Depression and anxiety among patients with erectile dysfunction

This study aimed to elucidate the relationships between erectile dysfunction [ED] and depression or anxiety. Subjects were 280 men from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain [140 from each country] aged 40-65 years. ED was assessed by the international index of Erectile Function 5 [IIEF-5] score [Arabic version], and depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale [HADS]. In this study ED cases were defined as those whose IIEF-5 value was less than 12, and a score of 8 or higher was used to classify a subject as suffering from depression or anxiety, respectively, the prevalence odds ratio [OR] of ED was calculated with confidence interval [CL] estimated by the Woolfis method by 5 age groups [40-45, 45-50.50-55, 55-60, 60-65 years]. To control for age, body mass index, smoking and substance abuse factors, we conducted the multivariate logistic regression analysis for calculating adjusted ORs and 95% CLs. ED was significantly associated with depression in age groups 45-50 and 55-60 years. ED was significantly associated with anxiety in the 50-60 year-old age group. The concomitant depression and anxiety group [A+D+] had significantly higher prevalence of ED than the control group [A-D-] in both the 45-49 and 50-60 age groups. [P < 0.01]. ED is commonly associated with depression and anxiety only in late 40s to 50s [45-60 years]. Furthermore, comorbidities of depression and anxiety strengthen this association. Our results might be useful in further understanding of ED aetiology and determining a target population for prevention in ED subjects

randomized controlled trial of psychosocial counselling for first-time IVF couples

Of this study was to evaluate pre-IVF counselling using self report questionnaire on couples. The acceptability of counselling, perception of help and effects on anxiety and depression were considered. The study included 423 consecutive childless Arabic couples preparing for their first IVF. Randomization was carried out through sealed envelopes attributing participants to counselled and non-counselled groups and was accepted by 300 couples. Another 42 couples refused randomization because they wanted counselling and 81 couples because they did not. Questionnaires including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and assessments of help were answered by couples before IVF and counselling, and after the IVF outcome result. Counselling was accepted by 81% [342/423] of couples. There was no significant effect of counselling on anxiety and depression scores which were within normal ranges at both times. Counselling provided help for 86% [225/261] of initially non-demanding subjects and 96% [81/84] of those initially requesting a session. Help was noted in areas of psychological assistance, technical explanations and discussing relationships. This model of routine counselling provides an acceptable form of psychological assistance for pre-IVF couples

Aspects of somatisation among primary care patients

This is a descriptive study designed to examine aspects of somatisation in a sample of Primary Care patients. The study subjects included 200 patients attending Primary Care clinics. The General Health Questionnaire [GHQ] and Bradford Somatic Inventory [BSI] were used as psychiatric tools. Psychiatric morbidity was found to be 21% in P.C.patients. Somatisation was found to be more frequent in housewives of 20-30 years of age and those with lower education