Evaluation of efficacy and safety of sertraline in the treatment of major depressive disorders

An open, non-comparative study was carried out on 30 patients [21 females and 9 males], their ages ranged from 18 to 60 years, their weights between 50 to 86 kgs. They were randomly selected from the psychiatric out-patient clinic at Manial University Hospital, Cairo University, Cairo. The period of active treatment with sertraline continued for six weeks. The drug was administered in increasing doses from 50mg/day to a maximum of 200mg/day, according to the clinical response and the safety. Baseline assessment and assessment during therapy was carried out. Laboratory tests, Hamilton Rating Scale [HAM-D and HAM-A] and Clinical Global Impression Scale were done on six visits. All patients included in the study were suffering from major depressive disorder [DSM-III R] suitable for antidepressant therapy. Four cases discontinued treatment prematurely [3 males and one female], because of adverse side effects, and another female patient discontinued treatment after noticeable improvement in the first 3 weeks of the study. Results were statistically analysed using the paired-t-test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test. Adverse side effects were mainly in the autonomic nervous system especially related to the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, sertraline is a well-tolerated antidepressant, and the results of this study support its efficacy and safety in the treatment of patients with major depression

Relative symptom importance in the diagnosis of schizophrenia: an Anglo-Americo Egyptian comparison

Edwards [1972] reported the results of an Anglo-American comparison based on the results of two questionnaire studies about the diagnosis of schizophrenia. The same questionnaire study was repeated in Egypt. The aim was to study the cross-national differences in symptom importance in the diagnosis of schizophrenia among the three countries. The results of seventy questionnaire forms suitable for symptom analysis were reported. Comparison between our results and the corresponding British and American results was also carried out. Important differences were discussed and speculations were made as to their possible causes

Social stresses in relation to psychiatric morbidity in menopause

129 menopausal women from the psychiatric outpatient clinic were compared to 100 menopausal women from the gynaecology outpatient clinic at Assiut University Hospital. The occurrence and severity of psychiatric illness was found to be associated with several factors which showed statistical significance and acted independently. These factors are : [I] Disturbed family life, being widowed, divorced, or having no living children. [2] Living with children without the husband, with husband without the children or living alone. [3] Life problems related to children, husband or other relatives. [4] History of previous psychiatric illness. [5] Negative attitude towards menopause. The difference between the two groups as regards the presence of one or more of the above factors was found to be statistically significant