Comorbid Schizophrenia and Anorexia nervosa in an adolescent male

Schizophrenia is serious illness with high comorbidity of other psychiatric illnesses such as substance abuse disorders, depression and anxiety disorder. The dual diagnosis of schizophrenia and anorexia nervosa in an adolescent male is a rare occurrence and is understudied. The case presented is of a 12-year-old boy with complaints of auditory hallucinations, odd behaviors, paranoid delusions and suicidal attempt along with body image distortion, dread of fatness, food restriction and very low Body mass Index. This case report, describe the comorbidity of schizophrenia and anorexia nervosa by highlighting its assessment and treatment in light of available literature

Parental modeling as predictor of filial obligation in young adults

Filial obligation plays a vital role in family functioning and interaction with parents. The role of parental modeling as a factor contributing to filial obligation was explored in 200 men and women with an age range between 25 to 35 years with mean age of 28.27[+/- SD 2.38]. It was hypothesized that parental modeling would predict filial obligation [i.e. Contact and Family Ritual, Conflict Avoidance, Assistance, Self-Sufficient and Personal Sharing]. In addition, the gender differences on Filial Obligation were also examined. The Self-developed Parental Modeling Questionnaire [PMQ] and Felt Obligation Measure [FOM; Stein, 1992] along with a Structured Interview Schedule were used. The Linear Regression analysis and t-test were employed for statistical analysis of data. The results indicated that parental modeling is a significant predictor of filial obligation in young adults. Further, gender differences were observed on four domains of filial obligation except for Self-Sufficient sub-domain. The implications of results for healthy parent child interaction are discussed

Menopause and related issues

Recently menopause has become the focus of researchers. The initial emphasis of the research in this area mostly conducted by medical practitioners has been on its symptomatology and prevalence. The area of assessment of menopausal symptoms has generally been overlooked. The diversity in the experience of menopause must be represented in the assessment and understanding of menopausal symptoms across cultures. It is advisable for general health practitioners to inculcate bio-psychosocial approach in the treatment of menopausal women. At present, there is insufficient organized research material regarding measurement issues related to menopause. Tools developed for measurement of menopausal symptoms and related problems are scarce and scanty. There is a dire need to focus on the development of standardized measures for menopausal symptoms, menopausal stress, and perception and attitude towards menopause and aging. The present paper attempts to address wide range of issues related to measurement and management of menopause

Complications and obstetrical outcome in grand multiparous women

To study the frequency of complications and obstetrical outcome in grand multiparous women. It was a prospective, observational study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit-I, Nishtar Hospital, Multan from November 2002 to October 2003. All grand multiparous women who met the inclusion criteria were selected. Various medical problems and obstetrical complications were noted and proforma was filled for each patient having the 6[th] pregnancy or more beyond 22 weeks gestation. Out of the total 2148 deliveries in labour rooms during the period 200 women were grand multiparous [9.5%] with complications. Most of the ladies [90%] belonged to the parity group 5-8 and 80% were between 25-35 year age group. Low socio-economic status was observed in 89% women. Medical complications noted were anemia [65%], pregnancy induced hypertension [20.5%], chronic hypertension [6%] pre-eclampsia [4.5%], eclampsia [15]. Among the obstetrical complications, abruption-placentae [7.5%], placenta praevia [5%], failed progress of labour [1.5%], obstructed labour [5%], uterine rupture [2%] and PPH [18%] was observed. The rate of congenital anomalies was 7.5%, intrauterine death was 13% and 4% babies were delivered with low APGAR score at birth, required admission in the neonatal care unit. Grand multiparity is a risk factor for pregnancy especially in the under developed countries where poor maternal health, reduced birth spacing and lack of approach to health care centers are the key factors responsible for complications. Community awareness, patient education, birth spacing and family planning advice can reduce its complications