ABSTRACT
Epidemiological surveys from various countries indicate an increased prevalence of autism spectrum disorders [ASD], leading researchers to debate whether there are now 'more affected' or 'more detected'. The epidemiology of ASD in developing countries, such as Oman, has generally indicated a lower prevalence compared to developed countries in the West. In Oman, the prevalence is low; however, this article highlights some of the factors that could contribute to the appearance of a low ASD rate: cross-cultural variations in the presentation of distress; a lack of reliable biological markers for diagnosing ASD, and a lack of health services for children with ASD, thus limiting the number of participants in epidemiological surveys. While the defining features of ASD have yet to be established, pilot studies in Oman indicate a substantial number of children with these disorders. Therefore, it is important that these discrepancies be addressed and the need for appropriate services for this patient population in Oman be highlighted
Subject(s)
Humans , Autism Spectrum Disorder/prevention & control , Autistic Disorder , Prevalence , CultureABSTRACT
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination [OSCE] has been a common tool of assessment in both undergraduate and postgraduate medicine, and has been reported to have both higher reliability and validity over the oral exam. In addition, another advantage is that it reduces luck by standardizing both examiners and patients. This article describes our experience in organizing and conducting an OSCE for Oman Medical Specialty Board residents in Psychiatry
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Clinical Competence , Internship and Residency , Reproducibility of Results , Psychiatry/education , Specialty Boards , Education, Medical, ContinuingABSTRACT
There is significant evidence that psychotherapy is a pivotal treatment for persons diagnosed with Axis I clinical psychiatric conditions; however, a psychotherapy service has only recently been established in the Omani health care system. This study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of attendees at a psychotherapy clinic at a tertiary care hospital. An analysis was carried out of 133 new referrals to the Psychotherapy Service at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, a tertiary care hospital. The majority of referrals were females [59%], aged 18-34 years, employed [38%], had = 12 years of formal education [51%], and were single [54%]. A total of 43% were treated for anxiety disorders [including obsessive compulsive disorder], while 22% were treated for depression. A total of 65% were prescribed psychotropic medications. The utilisation of the Psychotherapy Service and its user characteristics are discussed within the context of a culturally diverse Omani community which has unique personal belief systems such as in supernatural powers [Jinn], contemptuous envy [Hassad], evil eye [Ain] and sorcery [Sihr] which are often used to explain the aetiology of mental illness and influence personal decisions on utilising medical and psychological treatments. Despite the low number of referrals to the Psychotherapy Service, there is reason to believe that psychotherapy would be an essential tool to come to grips with the increasing number of mental disorders in Oman
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Anxiety Disorders , Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder , Depression , Mental Disorders , CultureABSTRACT
Child maltreatment [CM] is common worldwide, and can take many forms. It may even endanger the child's life, especially when younger children are the victims. CM affects the child's quality of life and consequently leads to long term issues to be dealt with by the child, family and community. This case series discusses six children who have been subjected to CM, and diagnosed by the child protection team of the departments of Child Health and Behavioural Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital [SQUH], Oman. The aim of this case series is to increase the level of awareness of CM among Oman's medical professionals and to highlight the difficulties encountered in diagnosing and providing optimal care for these children. Although treatment is provided in Oman's health care system, it is clear that there are gaps in the existing system which affect the quality of child protection services provided to the children and their families
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hospitals, University , Heart Arrest , Mercury Poisoning , Infant Equipment , Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , Sex Offenses , Femoral Fractures , Humeral Fractures , MalpracticeABSTRACT
We report the case of a 7 year-old Omani girl with tuberous sclerosis [TS], attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] and bipolar disorder [BD], at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital [SQUH], Oman. For a year she had been suffering from hyperactivity, aggression, over talkativeness, insomnia, risk-taking behaviour, distractibility, poor attention and seizures. This clinical picture evolved slowly, but was progressive in nature. Before the consultation at her local health centre, she was given four drugs without being properly investigated; she continued to deteriorate. In SQUH, she showed hyperactive-impulsive behaviour, elation, flight of ideas, preoccupation with self and high self-confidence. The physical examination revealed multiple hypomelanotic patches all over the body and a shagreen patch at the sacral area. The electroencephalogram showed generalised epileptic discharges, while brain imaging showed multiple parenchymal calcified foci in both cerebral hemispheres. Other investigations were normal. She was given valproate, and then a psychostimulant, methylphenidate, that controlled her state. Our aim in reporting this case is not only because it is unique, given its rare comorbidity [ADHD, TS and BD], but also to remind our junior colleagues to be alert to the possibility of an underlying neuropathology when performing clinical examinations and investigations of children presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms