Reducing the isolation: A malaysian family in need

ABSTRACT Introduction: Many challenges are faced in the optimum management of a family caring for children with developmental disorders (FCCDD). Case Report: This case report highlights an isolated Malaysian family as victims of discrimination against special children, illustrates the factors and challenges that are associated with it. We report our experience, as part of a multiprofessional team in managing an isolated FCCDD. Our role of service providers, became that of the sole lifeline the family depended upon. We helped the family return from the brink of death; they helped us understand that no family should be an island and every family has a right to optimum care. Conclusion: Isolation that occurs in FCCDD is real and can be influenced by multiple factors such as low education and income. To help an FCCDD is to help Malaysian society overcome its prejudices. Getting FCCDD to participate in decisions regarding treatment and in other biopsychosocial needs is crucial i

Validation of the Malay Self-Report Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology in a Malaysian Sample

Depression is ranked as the second-leading cause for years lived with disability worldwide. Objective monitoring with a standardized scale for depressive symptoms can improve treatment outcomes. This study evaluates the construct and concurrent validity of the Malay Self-Report Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR16) among Malaysian clinical and community samples. This cross-sectional study was based on 277 participants, i.e., patients with current major depressive episode (MDE), n = 104, and participants without current MDE, n = 173. Participants answered the Malay QIDS-SR16 and were administered the validated Malay Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) for DSM-IV-TR. Factor analysis was used to determine construct validity, alpha statistic for internal consistency, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for concurrent validity with MINI to determine the optimal threshold to identify MDE. Data analysis provided evidence for the unidimensionality of the Malay QIDS-SR16 with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.88). Based on ROC analysis, the questionnaire demonstrated good validity with a robust area under the curve of 0.916 (p < 0.000, 95% CI 0.884–0.948). A cut-off score of nine provided the best balance between sensitivity (88.5%) and specificity (83.2%). The Malay QIDS-SR16 is a reliable and valid instrument for identifying MDE in unipolar or bipolar depression