ABSTRACT
Multiples sclerosis is a common demyelinating disease of CNS and the main cause of disability in young adults all over the world so any research in different aspects of the disease has great value. researches in Iran are few in quantity and low in sample size. To determine clinical course and prognosis of the disease in Iranian MS patients we have studied these items in a considerable sample size. Two hundred and three definite MS patients [according to MC'donalds 2001 criteria] included in this study and a planned questionnaire completed by visiting the patients or by degree of disability estimated according to EDSS [Expanded Disability Status Scale] score system. The results analyzed with SPSS software. Mean age of the patients was 35. All required examinations have been done by a neurologist and 60.6 percent were female. Mean duration of disease was 8.3 years. the main form of onset of symptoms was sensorimotor [mixed]. Mean Attack rate was 5.5 times during the disease duration. Clinical course in 72.4 percent was relapsing-remitting type. Mean disability scale number according to EDSS was 5.2. Death rate was two percent. 69.3 percent of patients were able to work in the society. The degree of disability increased with increasing age, in lower educational state, in longer duration of the disease and in male gender. The results of clinical course and type of MS, mean of disease duration from the onset and mean EDSS are compatible and comparable with similar studies in other countries though some results are different. For future large sample, multicenter studies recommended
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , PrognosisABSTRACT
Efficacy of psycho-educational programme in promotion of social and family functioning among Iranian psychiatric clients is the theme of this study. One hundred and seventy schizophrenics with 174 clients with mood disorders were included in the present study and adopting Solomon's experimental design they were assigned into four groups: 2 experimental and 2 control groups for each illness category. Key family members from experimental groups participated in a weekly educational programme for a duration of six months. Batteries of tests were used to ascertain family's skills in management of client's verbal and non verbal behaviours. Baseline data with those after intervention, i.e., 6 and 18 months were compared, using SPSS programme and running statistical tests such as t-test and ANOVA. Comparing the experimental and control groups, more attitudinal, cognitive and behavioural changes among families followed by more desirable role performance ability by the clients in experimental groups were observed. Results indicated that family education can bring about desirable changes in the family dynamics and better outcome of psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric social workers can use psycho-educational programme in imparting necessary skills for effective management of verbal and non verbal behaviours of psychiatric patients in the family