Patients and Relatives' Perspectives about Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) In Khartoum, Sudan

@#Lack of knowledge and inappropriate attitude towards electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment may affect the outcome of psychiatric’s morbidity and mortality. However, less systematic studies have been done on this area. This study aimed to assess the patients’ and relatives’ perspectives, i.e. knowledge, attitude and compliance on ECT in Khartoum State, Sudan. This was an observational hospital-based study conducted among 103 psychiatric patients and their relatives respectively who visited the Taha Basher and Eltigani Elmahi psychiatric hospitals during 2016. Both the patients and their relative inquired about different criteria of knowledge and attitude towards ECT. The percentage of score was calculated based on their positive answers by selecting the most appropriate answer or by calculating the mean of many positive answers. All the data were collected through a pre-designed questionnaire, and further analyzed statistically. Male was represented 61 (59.2%) and the commonest age group of patients was 16-30 years. The overall score of knowledge towards ECT among patients and their relative was 54.9% and 59.4%, respectively. Acceptance on the use of ECT were agreed by 43.7% of patients and more than 70% of patients and their relatives believed giving ECT for emergency psychiatric cases. Psychiatrist was the most frequent source of information reported by both patients (73.8%) and relatives (67%). Male relatives showed significantly higher attitude of recommending ECT treatment (p=0.004) for other patients. Patients and their relatives were reported to have moderate and better knowledge and attitude towards the use of ECT, respectively.

Sexual Pain Disorder with Anxiety and Depressive Psychopathology as Complication: A Case-Report

Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction which results from vaginal musculature spasm and makes the penetration almost impossible. It is commonly associated with significant emotional distress. On several occasions, fear of pain during sexual intercourse may perpetuate the sexual dysfunction. We report a case of primary vaginismus that was associated with psychiatric squeale of anxiety and depression psychopathology. It suggests that psychological problems related to a mentalhealth problem in vaginismus should be dealt adequately for a holistic approach. A combination of behavioural, psychological and pharmacological treatment is important to ensure a good prognosis outcome.

Is Electroconvulsive Therapy Safe for Patient with Very Low BMI? A Case Report

A case of rapid stabilization using electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a major depressive disordered (MDD) patient with life-threatening low body mass index (BMI) is reported. This case report focuses on a 55-year-old Malay housewife with underlying hyperthyroidism in a euthyroid state who presented with MDD with mood congruent psychotic features, which were precipitated by the death of her husband. Her BMI was only 11 kg/m2 due to severe anorexia, and she was highly suicidal. Peripheral total parenteral nutrition was started and ECT was commenced for rapid stabilization on top of tablet escitalopram 15 mg nocte. Full remission was achieved after nine ECTs and steady healthy weight gain was achieved throughout admission. The patient was discharged at BMI of 13 kg/m2 with good appetite. ECT was safe for very low BMI MDD patient.

Sexual Dysfunction amongst Women with Benign Gynaecological Disease

There was no difference in female sexual dysfunction amongst women with and without benign gynaecological disease.

Sexual Dysfunction among Post Menopausal Women

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among post menopausal women was high. The most affected domains were satisfaction, desire and arousal. The associated factors were older age, lower education level, and type of menopause.