family members who lost their loved ones during the first wave were interviewed telephonically after a month of their loss. Findings were difficulty in proper communication during hospitalization, disrupted end-of-life and funeral rituals and accepting harsh realities related to the changes imposed by using content analysis. Most of the family members felt that there was a need of staying with the patients. Telephonic mode of communication was not sufficient for them and created doubts related to death. Most of them felt remorseful as they were not able to see or bring their loved one home during their last moments and felt deprived of the traditional rituals. Also, they had to deal with their grief by themselves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:To assess prevalence and pattern of movement disorders among patients taking antipsychotic medications. Methods:This cross-sectional, intensive monitoring (patient interview, case record form review and clinical examination) study was conducted in patients taking antipsychotic drugs irrespective of duration for the development of movement disorders. The psychiatrist used Modified Simpson-Angus Scale score (10-item scale), Barnes’ rating scale and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale to diagnose parkinsonism, akathisia and tardive dyskinesia, respectively. We assessed movement disorders for the preventability and seriousness. Results:The overall prevalence of antipsychotic induced movement disorders was 5.67% (95% CI: 4.19–7.62). The prevalence of parkinsonism, akathisia and tardive dyskinesia was 5.10% (95% CI: 3.71–6.98), 0.85% (95% CI: 0.39–1.84) and 0.57% (95% CI: 0.22–1.45), respectively. There was a trend of high proportions of movement disorders in extreme of age group, female gender, patients treated with conventional antipsychotics, on poly therapy, patients of epilepsy with psychosis, schizophrenia and bipolar mood disorder. The movement disorder was lowest with quetiapine (2.02%). Conclusions:The higher use of atypical antipsychotics had reduced the occurrence of movement disorders in our setup. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background & Objective: To study the patterns of psychiatric referrals in a newly established tertiary care teaching Hospital has been important for understanding consultation liaison psychiatry and setting up better general hospital psychiatric units. The aim of the present study was to study referral characteristics' of patients of various departments to psychiatric unit at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: All referrals made to psychiatry department over a period of one year were assessed by psychiatrist based on structured performa including demographic data, referring department, referral note, present complaints, past history of psychiatric illness, family history of psychiatric illness, mental status examination and DSM -IV-TR criteria to diagnose psychiatric illness and analyzed. Results: Out of 400 referred patients to psychiatry unit over a period of one year, majority were from Medicine department (62.75%). Substance use disorder (37.25%) was the most common diagnosis followed by depressive disorders (15.75%) and anxiety disorders (8.25%). 235 (58.75%) references were with statement like 'psychiatry reference' and no reason mentioned for that. Significantly higher proportions of OPD referrals (71.81%) were made with statement like 'psychiatry reference' and no reason mentioned for that as compared IPD referrals (41.62%). Significantly higher proportions of patients (66.75%) with past history of psychiatric illness were referred with statement like 'psychiatry reference' and no reason mentioned for that as compared to patients (52.81%) without past history of psychiatric illness. Conclusion: Study highlights importance of consultation-liaison psychiatry through referral pattern in a tertiary care teaching hospital. More referrals for Substance use disorders suggest emerging need to develop separate deaddiction services in our setting. Past history of psychiatric illness was considered significant factor for referrals from other departments and majority of references were without any details. There is need to sensitize other specialists, especially general physicians who are the common source of referrals regarding common psychiatric conditions and proper referral note to improve consultation liaison psychiatry in general hospital setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Beginning of the pandemic showed our limitations in our understanding of the spread of the dreaded coronavirus-19 that had sprung from China and spread through thick and thin across the world. The measures to contain the spread of virus in the absence of specific treatment protocol had everyone grope for the solutions in a very short time frame. One such is the knowledge, attitude, and practice in the rural setup., Aim: The aim of the study is to measure the change in knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 following an awareness session in rural population., Materials and Methods: A cross-section interventional study was carried out in January 2021. An interactive awareness session was conducted with the help of audiovisual aids following MOHFW guidelines for COVID-19, and the change in KAP about COVID-19 was measured by pre- and posttest standardized questionnaire., Results: Of all the participants, statistically significant change in knowledge was seen from 43% to 52%. The villagers were educated about preventive steps and a positive change was measured in the practice of changing masks regularly (84%-100%), maintaining social distancing (44%-64%), frequent handwashing (52%-64%). No change was seen in wearing of masks (92%) and negative change was seen in avoiding handshakes (32%-28%). The preventive practices regarding COVID-19 pandemic changed significantly from 50% to 58%. Our study measured positive attitude change toward getting vaccinated from 64% to 72%., Conclusion: A single, short awareness session led to significant change in KAP about COVID-19 in rural population., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Industrial Psychiatry Journal.)

Background: Looking at the burden of suicide, there is a dire need for medical schools to incorporate suicide prevention training. Effective communication helps in early detection and management of suicidal behavior. Medical students can act as a GATEKEEPER if they receive adequate training., Methodology: This was an educational intervention study done at tertiary care teaching hospital to assess the knowledge and attitude of medical students toward depression and suicide and to impart and assess communication skills for suicide prevention in one of the four batches of students in 4 th semester. Pretest was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude toward depression and suicide, followed by training using interactive lectures, demonstration of interview, and hands-on training with patients and role-plays. The posttest and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) were administered for skill assessment. Feedback was taken regarding this intervention., Results: The mean marks of the pre- and post-test were 8.96 (8.3-9.6) and 14.58 (13.8-15.3), respectively, out of 25. The difference was statistically significant ( t = 13.24, P ≤ 0.0001) which suggests improvement in knowledge. We found mixed responses in attitude statements showing limited change. Mean obtained marks on OSCE examination out of 66 was 42.7. Among various components of OSCE, students scored high on rapport building. The most useful components of trainings were role-play, OSCE, and interaction with patients as per their feedback., Conclusion: The intervention was found effective in increasing knowledge, changing attitude, and enhancing communication skills of medical students toward suicide prevention. Training of communication skills for suicide prevention in depressed person should be given to every medical student as suggested by feedback., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.