ABSTRACT
Antipsychotics are a known cause of hyperprolactinaemia and can be associated with significant health issues in short term and long term. The effects vary with gender and age of the individual and can contribute towards non-concordance and hence relapse in mental health of our patients. Clinicians need to educate the patients about this significant side effect of not only antipsychotic medications but other medications causing hyperprolactinaemia commonly prescribed in primary care.
Subject(s)
Antipsychotic Agents/adverse effects , Hyperprolactinemia/chemically induced , Mental Disorders/drug therapy , Adult , Aged , Antipsychotic Agents/administration & dosage , Evidence-Based Medicine , Female , Humans , Hyperprolactinemia/physiopathology , Middle Aged , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Risk Assessment , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Children of people with alcohol dependence (COAs) are at high risk for behavioral and cognitive problems. AIM: Aim of this study was to compare the nature and extent of these problems in children of men with and without alcohol dependence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 32 children (17 in study group and 15 controls) were evaluated for psychopathology, neurodevelopment, cognitive functioning and family environment. Tools used were: Socio-demographic data sheet, Malin's Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC), Child Behavior Checklist, Trail Making Test, Neurodevelopment Scale and the Family Environment Scale. RESULTS: Children of men with alcohol dependence had higher externalizing than internalizing scores. Children of alcohol-dependent fathers had higher scores on the neurodevelopment scale and lower scores on the performance scale of the MISIC than the children in control group. These children also made more errors on the Trail Making Test. The family environment of COAs was characterized by lack of independence for its members, greater perceived control and lack of adequate cultural and intellectual activities. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that children of men with alcohol dependence have difficulties with frontal lobe functions and neurodevelopmental tasks. There are also difficulties in the family, which are related to alcohol consumption by the father.