RESUMO
Objective: To determine the relationship between childhood trauma [physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect] and alexithymia in patients with conversion disorder, and to identify it as a predictor of alexithymia in conversion disorder
Study Design: An analytical study
Place and Duration of Study: Multiple public sector hospitals in Lahore, from September 2012 to July 2013
Methodology: Eighty women with conversion disorder were recruited on the basis of DSM IV-TR diagnostic criteria checklist to screen conversion disorder. Childhood abuse interview to measure childhood trauma and Bermond Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire, DSM-IVTR Dianostic Criteria Checklist, and Childhood Abuse Interview to assess alexithymia were used, respectively
Results: The mean age of the sample was 18 +/- 2.2 years. Thirty-six cases had a history of childhood trauma, physical abuse was the most reported trauma [f = 19, 23.8%] in their childhood. Patients with conversion disorder has a significant association with alexithymia [p < 0.05]. Multiple regression analysis showed that childhood sexual abuse could predict alexithymia [F= 7.05, p < 0.05]. Among the alexithymia domain, childhood physical abuse significantly predicted the difficulty in verbalizing emotions among the abused patients [F= 6.40, p < 0.05]
Conclusion: The study highlighted childhood abuse and emotional pent up as an etiological factor of conversion disorder. Strategies should be devised to reduce this disorder among women in Pakistani society
RESUMO
Objective: This study aims to examine Gender Difference in the level of Discrimination and Stigma experienced by people diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder in Pakistan. It was hypothesized that Women diagnosed with Depression are likely to be experiencing more Discrimination and Internalized Stigma in comparison to Men
Methods: This is a Cross Sectional Study. Thirty eight patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder recruited from different Government Sector Hospitals of Lahore; were approached after obtaining informed consent. Discrimination and Stigma were measured through Discrimination and Stigma Scale and Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Inventory respectively
Results: Both Men and Women experience considerably high level of associated Stigma and Discrimination due to their Mental Illness. However, Women in comparison to Men experience significantly greater level of Internalized Stigma especially in domains of Discrimination Experience and Social Withdrawal
Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the fact that people with Depression can be more benefited with psychological treatment if dealing with Stigma and Discrimination is also addressed in Intervention Plans