A comparative study of the effects of problem-solving skills training and relaxation on the score of self-esteem in women with postpartum depression.

BACKGROUND: Self-esteem is a determinant factor of mental health. Individuals with low self-esteem have depression, and low self-esteem is one of main symptoms of depression. Aim of this study is to compare the effects of problem-solving skills and relaxation on the score of self-esteem in women with postpartum depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was performed on 80 women. Sampling was done in Mashhad healthy centers from December 2009 to June 2010. Women were randomly divided and assigned to problem-solving skills (n = 26), relaxation (n = 26), and control groups (n = 28). Interventions were implemented for 6 weeks and the subjects again completed Eysenck self-esteem scale 9 weeks after delivery. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test by SPSS software. RESULTS: The findings showed that the mean of self-esteem scale scores was 117.9 ± 9.7 after intervention in the problem-solving group, 117.0 ± 11.8 in the relaxation group, and 113.5 ± 10.4 in the control group and there was significant difference between the groups of relaxation and problem solving, and also between intervention groups and control group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, problem-solving skills and relaxation can be used to prevent and recover from postpartum depression.

Cognitive dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis treated with different types of interferon beta: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can deteriorate cognitive function in at least 50% of patients even in the early stages. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a three-arm parallel study with balanced randomization to evaluate the effect of various disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on cognitive function in MS. METHODS: Ninety newly diagnosed, definite MS subjects referred to Ghaem Medical Center, Mashhad, Iran, were enrolled into this study between 2006 and 2009. They were randomly categorized into three DMT groups; Avonex, Rebif and Betaferon. Cognition status was assessed in MS patients at baseline and 12 months after treatment with DMTs using the 5 tests of the Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N). RESULTS: The Symbol Digit Modalities Test scores improved in all groups at 12 month vs. baseline (Avonex: 34.50 vs. 38.95, p=0.011; Rebif: 35.30 vs. 40.13, p=0.001; Betaferon: 26.18 vs. 29.32, p=0.029). The Selective Reminding Test (SRT)-Total, the 10/36-Delay, and the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test-Easy were improved in Avonex and Rebif but not in Betaferon group. The SRT-Delay and Word List Generation were improved only in the Avonex group. There was no significant difference in other components of the BRB-N among these three treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Different types of DMTs may improve some aspects of cognitive function in patients with MS. Treatment with Avonex and Rebif (Interferon beta-1a preparations) were more helpful in resolving the cognitive impairments in MS patients compared to Betaferon (Interferon beta-1b) as investigated in this study.

Microembolic signals in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a common and less understood aspect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Microembolic signals (MES) have been reported in SLE. We conducted a prospective study to evaluate the frequency of MES among patients with CNS involvement and those without. The main aim of the study is to clarify the pathophysiology of the CNS involvement in SLE. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Sixty eight patients with a diagnosis of SLE (60 females, 8 males) participated in the study. Both middle cerebral arteries were monitored using transcranial Doppler for 60 min to detect MES. All cases underwent neurology and psychiatry assessments. RESULTS: MES were detected in 7/68 patients (10.3%) with the mean number of 3.5 per hour. MES were significantly higher in patients with CNS involvement (6/24, 25%) than those without (1/44, 2.2%) (P=0.006). SLE disease activity index, duration of disease, plaque formation, intima-media thickness, and antiphospholipid antibodies were not associated with MES. MES were more frequent in patients receiving Aspirin and/or Warfarin (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: MES may be a predictor for CNS involvement in SLE patients at risk for neuropsychiatric syndromes. Cerebral embolism may be implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric SLE.