ABSTRACT
Background: There are various factors including inflammation that have been studied in bipolar disorder. NLR (Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio) and PLR (platelet to lymphocyte ratio) are one of them. Various psychotropic drugs can affect the inflammatory state. Aim: This study was planned to find NLR and PLR in bipolar disorder (mania) and psychotropic drug naïve 1st episode mania. Materials and Methods: Total of 120 subjects were chosen including, 40 bipolar mania, 40 drugs naïve 1st episode mania, and 40 healthy controls. The severity of mania was assessed by the Young Mania Rating Scale. Blood samples were collected in the morning hours in order to get blood counts. Results: A significantly higher values of neutrophil counts and NLR, while the significant lower values of lymphocyte counts in both 1st episode and bipolar mania compared to healthy control were observed. The first episode mania group had significantly higher neutrophil counts and NLR in comparison to bipolar mania. Conclusion: Results suggest a possible inflammatory pathophysiology of mania. Psychotropic medicines may have an anti-inflammatory effect, signified by the fact that 1st episode mania group has a greater level of inflammation in comparison to bipolar mania.
ABSTRACT
Trichophagia is a compulsive condition characterized by eating hair, mostly seen in adolescent females. Persistence of ingestion of hair over many years results in the formation of trichobezoar. Surgical intervention is often needed in the management of large trichobezoars. We present a case of a 23 year old female with trichophagia which led to the formation of gastric trichobezoar. The patient reported with complaints of pain in abdomen for past 1-2 years, and loss of appetite and vomiting post meals for 6 months. On detailed examination, a diagnosis of trichobezoar was formed which was removed by laparotomy with gastrotomy under general anaesthesia. Psychiatric evaluation revealed a history of fluctuating mood symptoms during her childhood and depressive symptomatology presently without any associated urge of plucking hair and subsequent gratification. Hence, the management of the disease requires proper liaison between the surgeon, psychiatrist, and caregivers of the patient; and regular psychiatric follow-up and treatment of the underlying psychopathology to prevent the recurrent formation of bezoar.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Use of internet has increased exponentially worldwide with prevalence of internet addiction ranging from 1.6% to 18 % or even higher. Depression and insomnia has been linked with internet addiction and overuse in several studies. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Present study has looked in to pattern and prevalence of internet addiction in university students. This study has also explored the association of internet addiction with depression and insomnia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study 954 subjects were enrolled who had been using internet for past 6 months. Information regarding pattern of use and socio demographic characteristics were recorded. Internet addiction Test (IAT), PHQ-9,and insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were applied to measure internet addiction, depression and insomnia respectively. RESULTS: Among 954 subjects, 518 (60.59%) were male and 376 (39.41%) were female with mean age of 23.81 (SD ± 3.72). 15.51% study subjects were internet addicts and 49.19% were over users. Several parameters including graduation level, time spent per day on line, place of internet use, smoking and alcohol had significant association with internet addiction. Internet addiction was predominantly associated with depression and insomnia. CONCLUSION: Internet addiction is a rising concern among youth. Several parameters including gender, time spent on line, alcohol, smoking predicts higher risk of internet addiction. Depression and insomnia are more common in internet addicts and overusers.
