Comparison of original and revised reinforcement sensitivity theory in clinically-stable schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients

ABSTRACT Introduction: The study of personality can help explicate the pathology of psychological disorders. To this end,our study compared the profile of factors from the original (o) and revised (r) reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) of personality in schizophrenia (SC), bipolar disorder (BD) patients, both compared with healthy controls(HC). Method: 34 SC patients, 52 BD patients, and 72 matched HC completed: Yang Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), BAS/BIS scale, and the Jackson-5 scale. Data were analyzed by chi square, independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: SC patients had lower o-BIS, r-BIS and o-BAS, and r-BAS scores than the BD and HC groups. Compared to HC, SC and BD patients had higher Freeze and Fight scores. Depression in SC was significantly higher than other two groups; and in BD it was higher than HC. Conclusion: SC, BD, and HC differ on both o-RST and r-RST; however, the more nuanced knowledge from r-RST may be helpful in the diagnosis, etiology and psychotherapy. Keywords: Original reinforcement sensitivity theory Revised reinforcement sensitivity theory Behavioral brain systems Schizophrenia Bipolar disorde

Evaluation of Emotional Intelligence and Job Satisfaction in Employees of Kashan Hospitals

Background: Job satisfaction and emotional intelligence are two important variables in organizational behavioral studies, and are key factors in promoting the efficiency of organizations. Objectives: The present study was conducted in order to determine the job satisfaction and emotional intelligence of employees of Kashan hospitals in 2011. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 121 employees of Kashan hospitals who were selected using random stratified method. In this study, Bar-on emotional intelligence and job satisfaction questionnaires were used. The data were analyzed using statistical methods such as odds ratio, Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Results: The majority of employees (76%) had moderate emotional intelligence while 88.2% of them had moderate job satisfaction. In this study, there were no significant relations between emotional intelligence and variables such as sex, education, and marital and job status (P > 0.05) but significant relations were found between the age and emotional intelligence (P = 0.01). Furthermore, there was no significant relation between job satisfaction and demographic variables. Moreover, no significant relation was found between the emotional intelligence and job satisfaction (P > 0.05). Conclusions: As the majority of the staff had average level of job satisfaction and emotional intelligence and others were lower than average, it seems necessary for authorities to explore the reasons for job dissatisfaction to prevent job burnout, depression and developing a sense of helplessness in the staff. It is also recommended to hold educational workshops for the staff especially who are younger than 40 years to promote their emotional intelligence

Preliminary test of group acceptance and commitment therapy on obsessive-compulsive disorder for patients on optimal dose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adding group acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to adults diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) who were already on an optimal dose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Forty-six Iranian women, on SSRIs, were randomized to group ACT + SSRI or continued SSRI conditions. SSRI dosages stayed stable during the study. Assessments included the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-I), Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Self report (Y-BOCS-SR), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). The results showed significant reductions on the Y-BOCS-SR and BDI-II in both conditions at posttreatment with significantly greater reductions in the ACT + SSRI condition at follow-up. The RRS and AAQ-II saw significant improvements in the ACT + SSRI condition at posttreatment and follow-up compared to the SSRI condition. Results provide cross-cultural support for group ACT as a treatment for OCD and as a successful adjunct to SSRI treatment. © 201

The efficacy of aripiprazole versus risperidone as augmentation therapy in treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder: A double blind clinical trial

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the fourth common psychiatric disorder. Among the anxiety disorders, OCD has the least therapeutic response and 40-60 of OCD patients do not satisfactorily respond to the first-line standard treatment known as treatment-resistant OCD. One of the best therapeutic strategies is the augmentation therapy, which is adding antipsychotics to the standard treatment (SSRIs). Objectives: In this study, the efficacy of risperidone and aripiprazole was compared as an augmentation therapy. Methods: In this double blind randomized clinical trial, 100 patients with treatment-resistant OCD were diagnosed based on the DSM-IV-TR and were followed for twelve weeks. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of aripiprazole and risperidone and received an average daily dose of 5 mg and 1.5 mg for twelve weeks, respectively. The efficacy of treatment was measured and compared by the Yale-brown obsessive compulsive scale (Y-BOCS) at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Results: The mean Y-BOCS score of patients in risperidone and aripiprazole groups were 25.26 ± 4.17 and 25.02 ± 4.46; respectively and had no significant difference (P = 0.79) at the beginning of the trial. At the end of the study (12th week) it was changed for the risperidone and aripiprazole groups to 20.00 ± 4.45 and 16.24 ± 4.41, respectively (P < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a significant decreasing trend of Y-BOCS scores in both groups, which was demonstrated by the repeated measurement analysis (P < 00.1). Conclusions: It was found that both aripiprazole and risperidone could be effective in treatment of treatment-resistant OCD patients. However, aripiprazole showed a higher efficacy compared to risperidone. © 2016, Author(s)

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Relapse, Anxiety, and Depression in Patients With Opioid Dependence Under Methadone Maintenance Treatment: A Pilot Study

Background and Objective: Patients under methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) are susceptible to several complications including mental disturbances and risk of relapse. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of tDCS on relapse, depression, and anxiety of opioid-dependent patients under methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Methods: It was a randomized-clinical trial that conducted among 27 male patients referred to the outpatient addiction clinic of Ibn-e-Sina psychiatric hospital in Mashhad from July 2018 to May 2019. Participants were allocated to two treatment groups including intervention and sham groups. The intervention group received seven sessions of tDCS, in the F3 (cathode) and F4 (anode) areas of the brain, each one lasts 20 min, in two consecutive weeks. Depression, anxiety, and stress scale-21 (DASS-21) were measured before, during, and after the intervention in patients under MMT. Relapse on the morphine, cannabis, and methamphetamine was screened by urine dipstick tests of morphine, cannabis, and methamphetamine. Results: Depression, anxiety, and stress of participants were significantly reduced in the intervention group compared with the control after the seventh session of tDCS (P < 0.001, P=0.01, and P=0.01, respectively). In addition, the relapse rate showed no significant changes between the two groups (P=0.33). Conclusion: Overall, our study demonstrated that depression, anxiety, and stress of participants were significantly reduced after the seventh session of tDCS, but did not affect on the relapse rate. Therefore, it can be applied as a safe and effective technique to relieve mental disorder among receiving MMT. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.irct.ir, identifier IRCT20180604039979N1. © Copyright © 2020 Sadeghi Bimorgh, Omidi, Ghoreishi, Rezaei Ardani, Ghaderi and Banafshe

Preliminary test of group acceptance and commitment therapy on obsessive-compulsive disorder for patients on optimal dose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adding group acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to adults diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) who were already on an optimal dose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Forty-six Iranian women, on SSRIs, were randomized to group ACT + SSRI or continued SSRI conditions. SSRI dosages stayed stable during the study. Assessments included the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-I), Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Self report (Y-BOCS-SR), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Ruminative Response Scale (RRS), and Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). The results showed significant reductions on the Y-BOCS-SR and BDI-II in both conditions at posttreatment with significantly greater reductions in the ACT + SSRI condition at follow-up. The RRS and AAQ-II saw significant improvements in the ACT + SSRI condition at posttreatment and follow-up compared to the SSRI condition. Results provide cross-cultural support for group ACT as a treatment for OCD and as a successful adjunct to SSRI treatment. © 201

Serum albumin, ferritin and cholesterol levels among hemodialysis patients with major depressive disorder in Kashan Akhavan hospital during 2009-2010

Background: Depression, as a mood disorder, is one of the most common mental illnesses. Recent studies have been shown that in addition to the different neurotransmitters and life events, intrinsic factors such as the serum albumin, ferritin, cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as some coagulation factors can also cause depression. The aim of this study was to determine the serum albumin, ferritin and cholesterol levels in hemodialysis patients with and without the major depressive disorders (MDD). Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 hemodialysis patients referred to dialysis centers in Akhavan hospital (Kashan) during 2009-2010. The patients were evaluated for depression using the Beck questionnaire and clinical interview. Results: Fifty percent of the patients (39 male and 56.9 female) had MDD. The mean values for the serum albumin, ferritin and cholesterol levels in hemodialysis patients with MDD were 3.88mg/l, 601.74 mmol/l and 161.56mg/dl and in hemodialysis patients without MDD 3 . 99mg/l, 579.68 mmol/l and 152.14 mg/dl , respectively . There was no significant difference between the two groups. There was a significant correlation between the associated diseases and place of residence with MDD (P=0.003 and P=0.032, respectively).Conclusion: There is no association between the serum albumin, ferritin and cholesterol levels and MDD. Moreover, factors such as gender, the associated diseases especially hypertension and place of residence may be the more effective reasons for MDD in hemodialysis patients

Stigma and its determinants among male drug dependents receiving methadone maintenance treatment

Background: The stigma attached to substance use is considered as a barrier to treatment, resulting in continued dependence and harmful consequences for the health of drug abusers and society. Methods: In the current study, stigma and its relation with patient characteristics and secrecy was examined in people who were in treatment of drug dependency. Participants were 144 patients from two referral methadone treatment centers who completed a survey containing questionnaires about stigma, secrecy and other measures of drug use. Results: Patients reported high levels of self-stigma and moderate levels of stigma-related rejection and perceived stigma as well as commonly using secrecy, as a way of coping. More experiencing of self -stigma was associated with unemployment, positive history of IV drug use, incarceration and heroin consumption, compared to opium use. IV drug users and unemployed persons also reported more contacts with stigma- related rejection. No association was found between stigma and previous history of treatment for substance abuse. Conclusion: Findings indicate stigma in individuals who are in the treatment for substance dependence and highlight the need for more studies to clarify all aspects of drug use stigma

Comparing the effects of fluoxetine and fluvoxamine in the treatment of children and adolescents with depression

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe disorder that has a significant impact on the psychological and social functioning of children and adolescents. Considering the current limitations in the treatment of this disorder the present study aimed to examine the effect of fluoxetine and fluvoxamine on the treatment of child and adolescent depression. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial study, 40 children and adolescents with MDD referred to child psychiatric clinic of Kashan University of Medical Sciences (during 2013-2014) were randomly divided into the fluvoxamine and fluoxetine groups. Data were collected using the children's depression inventory, children's global assessment scale, and drug side effect questionnaire. The participants were evaluated at the beginning and 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the beginning of the treatment. Results: The mean age of children and adolescents was 12.40±2.63 years. The mean scores of CDI in the flouxetine and fluvoxamine groups were significantly decreased from 25.65±10.49 to 11.55±3.23 and from 28.45±7.61 to 8.05±4.87, respectively. Moreover, the mean scores of CDI in the flovaxamine group demonstrated a significant decrease at weeks 4 and 8 compared to the fluoxetine group (P=0.03 and P=0.005, respectively). In the 8th week the response rates to treatment were 85 and 55 in the fluvoxamine and fluoxetine groups, respectively. No serious side effect was observed in the participants and no suicidal attempts were reported during the study. Conclusion: Considering that there is a significant reduction in the depression score in the fluvoxamine group compared to the fluoxetine one, fluvoxamine can be used as an effective and safe drug in the treatment of MDD in children and adolescents

Personality traits of IV drug abusers of Kashan prison in 2006

Background: Drug abuse has a high co-morbidity with mental disorders. This study investigated the personality trait of IV drug abusers to clarify the importance of psychological intervention. Materials and Methods: All IV heroin abusers of Kashan prison (73 cases) were enrolled to this cross sectional study in 2006, and their demographic data and MMPI test were recorded and evaluated. The results were statistically analyzed using Fisher Exact Test. Results : Six of 73 of abusers were excluded from this study for their invalid test results. Out of 67 cases 17 (25.38%) did not have any disorder and 50 (74.62%) were suffering from abnormal personality traits based on MMPI profile. The mean age of participants was 29.86 ± 6.41. Forty three (64.18%) were under 30, and 24 (35.82%) were above 30 years old. Thirty five were single and 32 married. There was a significant relationship between abnormal personality traits and educational level (PV<0.001, OR=10.1). Prominent personality traits were anti-sociality in 12 (24%), depression in 10 (20%), hypomania in 7 (14%), hypochondria in 5 (10%), hysteria in 5 (10%), anxiety in 4 (8%), paranoid in 4 (8%), and schizoid in 3 (6%). Conclusion : Anti-sociality and depression are the frequent traits among IV drug abusers. Younger victims are at higher risk. Also, low educational level can predict abnormal personality trait. Therefore, multimodal treatment interventions, especially psychotherapy have a great role on treatment of these patients