Gender differences among discrimination and stigma experienced by depressive patients in Pakistan

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

Psychological distress and manifestation of symptoms in dhat syndrome patients in relation to parental strictness

Dhat Syndrome also known as semen loss anxiety is commonly reported among men from the Indian subcontinent. The present study examined Dhat syndrome symptoms manifestation and psychological distress in patients with Dhat Syndrome in relation to perceived parental strictness. It was hypothesized that: patients perceiving their parents strict are likely to manifest significantly more symptoms and are likely to experience more distress compared to those perceiving their parents non strict. Sample comprised of 318 Dhat Syndrome patients recruited from clinics of health professionals. Dhat Syndrome Symptom Checklist [DSSC]and General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-28] were used for assessment. Individual assessment was carried out at the premises of professional clinics. Analysis revealed that patients perceiving their parents strict reported significantly more physical symptoms, somatic complaints and anxiety as compared to those who perceived their parents non strict. The findings highlight the importance of parental attitudes on the sexual behavior and perceptions

Efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy with panic disorder: a single case study

Panic Disorder is very debilitating, distressing for the sufferers and has comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders. Though it is very commonly reported disorder in clinical practice, research on efficacy of different management strategies and therapeutic interventions is non-existent in Pakistan. The present study employed single case design to examine the efficacy of behavioral and cognitive management strategies with panic disorder. Stanford Panic Appraisal Inventory, State Trait Anxiety Inventory [STAI], Fear Questionnaire and Beck Depression Inventory [BDI] were used to assess the patient prior to, in the middle and after completion of intervention sessions. Intervention consisted of cognitive behavior therapy including anxiety management, panic management and challenging dysfunctional thoughts. Therapy consisted of 13 sessions conducted twice a week initially and later on once a week. Analysis revealed that the symptoms gradually decreased over sessions and the patient remained panic free at follow-up. The findings support effectiveness of psychological intervention with panic disorder