ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) could be efficacious in the treatment of major depression and other psychiatric indications. Alcohol-dependence syndrome is difficult to treat, and the relapse rate is high, even following the standard treatment protocol. No study has been done so far in India for the use of rTMS as an adjuvant therapy in the relapse prevention of patients with alcohol-dependence syndrome. Hence, the current study is an open-label study to explore the same. AIM: The aim of this study was to study the feasibility of rTMS in alcohol-dependence syndrome patients, the side effects if any, and the number of relapses that they may suffer from vis-a-vis patients with standard treatment protocols. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective, open-label study design, 100 freshly diagnosed cases of alcohol-dependence syndrome were included, and after suitable randomization, half of them were given adjuvant rTMS along with standard treatment and the rest received only standard treatment. The rates of relapse into drinking were compared for both groups. The data were compiled and analyzed with appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS: Participants given adjuvant rTMS showed significantly less number of relapses into drinking compared to the control group on standard treatment for alcohol-dependence syndrome. CONCLUSION: In the present study, though the sample size is small, a significant change with this novel treatment has been found. Whether this change is maintained over a period of time is to be seen by other longitudinal studies.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Suicide in armed forces is a matter of concern despite adequate prophylactic measures that have been adopted to reduce it. Military psychiatrists routinely conduct psychological autopsies. It may reveal various biopsychosocial factors leading to suicide and may be helpful in suicide prevention too. A few studies have been done in Indian Armed Forces but all of them involve cases of attempted suicide. Our study is different as it uses the methodology of psychological autopsy to find out various psychosocial factors of suicide in armed forces. METHODS: The present study was carried out in a large service hospital and included all suicide cases occurring in a particular strategic location from February 2014 to July 2017. A total of 16 suicide cases were investigated, and information was collected through visiting the scene, detailed semistructured interviews, the perusal of mobile call records, social website activities, notes in a social diary, bank statements, service record, and health records. RESULTS: The majority (nine of sixteen) of suicide victims were less than 30 years of age. The most common method of suicide (ten of sixteen) was use of firearms. Family history of mental illness/suicide was seen in three of them. Three had a past history of mental illness. Two were abusing substance in the recent past. Behavioral change was noticed in three, and suicide notes were available in three cases. Five had expressed their intent to die. CONCLUSIONS: Strain of serving in frontiers is not a common stressor associated with suicide as commonly perceived.
ABSTRACT
Stuttering is a speech fluency disorder with varied etiological explanations. It is important to identify symptoms early so that adequate and timely intervention can be delivered with focus on management and recovery. Stuttering, besides affecting speech fluency, might have a number of negative psychosocial consequences for the sufferer that may lead to immense anxiety, besides other symptoms. Therefore, it is thus imperative to include multiple dimensions in the holistic treatment of stuttering. Cognitive behavior therapy and mindfulness equip the client with the skills to manage the problems that occur as a result of stuttering. Since the rate of relapse in this condition is high, the chosen therapeutic paradigm must involve booster sessions over a long term. Periodic, detailed assessment would update the therapist about the barriers in treatment and would help in devising appropriate methods to get rid of these hindrances.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Behavioral problems among schoolgoing children are of significant concern to teachers and parents. These are known to have both immediate and long-term unfavorable consequences. Despite the high prevalence, studies on psychiatric morbidity among school children are lacking in our country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred children aged 6-18 years were randomly selected from a government school in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, and assessed for cognitive, emotional, or behavioral problems using standardized tools. RESULTS: About 22.7% of children showed behavioral, cognitive, or emotional problems. Additional screening and evaluation tools pointed toward a higher prevalence of externalizing symptoms among boys than girls. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of regular screening of school children for preventive as well as timely remedial measures.
