[ comparison of behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapeutic methods on depression in cardiac rehabilitated patients]

In addition to medical care, psychological support is needed to treat depression in rehabilitated cardiac patients. In this study we have compared the effectiveness of two different methods i.e. behavior-intervention and cognitive management in decreasing intensity of depression in rehabilitated cardiac patients. All cardiac patients who had undergone surgery Coronary Artery Bypass Graft [CABG] during 2005-2006 in Khatam-al--Anbia general hospital of Zahedan were included in the study. Sixty seven patients fulfilling the criteria for inclusion were divided randomly into three groups, each comprising of 15 patients, two groups as experimental and one group as control. We used dual therapeutic methods of behavioral management and cognitive management in the two experimental groups, no intervention was done in the control group and multi group dependent variables were defined as the degree of depression in rehabilitated cardiac patients which was assessed by scale of light depression. Beck depression test was utilized for data collection for pre and post-tests; unilateral variance analysis [ANOVA] was used for data analysis. The average score of depression in both test groups showed remarkable difference before and after intervention, whilst subjects in the control groups did not show any intervention. Cognitive method proved more efficient in lessening the intensity of depression. We can apply psychotherapeutic intervening procedures in order to enhance cure and improve to deal with psychological issues in such patients

Mental health and coping strategies in freshman students of Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

Mental health is a matter of controversy in psychiatry. Individuals' ability to coping with changes and stresses is one of the factors that may influence mental health. The goal of the present study was to assess psychological morbidly and coping strategies in freshman students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2004. During this cross sectional study, 249 students received three self-report questionnaires. They were asked to complete the 28-item general health questionnaire [GHQ-28], Billings and Moos coping questionnaire as well as a demographic questionnaire. The data were analyzed with chi-square and t-tests. Totally, 36.1% of students scored above the threshold of 23 for GHQ-28 with insignificant differences between genders. Suspected students used emotional inhibition and somatization as coping strategies more frequently than others [p < 0.05], however, normal students [GHQ<23] used problem-solving strategy and cognitive evaluation more commonly than others [p < 0.05]. Attraction of social support did not show a statistical significant difference between suspected subjects and the group with GHQ<23. Subjects ranged within the normal limit of mental health employ more effective and active coping strategies and cognitive evaluation of problems and finding solution. With respect to the inseparability of life and education from stresses, educating students for effective coping strategies, especially during the first years of university can increase their immunity against psychological disorders

Mental health in group of war veterans and their spouses in Qom

War is a stressful event that can lead to disastrous situations in human life. Those who are directly involved in this event and influenced by the resulting trauma are the first victims of the war. However the consequences involve the families and the society on the whole. The families of the wounded, disabled, martyred, or imprisoned soldiers are the forgotten victims of wars. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of depression and mental disorders in a group of war veterans and their spouses in the Qom province. The study population included 160 males and 90 females, [90 couples]. They were asked to complete two valid questionnaires of Beck and GHQ as well as a questionnaire dealing with their demographic data. Sample selection was random from the official file in the Foundation for the Disabled in the Qom province. 75% of the patients included in the study were unemployed. Beck questionnaire revealed that 96.3% of the ex-soldiers and 88.9% of their spouses were suffering from mild to severe depression. GHQ questionnaire revealed that in 94.5% of veterans and 86.7% of their spouses symptoms suggestive of a mental disorder were present. Anxiety-depression disorders, adjustment disorders and inter-personal relation disorders are common among the ex-servicemen and their spouses. War veterans and their families are in need of better support from different organizations that provide social and health services