Analysis of mental health research in the Islamic Republic of Iran over 3 decades: a scientometric study

This study described the characteristics of mental health research from the Islamic Republic of Iran published from 1973-2002. Research articles in psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience published in local or international journals were drawn from IranPsych, a national database of research in mental health and related disciplines. Of 3113 articles, 21.8% appeared in international journals, but there was international collaboration among the authors in only 2.3%. There was a marked increase in the number of publications over time, especially in the last 5 years. Analysis of research areas showed a proportionate rise in neuroscience research and a decline in mental health service research. Our study provides an empirical basis for policy-making and strategy planning in the nation's mental health research

qualitative study of changes in supplying of illicit drugs in Bam during the first year after the earthquake

The study was designed to assess the changes in supplying of illicit drugs during the first year after Ban earthquake on December 2003. This qualitative research was conducted in Bam and the uillage of Baghchamak. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews and ethnographic observations were used. The sample included drug dependents, drug sellers, ordinary people, drug treatment providers and others key informants. The majority of respondants believed that opium purity has declined after the quake and its price with initial decrement has remained relatively similar to pre-quake level. They believed it still is easily available as it had been prior to the quake. The majority of respondents believed that the purity of heroin has also declined and its price and availability did not change significant. The solid majority believed that the supply of hashish and alcohol has not been changed. Most respondents believed that the intensity of current drug law enforcement in Bam is similar to pre-quake time. Implementing a unified policy and planning for drug abuse prevention and treatment programmers are suggested. A more serious action against heroin trafficking is also recommended

Status of mental health research concerning women in Iran over the past 3 decades

The purpose of this scientometric study was a quantitative analysis of mental health research concerning women in Iran. All scientific papers published in a 30year- period [1973-2002], in both national as well as international scientific journals, were brought into consideration for this study. Articles are indexed in the "Databank for Iranian Mental Health Researches [Iran Psych]. The articles in which the samples or the main subjects were females, considered as mental health in women. Authors assessed these studies for the following data: year of publication and language, specific fields and subject topics, research design, location of data collection, financial supports, gender and academic degree and the status of collaboration among authors. Out of 3031 articles, 239 [%7.9] were related to mental health in women. Most have been published in general medical journals and the overall trend of publications shows arise. The first authors in two - third of the articles were women and the most common area of research was psychology. The most common research topic was psychological factors affecting medical condition, especially gynecological and obstetrical problems. There were a few articles about old age female mental health or occupational mental health. There were no mental health professionals among the authors of 20% of the articles. It is suggested that collaboration should increase among mental health groups and other clinicians. Subject topics about women in rural area, health service, occupational mental health and elderly female need further research

[Olfactory Identification ability in schizophrenia spectrum disorders]

The aim of this project was a two fold; one was to compare the olfactory identification ability in patients with schizophrenia or schizotypy with that of the patients with mood disorders as well as the normal subjects; the other was to assess any possible changes after treatment in olfactory identification ability in patients with schizophrenia. The subjects of the study comprised 22 patients afflicted with schizophrenia and five with schizotypy [mean age of 41 years old], 28 patients with mood disorders [13 with major depressive and 14 with bipolar disorders with the mean age of 39 years old], and finally 27 normal subjects [mean age of 39 years old]. All subjects were assessed initially and the patients with schizophrenia were assessed twice more three and six weeks after the commencement of treatment with the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test [UPSIT]. The data were analyzed by KruskalWallis, Chi- square, Mann-Whitney, and Freedman tests. A significant difference was found between patients with schizophrenia and schitypy with normal subjects in olfactory identification ability. There was not any significant difference between other groups on this matter. No significant changes in olfactory identification ability were detected in schizophrenic patients after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment. Deficit in olfactory identification ability of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and its persistence despite treatment is testimonial to its trait-like characteristic in such disorders