Initial prodrome description in recent onset schizophrenia

Initial prodromal phase is gaining increasing significance for early detection, management and prognosis of recent onset psychosis. The present work aimed to assess and describe the prodromal phase in subjects with recent onset schizophrenia. 43 cases of recent onset schizophrenia were collected on outpatient basis and diagnosed according to ICD-10 DRC [WHO, 1993]. A prodrome questionnaire to subject and informant was used to assess prodromal phase retrospectively. Results showed that 30 cases [69.9%] had prodrome reported either by subject only [3 cases 7%], informant only [13 cases 30.2%] or by both subject and informant [14 cases, 32.6%]. The duration of the prodrome reported by subjects ranged from 30- 1825 days [5 years] [mean = 475.6 days, SD = +/- 495.1]. The duration of the prodrome reported by informants ranged from 30- 1095 days [3 years] [mean =361.1 days, SD = +/- 356.7]. Prodromal symptoms, most commonly reported by subjects, were: Suspiciousness and Social withdrawal, followed by Ideas of references and Insomnia. Prodromal symptoms, most commonly reported by informants, were: Social withdrawal, Impaired functioning, followed by Somatic symptoms, Anxiety and Decreased appetite. Recent onset schizophrenic patients experienced an initial prodromal phase that may vary from weeks to many years in duration. Prodrome can present with negative prodromal signs, positive symptoms and/or non-specific symptoms. The more prolonged prodromes are associated with more insidious onset and more impairment of functioning

Neuropsychological assessment of global and specific cognitive functions in children with epilepsy

Impairment of cognitive functions is an important problem in epileptic children that can burden their learning abilities and academic achievement. The present study aims at assessment of cognitive functions in epileptic children and to explore the relation of various neuropsychological functions to other variables such as seizure type, frequency, duration of epilepsy, EEG changes and antiepileptic drugs. The study included 58 epileptic children, 6-12 years old [39 males and 19 females]. All children were subjected to detailed history, full neurological and psychiatric examination, EEG and a battery of psychometric tests. Results confirmed that epileptic children have significant impairment in cognitive functions and this impairment is most evident in females, generalized seizures, higher frequency of seizures, right sided focus in EEG, poor seizure control and poly therapy

Ego function assessment in major depressive patients: an Egyptian sample

Fourteen ego functions were rated in 35 Egyptian major depressive patients using a semi-structured interview. The mean total ego functions was found to be greater than that of schizophrenics and lower than that of neurotics and normal controls in previous studies. The highest score was for sense of reality and the lowest for ARISE. Inter-rater reliability was significantly high. Interrelationships between ego function and correlations with Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression are presented. Ego function assessment may be a valuable tool in planning and assessing therapy for the individual patient as well as in differentiating between different patient populations

Psychiatric problems of school-age children and adolescents in a child psychiatry clinic in Suez

This study describes psychiatric problems of 207 referrals to a child psychiatry clinic established within the school health unit in Suez city. Bed wetting [37%] and functional enuresis [36%] were the commonest presenting problems and diagnosis, followed by poor learning [31%] and disruptive behavior disorders [25%] on axis I and specific developmental disorders [25%] on axis II. Results showed that 60% of the referrals have multiple diagnoses and that disorders loaded with developmental, genetic and familial backgrounds predominate. The explanation of our results are discussed with the implication for future mental health planning for school-age children and adolescents