The impact of COVID-19 on obsessive-compulsive disorder - literature review

Introduction: COVID-19 appeared in 2019. The first outbreak of the disease was in China, but it quickly spread to other countries, thus becoming a pandemic. This caused a tremendous stress and anxiety among the public, which also had a negative impact on their mental health. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder are especially sensitive in this respect. The aim of the study: Paying attention to the correlation between exacerbation of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and COVID-19 pandemic. Material and method: The research was done using PubMed and Google Scholar articles about the topic of: obsessive-compulsive disorder, COVID-19 pandemic, stress, mental health. Description of the state of knowledge: According to many studies, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted mental health of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder. The stress related to the pandemic resulting from concerns about being infected exacerbated the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Doctors should pay close attention to OCD patients during pandemic and provide them with the treatment they need. Summary: Research results confirmed that COVID-19 contributed to the deterioration of symptoms in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder

The role of shopping in human life in 2021

Introduction: Society today is overly overwhelmed with advertisements for attractive products and ways to purchase them. The population is becoming richer and richer, which means they can spend more money on entertainment and their own pleasures.   Purpose: To present the role of shopping in human life in 2021 from the perspective of consumers. Material and method: The study was carried out using the author's questionnaire. 260 questionnaires were collected and analyzed. Results: Men (52.3%) and women (47.7%) participated in the study. More than half of them (53.8%) were employed and more than 30% were studying.  One in three respondents earned cash income greater than the minimum national gross rate. Nearly 60% rated their material situation as good. The analysis showed knowledge of the term "consumerism" by 83.1% of people. The study showed that the respondents shopped several times a week (69.2%) and even daily (18.5%). In order to buy food products, they usually visited supermarkets (64.6%), and in buying products they were most often guided by quality (47.7%). They are most encouraged by sales (50.8%), as well as recommendations from friends (18.5%) and product ingredients (12.6%). The data shows that as many as 58.5% of respondents used shopping to improve their mood. They were also induced to buy products by advertisements in the media (49.2%). Conclusions: For consumers, apart from the price, the quality of the products is of primary importance. They buy mainly in large supermarkets and via the Internet. The advertisements in media, promotions and the desire to improve one’s mood are the reasons of increasing phenomenon of consumerism

Ocena kompetencji zawodowych lekarzy

Introduction: Competences are a combination of knowledge in a specific area, skills and attitudes. The professional group most often assessed in this regard are doctors. After leaving the office, patients assess the competences of a healthcare professional in relation to their own observations. Aim of the study: Presentation of the society's assessment of physicians' competences. Material and methods: The research was carried out using an original questionnaire. 210 questionnaires were collected and analyzed. Discussion of the results: Men (29%) and women (71%) participated in the study. The analysis showed that, according to a quarter of the respondents, doctors are not competent. Only 45.72% of people indicated positive feelings about the doctor's appointment. The respondents expressed their opinion in a similar way regarding the lack of time regarding the survey (48.10%). Almost 40% of them did not show trust in the health care system, as opposed to trust in a specialist, which is not displayed by 13% of respondents. Conclusions: The data suggest that doctors in their work are assessed quite well by patients, especially specialist doctors. However, there is controversy over how the health service is to be delivered.Wstęp: Kompetencje to połączenie wiedzy z konkretnego zakresu, umiejętności i postaw. Grupą zawodową najczęściej podlegającą ocenie w tej kwestii są lekarze. Pacjenci po wyjściu z gabinetu dokonują oceny kompetencji pracownika służby zdrowia w odniesieniu do własnych spostrzeżeń. Cel pracy: Przedstawienie oceny kompetencji lekarzy przez społeczeństwo. Materiał i metody: Badania przeprowadzono za pomocą autorskiej ankiety. Zebrano 210 kwestionariuszy i poddano analizie. Omówienie wyników: W badaniu wzięli udział mężczyźni (29%) oraz kobiety (71%). Analiza wykazała, że według ¼ respondentów, lekarze nie odznaczają się kompetentnością. Zaledwie 45,72% osób wskazało na pozytywne odczucia dotyczące wizyty lekarskiej. Ankietowani w podobny sposób opowiedzieli się w kwestii braku czasu odnośnie przeprowadzenia badania (48,10%). Prawie 40% z nich nie wykazała zaufania do systemu służby zdrowia w odróżnieniu do ufności wobec specjalisty, której nie przejawia 13% respondentów. Wnioski: Dane sugerują, że lekarze w swojej pracy są dość dobrze oceniani przez pacjentów, szczególnie lekarze specjaliści. Istnieją jednak kontrowersje w kwestii sposobu realizacji świadczenia zdrowotnego

Epilepsy and cannabidiol - a new perspective for seizures treatment

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that the number of antiepileptic drugs is constantly increasing, epilepsy can still be a therapeutic challenge. Approximately one-third of patients with epilepsy have persistent seizures refractory to treatment. The limited number of effective alternatives motivates researchers to seek new solutions. There is some hope for cannabidiol (CBD) preparations.AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to review the most recent available literature on the use of cannabidiol in the treatment of refractory epilepsy in children and adults. For this purpose, the PubMed and Google Scholar databases were reviewed. The phrase "cannabidiol and epilepsy"  was used to search the database. After Screening titles and abstracts a total of 19 papers and articles cited in them were received and analyzed in detail. RESULTS:  Nowadays there are many CBD related products available in the market, Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica are the plants used due to their strong therapeutic effects and also seizure control. Regulations regarding the use of raw marijuana, cannabis extracts, and cannabinoid-based drugs vary from place to place. Many studies have been generated on the efficacy of cannabinoid therapy in the treatment of epilepsy. This therapy in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gaust syndrome results in a reduction in the frequency of motor and total seizures. The most commonly reported side effects of CBD are drowsiness, seizures and diarrhea, but the therapy is generally well tolerated.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Many available studies support the efficacy of CBD as a treatment option to reduce seizure frequency in children with drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly in patients with Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. However, there is a lack of reports on the use of CBD in the adult population, which may be an area for further research

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of a coronavirus pandemic in 2019 posed a serious threat to the global population. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not only been a public health emergency, but has also affected mental health worldwide. Patients were exposed to a number of significant stressors during COVID-19 infection by which it appears that it may have had a major impact on mental health. Little is known about changes in levels of psychological affect, stress, anxiety and depression during this pandemic.AIM OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to analyze the most recent available literature on the association of pandemic COVID-19 with psychiatric disorders occurring both as a result of past infection and in response to stress associated with the new situation of a global epidemic of Sars-CoV-2 virus.RESULTS: The psychological effects of the epidemic are clearly noticeable. The study identified groups particularly vulnerable to developing symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Risk factors were also identified in people working in health care as having direct contact with the effects of infection with the new virus.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Key elements of preventing psychological impact are the creation of a mental health organization. Another important task for governments is to create the conditions for economic security, as financial problems or job losses can also be the cause of mental crises

Burnout in COVID-19 era - a literature review

BACKGROUND:  The COVID-19 pandemic brought changes to daily life of many people. One of those affected by the global pandemic arena was work life. One of the results is burnout due to new challenges and stress associated with them. The most exposed occupational group were healthcare workers as the frontline in the fight against the virus, but not only this group could experience burnout due to the pandemic. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to review the most recent available literature on burnout associated with COVID-19. PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar databases were reviewed. The Phrase "burnout and covid" was used to search the database. Search criteria were: all open access, 2020 and 2021, psychology and English. After Screening titles and abstracts 21 articles were analyzed in detail.RESULTS:  Many studies have shown that healthcare workers experienced burnout. The most vulnerable group were young, female nurses working with COVID-19 patients.  Burnout was also observed among parents, who started working remotely from home or who had to commute to their workplace despite the pandemic. Remote schooling also contributed to burnout among students and teachers.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: To reduce the possibility of experiencing burnout there are several actions that could be taken. First of all a positive attitude and task oriented actions are helpful in coping in new, stressful situations. Other solutions are social support and psychotherapy

The importance of various aspects of communication with patient in palliative care

Communication is an important element of medical care at all its stages. It is particularly important in the care of terminally ill patients. Then the psychological support of the patients and their families seems to be a prime matter while taking care of them. The purpose of this study is to discuss important aspects in communication with a palliative patient such as start time of conversations, culturally sensitive communication, positive emotion communication (PEC), communication with a pediatric patient and talking about spirituality and beliefs. This analysis of scientific publications presents the current state of communication between doctors and patients and also provides guidance on what actions should be taken to improve it. The number of evidence showing the advantages of early and honest dialogue with terminally ill patients (especially pediatric patients) and their families is increasing. As a result of research on communication-based on positive emotions, it has been shown that it is equally important to relieve the negative emotions of the patient and to build a sense of strength and connection. Research shows that insufficient knowledge of clinicians prevents effective communication with culturally diverse patients. Almost all of the parents do not regret talking to their children about their deadly diseases. Supporting them makes it easier to accept the loss of their child and increases their satisfaction. Clearly defining the concept of spirituality can help physicians properly talk about religion and beliefs with patients.

PIMS - symptoms and short/long-term gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system complications

PIMS (paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome associated with COVID-19 or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C)) is a new disease classification, occurring in children and young adults associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Although children suffer from COVID-19 infection asymptomatically or mildly, long-term complications of the disease may be more severe for them than for adults. Despite the fact that PIMS is a relatively new disease, we already know that it should not be underestimated. In spite of the clinical picture of these complications may resemble Kawasaki Disease (KD), we may notice some differences in laboratory tests (such as reduced number of lymphocytes, decreased platelet count or elevated ferritin levels). Although usually the first symptom of PIMS is high fever, it is followed by symptoms related to the digestive system, present in about 80% of cases. The insidious and severe gastrointestinal symptoms of PIMS can mimic abdominal surgical emergencies, including acute appendicitis, gastrointestinal infections or inflammatory bowel disease. Cardiovascular symptoms occur in approximately 60% of patients with PIMS. Immunomodulatory therapy plays an essential role in the treatment of PIMS. The exact causes of PIMS are recently unknown, however, it is explained as genetic hyperactivation of immunity. In this minireview we summarize the most recent data about this condition, mainly we are focusing on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular  symptoms, short/long-term complications and treatment

Selenium and Hashimoto disease

       Selenium is one of the most important micronutrients affecting the human body. It plays a crucial role in the thyroid gland, where its concentration is the highest. This element has the ability to remove reactive oxygen species and deiodinate thyroid hormones. Balanced diet and supplements are basic for achieving proper concentration of selenium in human organism. Recently a number of studies have been conducted focusing on the effect of selenium on autoimmune thyroiditis - Hashimoto’s disease. In our study the oral supply of selenium was used, and then the levels of selected parameters were measured. It has been proved that Selenium lowers levels of antithyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies. Moreover the concentration of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is also lowered by this micronutrient. In this review we draw attention to possible resources of delivery of this element to organisms and the impact it has on the course of the above-mentioned diseases. We come to conclusion that there is a strong correlation between Selenium and the functioning of thyroid gland. Doctor’s awareness and cooperation with the patient in order to establish proper doses of micro- and macronutrients which are taken with basic medications is very important for the therapeutic process. This article is a review of current medical knowledge about Selenium affecting a thyroid gland based on available publications in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases