Typhoid - the psychiatrist's viewpoint

The neuro-psychiatric manifestations of typhoid fever are well known in medical practice in Nigeria; especially following a review of 959 cases by Osuntokun and his team. They reviewed the case records of 959 proven cases of typhoid presenting at Ibadan from 1959 to 1971 and found that the patients suffered the following complications

Examination of the psychiatric patient in general medical practice

In order to exclude psychological problems when examinating a patient in general medical settings; the doctor has to be conscious of the following questions : Is there a psychological component to presentation; what are the factors associated with the psychological problems; the doctors should enquire not only into the well known psycho-social stressors (life events) but also the not-so-obvious factors related to cultural beliefs in the supernatural. History taking has to be both investigative and therapeutic

The changing pattern and treatment of narcotic abuse in Nigeria

Beginning in the 1980's the trafficking in and use of narcotics has reached epidemic proportions in Nigeria. In 1987; more Nigerians were arrested abroad for trafficking in hard drugs than all other African nationals. An increasing number of Nigerians are still being arrested at the Nigerian airport with greater weight of drugs in spite of stiff penalties; and the drugs are now freely sold on the streets of the large metropolis

The use of psychotropic drugs in general medical practice

The term psychotropic drugs refers to those drugs which have their primary effect on mental functioning. In other words; drugs made for other purposes; but which can have some adverse effects on mental functioning are not psychotropic drugs. The use of these drugs is of interest because they are commonly available; cheap and (especially the benzodiazepines) doctors tend to use them inappropriately when patients have personal problems

Meditational techniques for coping with the stress of modern living

While most of the techniques for coping with stress in clinical practice have their theoretical foundation in behaviourism; there are techniques from the tradition of humanistic wisdom; which have strong potentials for application in science. Two of them; the transcendental meditation of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the Disidentification Exercise of Roberto Assagioli's Psychosynthesis; are described. After reviewing their theoretical foundations; it is shown that; ultimately; they share a common methodological platform with behaviourism. Suggestions are given about how to carry out clinical trials on these techniques

"The alternative ""traditional medicine"" Clinical psychiatric encounters with syncretic church"

The growing influence of the syncretic churches; and their predominant interest in healing the sick; make it essential that medical research interest be directed at their healing practices. In particular; the interactions of psychologically ill patients and/or their relations with these churches frequently pose problems in the management of these patients in hospitals; and disrupt family harmony. Illustrative clinical cases are given to highlight these problems; and possible areas of co-operation in health care delivery are pointed out