The Analysis of Self-Mutilation in Adolescence Based on the Theory of Mentalization: From Sukhvinder in the Novel ‘Casual Vacancy’

OBJECTIVES: Adolescence involves a number of developmental processes, as well as unique psychological characteristics and behaviors. An increased rate of internet and game addictions, school violence, and suicide may either represent aspects of adolescence or a psychopathological phenomenon. There is an urgent need to develop software programs that can prevent and resolve adolescent behavioral problems. We applied the mentalization theory to interpret and find solutions for problems faced by adolescent characters in literature. METHODS: In Joan Rowling's novel “Casual Vacancy,” Sukhvinder is a girl with problems representative of those encountered by modern adolescents; she is a victim of bullying and engages in self-mutilation. We targeted her problematic behaviors as representative of a prementalized state. RESULTS: Born into an upper-class English family with Pakistani origins, Sukhvinder, unlike her siblings, fails her parents' expectations. Whenever she faces a psychological crisis, she regresses into the teleological mode (the most primitive pre-mentalization stage) and regains her sense of self by cutting herself. After her friend's suicide, however, she begins to communicate with her parents and moves toward mentalization. CONCLUSION: By analyzing Sukhvinder's behavior, we assessed patterns of attachment, empathy, and mentalization, and identified corrective approaches for problematic behaviors. We believe that the presented interpretation may serve as a foundation for the development of models for understanding adolescent deviant behaviors.

Differences of Personality Characteristics According to the Suicide Symptoms in Patients with Depression / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES@#The purpose of this study was to examine personality traits associated with suicidal symptoms (with history of suicide attempt or suicidal idea) in depressed patients.@*METHODS@#A sample 186 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder was divided into two groups : suicidal group (with history of suicide attempt or suicidal idea, n=70) and non-suicidal group (without history of suicide attempt or suicidal idea, n=116). NEO Personality Assessment System were used to evaluate personality trait.@*RESULTS@#Neuroticism was high in suicidal group (p=0.041). In multivariate logistic regression, Neuroticism was also a significant influence on suicidal symptoms (Odds Ratio=1.04, 95% Confidence Interval 1.01–1.07, p=0.0145).@*CONCLUSIONS@#High Neuroticism is a useful information to identify individuals at high risk of suicide in depressive patients.

Review of Disaster Mental Health System in Japan / 신경정신의학

Mental health is one of the most important issues for disaster survivors, and many studies have reported higher rates of mental health problems after disasters. Because Japan has experienced frequent earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons, and volcanoes, mental health problems have been a matter of great concern after disasters in Japan. To serve the psychiatric services after the Hanshin-Awaji (Kobe) earthquake, 'Hyogo institute for traumatic stress' was established. And when the disaster caused by the great east Japan earthquake and tsunami occurred, 'National information center of disaster mental health' and 'Disaster psychiatric assistance team' had the important role of reducing mental health problems.

Two Pediatric Cases of Dengue Fever Imported from Philippines / 소아감염

Dengue fever is an important health problem for international travelers to all endemic areas. The steadily increasing numbers of tourists visiting endemic areas raise the risk of exposure, and imported dengue cases are increasingly observed in nonendemic area. Dengue has a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, often with unpredictable clinical evolution and outcome. While most patients recover following a self-limiting, non-severe clinical course, a small proportion progress to severe disease such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. Therefore, it is important to suspect dengue fever in every febrile patient returning from the tropics. Whenever it is suspected, a quick diagnosis and adequate managements are essential to avoid complications. We report two cases of imported dengue fever in Korean children presenting with fever, headache, nausea, and rash.