Trazodone in methandone induced erectile dysfunction

Based on findings of previous studies, those men on Methadone Maintenance Therapy [MMT] have a high prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction[ED], related to hypogonadism and depression. We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy of Trazodone [an antidepressant which can improve sexual function] on this sexual dysfunction. A structured interview was administered by the clinical staff. The interview contained questions about the subjects' socio-demographic characteristics, their drug use and sexual behavior. In addition to the socio-demographic survey, erectile function was assessed using erectile dysfunction [ED] intensity scale. Of the 157 subjects, 95 suffered from ED. The subjects were informed about the study. Then, seventy five patients voluntarily received 50mg of Trazodone for four days, and the dosage was increased to100 mg and maintained for 6 weeks. Fifty five patients who completed the treatment course were assessed by ED questionnaire again at the end of study. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 8 software. The prevalence of ED was 60.5% in our sample. The mean erectile dysfunction [ED] intensity scale was 12.21, and 16.78 before and after the treatment course respectively. [P<0.05] ED severity had no significant relation with age and type of substance dependency [P>0.05]; but it had a significant relation with duration of Methadone therapy and Methadone daily dosage. [p<0.05]. Trazodone may be effective in the treatment of methadone induced ED. Further studies with control groups and greater sample sizes are warranted

Mini mental state examination [MMSE] in first episode of psychosis

Neurocognitive deficits are now recognized as part of the fundamental disturbances and are a major determinant of functional outcome in psychosis. A cross-sectional association between cognitive deficits and poor social and occupational outcomes has been demonstrated; and treatment of cognitive impairment at the time of the first episode may have the potential to change functional outcomes of the illness. We conducted this study to evaluate cognitive function in first episode of psychosis by the Mini Mental State Examination [MMSE]. Sixty two patients with first episode of psychosis were selected and underwent psychiatric interview and took MMSE test. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS-18 software. According to MMSE scale, 47 patients [75.8%] showed definite cognitive impairment, 8 [12.9%] showed possible impairment, and 7[11.3%] showed no cognitive impairment. According to MMSE subscale, registration [69.4%] and recall [77.3%] were the most impaired cognitive areas. The results of the current study indicate significant cognitive impairment in patients with first episode of psychosis. We recommend future studies with larger sample size and control group for further evaluation of cognitive function as early treatment of cognitive impairments may have important implications in the course of illness

Suicide by self-immolation, a cross sectional study in Kermanshah-Iran

Although in international studies, it has been reported to be the sixth most common method of suicide, self-Immolation is reported to be one of the most common methods of suicide in Iran. The aimed of this study was to determine the psychological characteristics of those patients who attempted suicide by setting themselves on fire in Kermanshah. In a cross-sectional study in 2003, 227 in-patients who had attempted self-immolation were screened out for mental illness. One hundred and ninety seven of them were subsequently assessed psychologically by using DSM-IV criteria. Eighty one and half percent of the patients were female with a mean age of 27.1. The majority of the patients were married and unemployed. Twenty one percent of the patients had a history of chronic physical illness and 59.9% a history of depression. Somatoform disorders were detected in 36.5% of the cases and substance misuse in 7.5%. There was a 17.6% past history of deliberate self-harm in the patients and 20% in the family members. Suicide by self-burning had been precipitated by marital conflicts in 33.9% of the cases and by family conflicts in 23.2%. There was a high rate of mortality among the patients [50.2%]. Although most of the risk factors for suicide in our population were similar to what is already known in the literature, we found that married women in Kermanshah province were particularly at higher risk of killing themselves by the method of self immolation