Development of a Cost-Effective Database Software for Psychiatric Research: A Study From Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

Background: Technological progression made drastic changes in health care. Still there is a growing concern about proper utilization of health information within hospitals for various research activities. Huge volumes of such health information in majority of hospitals are redundant due to lack of appropriate and cost-effective technological tools for retrieving relevant health information for research purpose. Objective: To develop a cost-effective and user-friendly computerized medical record database for psychiatry using available technology with the department. Methodology: Study performed at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Udupi district of South India. Various datasets from psychiatry medical records were utilized for the design and creation of database. A computerized database called PsyCase was developed with the help of technology available within the department. A 4612 patient’s data were entered into the PsyCase and subjected to various analyses. Results: Applications of PsyCase in various epidemiological studies were explored through performing numerous analyses with actual data. PsyCase was found effective in supporting psychiatric research as well as routine clinical and administrative activities. Conclusion: This study emphasizes need of appropriate use of technology available within a healthcare system to facilitate medical research in psychiatry and role of health information professional in such initiatives. Healthcare organization must focus on collective utilization of resources within the system to improve the utilization of health information for medical research

SUBMICROSCOPIC CHROMOSOMAL VARIATIONS IN CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Objective: Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disorder that originates before the age of 18 years and is characterized by limitation in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. The fact that >30 to 50% of all causes are still unknown in etiology is increasing the burden of the clinical evaluators and managers handling these children. The purpose of this study was to have an optimal genetic diagnostic evaluation to assist paediatricians in providing medical advice for children with intellectual disabilities and global developmental delays. Methods: The study was initiated with 385 cases; however, only 201 cases had no cytogenetic abnormality and negative for PCR test for FXS. However, these subjects showed characteristic signs of facial dysmorphisms, developmental delay, mild to severe intellectual disability, which were unique and unspecific with lack of major hallmarks for any particular syndrome/phenotype, considered as “idiopathic” and tested for MLPA analysis and subsequently confirmed by FISH and RT-qPCR. Results: A total of 23 (11.44%) cases were found to have submicroscopic chromosomal variations [microdeletions (18 cases), microduplications (5 cases)]. We categorized the aberrations detected in these cases as novel and as variants of uncertain significance. All these cases showed clear evidence for segregation of the variation and were provided with the required genetic counselling. Conclusion: MLPA method gives a better yield in combination with karyotype analysis. The detection rate as per current analysis suggests that the use of MLPA could be a robust, high throughput yet cost-effective technique for use in a diagnostic set up

Evaluating the Experience of a Postgraduate and Faculty Study Tour Program in the Field of Mental Health: A Mixed-methods Study

Background: Study tours are known to have an important role in enriching the knowledge of students in all fields. Our study aimed to evaluate the experience of a postgraduate and faculty study tour in the field of mental health. Methods: We obtained both quantitative and descriptive feedback from 31 participants who had taken part in the annual study tour conducted in the years 2014–2018 using a specially designed feedback pro forma. Results: All the participants reported overall satisfaction with the tour. Learning was enhanced, and most found the tour relevant to their current field of study. They particularly enjoyed the experience of traveling in a peer group without faculty supervision and learning to make decisions as a group. Their chief concerns were about the continuous travel and the limited time allotted to each center. Conclusions: A well-planned study tour during training helps trainees in the mental health field improve their knowledge, hone practical skills, and learn life lessons; it promotes bonding with peers and fosters self-directed learning and independence. The limitations were the inability to have direct face-to-face interviews with most participants and the study tour centers being limited to a small geographical area

Relationship between Visual Motor Integration and Academic Performance in Elementary School Children

Objective: To assess the relationship between visual motor integration and academic performance in elementary school children. Method: A cross sectional study was undertaken on 208 children who were in second standard from government, government aided and private schools. The screening tools for excluding children with visual and auditory deficit, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Childhood psychiatric symptoms, learning disabilities, below average intelligence were administered. The primary measure of visual motor integration was obtained using Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI). The academic performance was calculated from the mean of all the subject marks scored in two consecutive exams and on teacher’s perception on academic performance using a 100-point rating scale. Results & Conclusion: Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient test was used to analyze the correlation. It has shown that there is weak positive correlation found between visual motor integration and academic performance which would recommend the need for longitudinal study

Relevant issues in pharmacotherapy of psycho-cutaneous disorders

Psychiatric disorders frequently co-occur with dermatological conditions and psychotropic agents may be indicated in treating the underlying psychiatric symptoms. Use of psychotropics can be associated with significant cutaneous adverse effects as well as drug interactions with pharmacological agents used in treatment of the dermatological conditions. Knowledge of indication, contraindication, side effects, and interactions of psycho-tropics is essential for the practicing dermatologist in managing psycho-dermatological conditions. This review aims at discussing relevant issues in pharmacological management of psycho-cutaneous disorders

Psychiatric evaluation in dermatology: An overview

Psychodermatology is an exciting field which deals with the close relationship that exists between dermatological and psychiatric disorders. A combined bio-psycho-social approach is essential for effective evaluation and treatment of these conditions. This review aims to give the practicing clinician an overview of psychiatric evaluation in patients with dermatological conditions

Depression and Cognitive Impairment among Community-dwelling Older adults in Southern India

Background: Depression and cognitive impairment are two psychosocial health problems significantly affecting the quality of life of older adults across the globe. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychosocial morbidities among older adults in a rural community of coastal Karnataka, India, and to determine the socio-demographic correlates of these morbidities.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural and semi-urban Udupi taluka, in southern India. A total of 1,832 men and women aged ≥60 years were surveyed from 2015 to 2017 using a simple random method. Data was collected from the participants through an interviewer-administered pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire, Geriatric depression scale-Short version, and Everyday Abilities Scale India, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment among the study participants were reported, and significant sociodemographic predictors of these morbidities were determined using multivariate analysis.Results: Prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment were 38.7% and 49.1%, respectively, among older adults. Low literacy, low socioeconomic status, and unemployment were significant predictors of depression, while only low literacy was found to be the predictor of cognitive impairment. Further, being employed in old age showed a protective effect on their cognitive health.Conclusion: Psychosocial problems were highly prevalent among community-dwelling older adults. Improving their general health conditions, getting them involved in social activities tailored to their abilities and preferences, and ensuring economic independence through social security measures would pave the way in enhancing the mental health of older adults in southern India