Development and validation of a screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder: the URDU version of SIMS screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorders [SIBD]

To develop and validate a new screening instrument in Urdu language for bipolar spectrum disorders in patients presenting to tertiary care center. This instrument is called the Services Institute Medical Sciences screening instruments for bipolar spectrum disorders [SIBD]. It was quasi-experimental study. Department of Psychiatry, Services Institute of Medical Sciences and Services hospital, Lahore. January 2006 to November 2006. A total of 200 patients attending outpatient and in-patient facilities of Psychiatry Department, Services hospital, Lahore suffering from mood disorders completed the SIBD. A research professional, blind to the SIBD results, conducted a semi structured interview using DSM - IV diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. SIBD with a screening score of 30 or positive responses to at least 7 items yielded good sensitivity [0.73] and very good specificity [0.90]. The SIBD is a useful screening instrument for bipolar spectrum disorder to be used in clinical practice in tertiary care centers initially

Frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder and its association with types of physical injuries and depression in earthquake victims

To examine the frequency of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] in victims of October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan and to evaluate its association with type of physical injuries and depressive disorder. 210 victims were assessed for PTSD and depression by using semi-structured clinical interview and HADS respectively. These subjects were selected at random. Victims, both with or without physical injuries, were assessed. Of the two hundred ten victims, 141 had sustained physical injuries. Among those, 51% had soft tissue injuries, 36% had bony injuries and 13% had spinal injuries. Among physically injured victims 87 [62%] developed PTSD and 54 [38%] did not. Sixty nine victims who did not sustain physical injuries, 32 [46%] developed PTSD while 37 [54%] did not. The results indicate significant relationship between PTSD and physical injury [Chi square=4.43, df=1, p<0.05]. Frequency of PTSD was markedly increased in people suffered from physical injuries as compared to those who did not sustained injuries