Prevalence of psychiatric co morbidities in bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in north Indian population cohort

Background: Psychiatric co morbidities tend to occur quite frequently in patients of chronic respiratory diseases mainly bronchial asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) but still it is highly under diagnosed. Aim and objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of psychiatric co morbidities in asthma and COPD and to correlate them with disease severity according to Global Initiative against Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and Global Initiative against Asthma (GINA) guidelines.Methods: Study was conducted in Department of TB and Chest in association with Department of Psychiatry of Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, a secondary care medical college in north India. A total 204 patients, 68 of bronchial asthma, 68 0f COPD and 68 were controls included in the study. Diagnosis and severity of respiratory diseases was assessed by spirometry. Evaluation of psychiatric co morbidities was done using the MINI international neuropsychiatric interview questionnaire.Results: The frequency of psychiatric co morbidities in COPD patients was significantly higher (32.4%) compared to patients of bronchial asthma (20.6%). The most common co morbidity in both arms was generalized anxiety disorder (17.6% in COPD patients and 10.3% in patients of bronchial asthma.Conclusions: COPD patients have a higher frequency of psychiatric co morbidities compared to bronchial asthma patients and control population. These should be properly screened and treated.

The Geriatric Population and Psychiatric Medication

With improvement in medical services in the last few years, there has been a constant rise in the geriatric population throughout the world, more so in the developing countries. The elderly are highly prone to develop psychiatric disorders, probably because of age related changes in the brain, concomitant physical disorders, as well as increased stress in later life. Psychiatric disorders in this population may have a different presentation than in other groups and some of psychopathologies might be mistaken for normal age related changes by an unwary clinician. Therefore the need of the day is to train psychiatrists and physicians to better recognize and manage mental disorders in this age group

Rapid urbanization - Its impact on mental health: A South Asian perspective

Rapid increase in urban population as a proportion of total population is resulting in rapid urbanization of the world. By the end of 2008, a majority of the world's population will be living in the cities. This paradigm shift in the dynamics of human population is attracting attention of demographers, sociologists, scientists, and politicians alike. Urbanization brings with it a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Though it is driving the economies of most of the nations of the world, a serious concern regarding the impact of urbanization on mental health is warranted. The impact of urbanization on mental health in South-Asian countries needs to be examined. These countries by virtue of their developing economies and a significant proportion of population still living below poverty line are particularly vulnerable and tend to have a higher burden of diseases with an already compromised primary health care delivery system. The range of disorders and deviancies associated with urbanization is enormous and includes psychoses, depression, sociopathy, substance abuse, alcoholism, crime, delinquency, vandalism, family disintegration, and alienation. Thus, it is a heterogenous mix of problems and categorizing them to one particular subtype seems daunting and undesirable. Urbanization is affecting the entire gamut of population especially the vulnerable sections of society - elderly, children and adolescents, and women. Rapid urbanization has also led to creation of “fringe population” mostly living from hand to mouth which further adds to poverty. Poverty and mental health have a complex and multidimensional relationship. Urban population is heavily influenced by changing cultural dynamics leading to particular psychiatric problems like depression, alcoholism, and delinquency. Judicious use of resources, balanced approach to development, and sound government policies are advocated for appropriate growth of advancing economies of South-Asian region

Psychological Aspects of Widowhood and Divorce

Despite advances in standard of living of the population, the condition of widows and divorced women remains deplorable in society. The situation is worse in developing nations with their unique social, cultural and economic milieu, which at times ignores the basic human rights of this vulnerable section of society. A gap exists in life expectancies of men and women in both developing and developed nations. This, coupled with greater remarriage rates in men, ensures that the number of widows continues to exceed that of widowers. Moreover, with women becoming more educated, economically independent and aware of their rights, divorce rates are increasing along with associated psychological ramifications. The fact that widowed/divorced women suffer from varying psychological stressors is often ignored. It has been concluded in various studies that such stressors could be harbingers of psychiatric illnesses (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance dependence), and hence should be taken into account by treating physicians, social workers and others who come to the aid of such women. A change in mindset of the society is required before these women get their rightful place, for which a strong will is needed in the minds of the people, and in law-governing bodies

Prevalence of psychiatric co morbidities in bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in North India population cohort

Background: Psychiatric co morbidities tend to occur quite frequently in patients of chronic respiratory diseases mainly bronchial asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) but still it is highly under diagnosed. Aim and objective of the study was to find out the prevalence of psychiatric co morbidities in asthma and COPD and to correlate them with disease severity according to Global Initiative against Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and Global Initiative against Asthma (GINA) guidelines.Methods: Study was conducted in Department of TB and Chest in association with Department of Psychiatry of Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences, a secondary care medical college in north India. A total 204 patients, 68 of bronchial asthma, 68 0f COPD and 68 were controls included in the study. Diagnosis and severity of respiratory diseases was assessed by spirometry. Evaluation of psychiatric co morbidities was done using the MINI international neuropsychiatric interview questionnaire.Results: The frequency of psychiatric co morbidities in COPD patients was significantly higher (32.4%) compared to patients of bronchial asthma (20.6%). The most common co morbidity in both arms was generalized anxiety disorder (17.6% in COPD patients and 10.3% in patients of bronchial asthma.Conclusions: COPD patients have a higher frequency of psychiatric co morbidities compared to bronchial asthma patients and control population. These should be properly screened and treated.

ISSN 2I41-2596 © 2010 Academic Journals Short

Anti-depressant drug prescription pattern fo