[ comparative study on the personality traits of opioid- dependents with and without somatic chronic pain complaints]

Some people use opioid substances to relief their chronic somatic pains. There are differences in the personality traits of this individuals and others who abuse opioid substances. The purpose of the present study was to compare these two groups in regard to their personality traits and disorders. In a cross-sectional study between 2007 to 2011, all patients referred for drug quit to the outpatient addiction clinic of Imam Hospital affiliated to Jundishapur University were investigated demographically. In addition, all of them underwent physical examination, MMPI test and psychiatric interview. Then they were divided into two groups of "with pain complaint" and "without pain complaint". Their personality traits were compared using t-test and chi[2]. The total number of patients was 488, including 478 males and 10 females. Mean scores of Psychatenia [pt] and paranoia [Pa] indexes in the patients who suffered from chronic non- cancer pain was lower in comparison to the patients without pain complaint. Based on the results of psychological interview, the prevalence of personality disorder was higher in the "without pain" group. Patients with chronic pain had higher educational degrees and they were more likely under the influence of their friends at the onset of opioid abuse. In the present study those who used opioid for pain relief, had healthier psychiatric profiles and personalities. Their psychiatric interviews were more valid and reliable and their psychological problems were less than the other group and their addiction was a maladaptive behavior

[Efficacy of aqueous extract of echium amoenum L. in the treatment of mild to moderate obsessive - compulsive disorder]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a constant dose of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum. Thirty - three patients with obsessive - compulsive disorder who had a score >/= 21 on the Yale - Brown scale were enrolled in the study and were randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 500 mg of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum. Patients were followed for 6 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the Yale - Brown Obsessive - Compulsive Rating Scale, in week 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6. In the week 4 and 6, drug was superior to placebo. This difference was significant in the sixth week [p = 0.003] and marginally non significant in the fourth week [P =0.053]. The extract of Echium amoenum did not cause more adverse effects than placebo during the study. It is concluded the aqueous extract of Echium amoenum can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for obsessive - compulsive disorder. However further studies at warranted

[Efficacy of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum L. in the treatment of mild to moderate major depressive disorder: a randomized double blind clinical trial]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a constant dose of aqueous extract of Echium amoenum. Thirty-five patients with mild to moderate major depressive disorder who had a score >/= 18 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive either placebo or 375mg of aqueous extract of Echinum amoenum. Patients were followed for 6 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, in week 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6. In the week 4 and 6, drug was superior to placebo. This difference was significant at the fourth week [p =0.018] and marginally non-significant at the sixth week. The extract of Echium amoenum did not cause more adverse effects than placebo during the study. It is concluded that the aqueous extract of Echium amoenum can be considered as an effective and safe treatment for major depressive disorder. However further studies in warranted