Long term functioning in early onset psychosis: Two years prospective follow-up study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There were few studies on the outcome of schizophrenia in developing countries. Whether the outcome is similar to or different from developed world is still a point for research. The main aim of the current study was to know if patients with early onset non affective psychosis can behave and function properly after few years from start of the illness or not. Other aims included investigation of possible predictors and associated factors with remission and outcome.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>The study prospectively investigated a group of 56 patients with onset of psychosis during childhood or adolescence. Diagnosis made according to DSM-IV criteria and included; schizophrenia, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified and acute psychosis. Severity of psychosis was measured by PANSS. Measures of the outcome included; remission criteria of Andreasen et al 2005, the children's global assessment scale and educational level.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Analysis of data was done for only 37 patients. Thirty patients diagnosed as schizophrenia and 7 with Psychotic disorder not otherwise specified. Mean duration of follow up was 38.4 +/- 16.9 months. At the end of the study, 6 patients (16.2%) had one episode, 23(62.1%) had multiple episodes and 8 (21.6%) continuous course. Nineteen patients (51.4%) achieved full remission, and only 11(29.7%) achieved their average educational level for their age. Twenty seven percent of the sample had good outcome and 24.3% had poor outcome. Factors associated with non remission and poor outcome included gradual onset, low IQ, poor premorbid adjustment, negative symptoms at onset of the illness and poor adherence to drugs. Moreover, there was tendency of negative symptoms at illness start to predict poor outcome.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Some patients with early onset non affective psychosis can behave and function properly after few years from the start of the illness. Although remission is a difficult target in childhood psychosis, it is still achievable.</p

ACUTE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT STATIC STRETCHING PROTOCOLS ON PEAK TORQUE, CONVENTIONAL AND FUNCTIONAL HAMSTRINGS-TO-QUADRICEPS RATIOS IN ACTIVE WOMEN

Background: This study might have been directed to some degree because of clashing results in the past studies regarding the impacts for different SS protocols on muscle strength and possibility for injury. The objective of the study was to investigate the acute effects of different static stretching (SS) durations (20, 30, and 60s) on isokinetic concentric quadriceps (Q) and hamstrings (H) peak torque (PT), eccentric H PT and conventional and functional H:Q ratios under different stretching conditions and angular velocities (60°and180°/s) in active women. Methods: Isokinetic tests were performed on 108 active women. A HUMAC system was used to measure unilateral concentric Q and H PT, and eccentric H PT at 60 and 180º/s at baseline and after a bout of H-only, Q-only, and combined H and Q muscles SS. The data were statistically treated using five separate three-way (time x conditions x velocity) ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences among groups at baseline (P > 0.05). Significant reductions of all outcome measures have been shown to occur after 30 and 60s of SS (P 0.05). Conclusion: Short-lasting stretching can be done before exercises that require strength. However, since 30s or 60s stretching protocols adversely affect the muscle strength, performance and lower H:Q ratios they are not recommended prior to activities demanding the production of high forces

Quality of Life in Family Members of Vitiligo Patients: A Questionnaire Study in Saudi Arabia

Many dermatologic disorders are known to adversely affect quality of life (QoL) in close relatives or partners of patients; however, it is unknown whether vitiligo impacts the QoL of family members.The aim of this study was to identify the level and domains in which the QoL of partners/relatives of patients with vitiligo are affected by the disease.A total of 141 patients with vitiligo, along with their family members, were recruited to complete validated QoL questionnaires, including the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI).Family member QoL was affected in 129 (91.5 %) of subjects. Mean FDLQI score was 10.3 ± 6.4 standard deviation. Higher FDLQI score (greater impairment in QoL) was significantly associated with male patients, a shorter duration of disease, and higher educational levels in family members. The most affected FDLQI items in order of decreasing incidence were emotional impact, burden of care, impact on the physical well-being of the family member, problems due to the reaction of others in response to the patient’s skin appearance and effect on social life. Overall FDLQI score and the number of items affected correlated with overall patient DLQI score (p < 0.001, r = 0.56 and p < 0.001, r = 0.53, respectively).Vitiligo has a major impact on the QoL of family members of patients and often significantly impairs many aspects of their lives. Educational and supportive programs are recommended for family members of vitiligo patients who are at an increased risk for QoL impairments