Comorbidity of anxiety disorder and major depression among girls with learning disabilities

Background: Adolescence is a stressful period of transition where new behaviors and habits have to be adapted. This transition results in mental health problems of adolescents and hinders in their dealing with new challenges and opportunities. This issue is worsened when adolescents also have learning disabilities

Study design, settings and duration: Systematic random sampling technique was used and students from two government girls' schools were selected from December 2012 to December 2013

Subjects and Methods: .Two government schools i.e. Government Girls Pilot Secondary High School, and Government Comprehensive Girls High School, Lahore were selected for the study. Every 4[th] adolescent girl from each class was selected from these schools and each girl was administered Learning Disabilities Checklist questionnaire to screen those having learning disabilities and those without learning disabilities. Anxiety and depression was evaluated using Spence Children Anxiety Scale and Children Depression Inventory respectively. Co-occurrence of anxiety and depression among both groups was calculated using frequencies, percentages and Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis

Results: Out of 111 girls, 47 were labeled as non-learn disabled and 64 as learn disabled. Coexistence of depression and anxiety symptoms ranged from 21-40%. There was significantly strong relationship between anxiety and depression between both groups, which was more significant among girls having learning disabilities. Mean symptoms of depression were higher in the learning disabled group

Conclusion: Many girls studying in schools have learning disabilities with significant numbers having depression and anxiety too

Policy message: Mental health evaluation of children in schools should be regularly carried out to screen and assist those who have mental issues

Hypertension; coping strategies used by people

The literature review portrays a reasonable picture of the role of certain coping strategies in developing hypertension. Present research based on self-regulation theory explored correlation of coping strategies of stress with hypertension. Cross sectional research design. Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Services Hospital, Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. June 2010 to June 2011. Sample [N = 400] outdoor hypertensive males [N = 100] and hypertensive females [N = 100] between ages 30-60, and their age matched healthy controls [N= 200, 100 males, 100 females] were taken from 3 hospitals. Brief COPE scale was used to measure coping strategies. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were carried out. Significant positive correlation of hypertension with active coping, substance use, instrumental support, positive refraining, acceptance, and self-blame was found and active coping, acceptance, instrumental social support and self-blame coping strategies appeared as significant predictors of hypertension

Hypertension; does psychological state of an individual cause to develop?

Hypertension is a condition of the person in which blood pressure is chronically high. Hypertension is a leading factor to damage health and turn out many chronic conditions in human body[1]. To study the relationship of hypertension with psychological states of anger, stress and anxiety and do they predict hypertension? A co relational study. Outdoor hypertensive patients [N = 200, men = 110, women = 90] between ages 30-65, and control group [N = 170, men = 90, women = 80], matched with age, gender and monthly income were taken from the public hospitals. STAXI [Spielberger, 1988] and DASS [Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995] were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, logistic regression analyses were used. Significant positive correlation of hypertension with anger, stress and anxiety was found. Anger-control, anger-in, stress and anxiety emerged as strongest predictors of hypertension

Parental psychological abuse toward children and mental health problems in adolescence

Present study was conducted to explore the relationship between parental psychological abuse toward their children and mental health problems in adolescence. Three hundred participants age range 13-17 years, [57% boys and 43% girls] participated in the study from both public and private high schools of Lahore. Psychological maltreatment experience scale [PMES] and Youth Self-Report [YSR] were used for assessment and diagnosis. Findings revealed that psychological abuse by parents significantly related with mental health problems in adolescents, for mother abuse [r= 0.24 to.67, p < 0.05] and father abuse [r= 0.20 to 0.70, p < 0.05]. Adolescents who perceived their parents as more abusive exhibited greater problems. Regression analysis indicated that hypothesized factors of parental psychological abuse predicted the mental health problems in adolescents [contributed from 10% to 49% of variance]. Psychological abuse by parents is related with mental health problems in adolescents. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of non-injurious psychological abuse and its impact on adolescents. Findings of the study can be used to bring the attention of parents, public and professionals' towards damaging effects of psychological abuse on adolescents

Depression, anxiety, stress and demographic determinants of hypertension disease

Research evidence supports the relationship of psychological and demographic factors with hypertension and these variables are strongest predictors of hypertension which are scarcely studied in Pakistan. The present study was carried out to explore the correlation of depression, anxiety, stress and demographic factors with hypertension. We used correlation research design and a sample of [N = 237], hypertensive patients [N = 137] and their age matched healthy controls [N = 100] was taken from hospitals. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale [DASS] [Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995] was used to assess depression, anxiety and stress. Results indicated significant positive correlation between depression [x[2][MH] = 104.18, p < 0.001], anxiety [x[2][MH] = 78.48, p < 0.001], stress [x[2][MH] = 110.95, p < 0.001] and overall negative states [x[2][MH] = 97.43, p < 0.001] with hypertension. Depression [OR = 1.44, p < 0.01], anxiety [OR = 1. 76, p < 0.01] stress [OR = 1.37, p < 0.01], job and dependents, working hours and weight turned out as predictors of hypertension. Hypertension has significant positive relationship with depression, anxiety, stress and with demographic variables. The findings of the present study will contribute in the existing knowledge of health professionals to enhance public awareness regarding the harmful outcomes of depression, anxiety and stress upon human health

Occupational stress and job satisfaction among nurses at a tertiary care hospital

This study was conducted to find the different sources of occupational stress and the level of job satisfaction among nurses working at a tertiary care hospital. Cross sectional study. The study was conducted at Rawalpindi General Hospital from March 2005 to June 2005. The sample comprised of 50 female staff nurses working in different departments in Rawalpindi General Hospital. The sampling technique was stratified random sampling to include nurses working in various departments of hospital. Occupational stress and job satisfaction was assessed by Pressure Management Indicator in terms of Job Satisfaction, Organization, Mental well-being, Physical well-being, a 120 item self-report measure, encompassing many areas of stress evident in the workplace. Majority of the sample [74%] was working on full time whereas 26% were working on contract basis. The mean working hours in a week were 51.16 hrs + 8.98 hrs. On the scale of mental well being, which is comprised of various subscales, the mean score for resilience was 18.78 + 4.32 and for confidence level it was 10.40 + 4.19. These scores were more than the standard score which were 17.66 and 10.37 respectively. Majority of participants [70%] felt secure in their organization. Similarly 74% of participants scored more than the standard on sub scale of job satisfaction [Mean = 24.5 + 3.68]. On the scale for sources of pressure, the mean score on workload was 19.28 + 5.77, on personal responsibility the mean score was 14.04 + 2.99 and on the home/work balance the score was 19.92 + 4.36. The mean scores of participants on all these items were more than the standard scores. It appears that the nurses at a tertiary care hospital have a high index of occupational stress and majority of it generates from the administrative disorganization of the firm and less from the personal or the monitory factors

Relationship between anxiety, depression, psychological well- being and quality of life in diabetic patients having Haemodialysis

To assess the relationship between anxiety, depression, psychological well-being and their association with quality of life in diabetics having haemodilysis due to renal failure and those without haemodilysis.Cross-sectional comparative study. The study was conducted at the inpatient department of Nephrology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from March 2005 to June 2005.The sample consisted of 60 diabetic patients selected through non-probability convenient sampling technique, whereby 30 patients had haemodilysis and 30 patients were without haemodilysis. Anxiety, depression, quality of life and psychological well being were assessed with General Health Questionnaire 12 [GHQ 12], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] and WHO Quality of Life Brief [00L BREF] respectively.The mean scores of HADS of diabetic patients with or without haemodilysis on depression dimension were 12.43 [S.D + 3.55] and 8.93 [S.D. + 4.47] respectively where the difference was statistically significant. Mean scores of patients with and without haemodilysis for anxiety were 14.00 [S.D.+ 3.454] and 7.23 [S.D + 2.763] respectively which were again statistically significant. A significant positive correlation existed between anxiety and depression as well as quality of life and psychological well-being whereas depression was inversely correlated to both psychological well-being and quality of life. The diabetic patients with haemodilysis have anxiety, depression and poor quality of life when compared to those without haemodilysis

Relationship between suicidal ideation, social support and coping skills in female prisoners of a jail in Pakistan

To compare the convicted and under trial female prisoners on suicidal ideation, coping skills and social support.Cross-sectional comparative study.Adyiala Jail Rawalpindi. Data is collected in six month duration i.e., May 2004 to Nov 2004. Sample of the study consisted of 40 female prisoners in which 20 were convicted and other 20 were under trial. Majority of the sample was in the range of 25-35years [57.5%], unmarried [50%] and educated till middle[67.5],Instruments used were Beck Suicidal Ideation Scale, Social Support Questionnaire and Brief COPE.The result shows that under trial female prisoners use more avoidance copings as compared to convicted female prisoners. It means that un-convicted female prisoners have more negative thinking, more self blame, behavior disengagement venting and denial as compared to convicted female prisoners. But the difference is non significant [t 1.43, p= .16].Present study shows that social support and coping skills have greater impact on prisoner's suicidal ideation, The higher the social support the higher the coping skill and lesser the suicidal ideation

Psycho-social stressors in patients with somatoform disorders

To identify and compare the various psychosocial stressors in patients presenting with somatoform disorders during the last one year A retrospective [ex post facto] study. The study was conducted in the Inpatient and out patient departments of the Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi General Hospital, from January 2004 to April 2004. The sample consisted of 80 patients [40 male and 40 female] with somatoform disorders. Life Events Scale [LES] and Axis-IV of DSM were used as instruments to study the various psychosocial stressors. The findings suggested that female patients [M = 356.15, SD = 138.01] experience more life events as compared to male patients [M = 317.6, SD = 103.48]. There were non-significant differences between males and females in terms of problems with the primary support group, social environment and economic difficulties. However mean scores indicated that female patients [M=1.43, SD=. 87] experience more problems with primary support group as compared to males [M =2.35, SD =1.09] whereas male patients [M= 1.50, SD=. 87] have more problems with the social environment as compared to females [M=1.43, SD=. 87]. Both male [M=. 87, SD=. 88] and female [M =.75, SD=. 59] patients showed preponderance with economic problems. Majority of the patients presenting with somatization belonged to the younger age groups. Somatoform disorders were more common among housewives and in males who were unemployed. There was a significant variation within the educational status of the patients. Psychosocial stressors are important causal factors for Somatoform disorders. People having problems with the primary support group and social environment are twice likely to present with somatoform disorders

Depression and anxiety in the caregivers of mentally ill patients

This study aimed at assessing the level of depression and anxiety among the caregivers of male and female patients with different psychiatric diagnosis. It was a Retrospective study. The data was taken from both In and Out patient departments Institute of Psychiatry Rawalpindi General Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2004 to April 2004. The sample consisted of primary caregivers of 50 patients' of both genders, 25 male and 25 female patients. One primary caregivers of each patient was taken. Hamilton Rating Scale for depression [HAM-D] and HAM-A were used to assess depression and Anxiety. Sample was taken from the out patient department of Rawalpindi general Hospital. The result of study revealed that caregivers of the patients with psychiatric illnesses have significant high level of depression and anxiety and significant gender differences were also observed. Results showed that caregivers of young male patients have high level of depression as compare to older male patients and young female patient. No significant differences were observed between care givers of young male and female patients. The caregivers of patients carrying the diagnosis of schizophrenia have higher level of depression as compared to caregivers of depression and substance abuse. The duration of illness is also important dimension as care givers of the patients who were ill more that 18 months their family reported about being depressed and anxious. From the present study it can be suggested that the care givers of young patients have higher levels of depression and anxiety as compared to older patients and duration of illness and gender are important parameters to this

Locus of control and personality traits of male substance abusers and nonabusers

The present study aimed to assess and compare personality traits and locus of control of substance abusers and male non-Abusers. Retrospective study. The male substance abusers were taken from two drug treatment centers of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Nijiat Markaz and sunny trust Bahara Kahu, and 50 male non- abusers were taken from general community January 2004 to April 2004. The sample consisted of 100 males, 50 male Abusers and 50 males' non-abusers. The abusers and non abusers were selected through non-probability, purposive sampling technique. Rotter's Internal-External Locus of Control Scale [1966] [Urdu Translation], 16 Personality Factor Test [16PF, 1949] [Urdu Translation] were used in study along with demographic sheet. The age range of male substance abusers and non-abusers was from 18 to 50 years, educated up to intermediate level. The age range of alcohol, opium and cannabis abusers was between 26 to 36 years, where as the heroin and poly drug-abuser ages were ranging between 37 to 50 years. Most of the substance abusers were using heroin and poly drugs. The results indicated that male substance abusers scored lower than non abusers on personality traits of Openness to change[t = 7.360,P<0.01], Self reliance[t = 12.21,df = 49,P<0.01],Perfectionism[t = 11.79,df = 49,P<0.01]and Tension [t = 16.4,df = 49,P<0.01]. Substance abusers significantly scored higher on external locus of control [t=7.50, DF=49, P=.000]. Substance abusers had accentuated specific personality traits which makes them different from non abusers. Moreover, substance abusers seem to be more influenced by environmental cues. Locus of control orientation is an important parameter which has effect on thought, behavior and actions

experimental test of the Skaggs-Robinson hypothesis on a Pakistani sample

The Skaggs Robinson hypothesis of learning was tested on a sample of Pakistani Graduate students. It was found as predicied that the more similar the original and the test items, the greater the facilitation. At intermediary levels of similarity facilitation decreases, but is increased with maximal differences between the test and the original items