"CLAW YOUR WAY" - MACHIAVELLIANISM AMONG THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY

Background: Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by emotional detachment and tendency to manipulate others to achieve one\u27s own goal. It is presumed that people high in Machiavellianism would more likely choose business-related occupations, whereas low Machiavellians would prefer helping professions, therefore medical professionals are expected to be low-Machs. Subjects and methods: This is a questionnaire study on 509 respondents: medical school candidates (16.1%), medical students (65%), medical trainees (9.8%), residents (6.3%) and specialists (2.8%) aimed at assessing the level of Machiavellianism, as measured with Mach-IV score, a self-report questionnaire. Results: The overall mean Mach-IV score was 59.24±6.07. The highest mean Mach-IV score, 61.80±6.94, was found in the group of medical school candidates. The lowest mean Mach-IV score, 57.61±7.88, was reported in the group of registered specialists. Male gender was found to be positively correlated with the mean Mach-IV score, which in women was 58.97±6.08 and in men it was 60.16±6.01. There was a negative correlation between the mean Mach-IV score and the age of post-graduate participants. When we divided all participants into subgroups of "low Machs" (<60 points) and " high Machs" (≥60 points), we found that both subgroups were similarly numerous - 49.5% and 50.5%, accordingly. The highest representation of "high Machs" was found in the subgroup of medical studies candidates (65.85%), then in the students (47.73%) and in the group of post-graduates (45.16%). Gender differences remained statistically significant - 47.33% of women and 60.18% of men were "high Machs". Conclusions: Machiavellianism level among medical candidates, students and doctors is relatively high, however is gradually decreasing with the progress of career

EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF DEPRESSION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM POLAND, PORTUGAL AND GERMANY

Background: Depression is a serious illness affecting health, family and professional life of many people of all sectors of society. It also concerns students, regardless of their geographical location. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a proper tool to brief check of the level of depression because it has high correlation with depression. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the level of depression among medical students from Poland, Portugal and Germany. Subjects and methods: Students from different countries were asked to fill in an electronic form containing the BDI. The form was created separately for each country, using official translation of the BDI, approved by the competent psychiatric association. Google Drive software was used for the electronic form, and Stat soft Statistica v10 software for statistical analysis. Results: There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in terms of average score of the BDI and of the proportion of the scores more than 10 points of medical and technology students among kinds of studies and countries. The average score of the BDI of medical students: Poland: 13.76±9.99 points; Germany: 8.49±7.64 points; Portugal: 7.37±7.67 points. The average score of the BDI of technology students: Poland: 12.42±9.66 points; Germany: 10.51±8.49 points; Portugal: 9.25±8.97 points. The proportion of the scores more than 10 points of medical students: Poland 56.32% (285/506) Germany 34.92% (154/441) Portugal 26.03% (82/315). The proportion of the scores more than 10 points of technology students: Poland 55.01% (368/669) Germany 43.82% (156/356) Portugal 37.57% (136/362). Conclusions: The highest depression score among medical and technology students according the BDI was found in Poland. A proper monitoring of depression is required, as well as rapid and appropriate help for those who suffer from it

EVALUATION OF THE UTILITY OF LIEBOWITZ SOCIAL ANXIETY SCALE AND BARRATT IMPULSIVENESS SCALE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY, IMPULSIVITY AND DEPRESSION

Background: Often mental disorders are serious problems concerning psychological well-being. They require comprehensive and specialized psychiatric and psychological help, but there are no public methods of controlling your mental state. The aim of study was the evaluation of the utility of Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale in the diagnosis of social anxiety, impulsivity and depression. Subjects and methods: The study included 85 persons. The study group had 34 patients treated in an open ward of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. The control group included 51 persons without mental disorders. Three self-rating questionnaires were used: Beck Depression Inventory, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Statistica v10 Statsoft software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The analyzed groups had significant differences in terms of Beck Scale (U Mann-Whitney test p=0.000001). Average score in study group: 22.94±12.50; in control group: 7.15±6.44. Groups had significant differences in terms of Liebowitz Scale (U test Mann-Whitney test, p=0.000164). Average score in the study group: 60.41± 30.30; in control group: 35.01±23.94. Groups had significant differences in terms of Barratt Scale (t-student test p=0.000601). Average in study group: 66.35±9,49; in control group: 59.54±7.87. Significant positive correlation was observed between the results of Beck Scale and Liebowitz Scale (r=0.64465). Correlation was not observed between the results of the Liebowitz and Barrat (r=0.12091 and Beck and Barrat (r=0.21482). Conclusions: The intensity of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale is directly proportional to the severity of depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory. The degree of impulsivity by Barrat Impulsiveness Scale does not correlate with the level of depression according to Beck Depression Inventory. The analyzed scales are relevant in the diagnosis of mental disorders

Czy należy obawiać się niedoborów witaminy B12 w trakcie leczenia metforminą?

Metformin, a biguanide derivative, is the most frequently used antihyperglycaemic agent in the world. Various adverse effects can occur during the drug therapy. One of them is vitamin B12 deficiency, which may be either asymptomatic (biochemical) or may lead to neurological and/or haematological disorders. Causal diagnosis of these disorders is hampered due to the fact that nervous system symptoms are similar to neurological complications developing over the course of diabetes mellitus. It is estimated that 5.8 to 33% of metformin treated patients have a low (below the reference level) serum vitamin B12 concentration. The interrelation between vitamin B12 deficiency and metformin usage has been known for decades and over that time many studies have been carried out to assess the issue. Unfortunately, these studies were mainly observational, retrospective and performed on nonhomogeneous groups of patients. Recently a meta-analysis of studies concerning only diabetic patients was performed and it demonstrated the existence of a relationship between metformin treatment and vitamin B12 deficiency. Nevertheless, further well-designed, large-scale, randomized studies performed on a homogenous group of patients and employing homogenous criteria for diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency are necessary in order to decide whether serum vitamin B12 concentration should be routinely checked among metformin treated patients.Metformina, pochodna biguanidu, jest najczęściej stosowanym lekiem przeciwhiperglikemicznym na świecie. W trakcie farmakoterapii mogą wystąpić różne działania niepożądane. Jednym z nich jest niedobór witaminy B12, który może być bezobjawowy (biochemiczny) lub prowadzić do zaburzeń neurologicznych i/lub hematologicznych. Diagnostykę przyczynową wymienionych zaburzeń utrudnia fakt, że objawy ze strony układu nerwowego mogą przypominać powikłania neurologiczne rozwijające się w przebiegu cukrzycy. Szacuje się, że od 5,8% do 33% chorych leczonych metforminą charakteryzuje się obniżonym, poniżej wartości referencyjnych, stężeniem witaminy B12 w surowicy krwi. Związek występowania niedoboru witaminy B12 w przebiegu leczenia metforminą znany jest już od kilkudziesięciu lat i w tym czasie przeprowadzono wiele badań, które niestety często miały charakter obserwacyjny, były retrospektywne i obejmowały niejednorodne grupy pacjentów. Dopiero niedawno przeprowadzono metaanalizę badań obejmujących chorych na cukrzycę, w której wykazano obecność związku leczenia metforminą z występowa­niem niedoboru witaminy B12. Niezbędne są jednak dalsze, dobrze zaprojektowane, duże, randomizowane badania, obejmujące jednorodne grupy pacjentów oraz stosujące jednorodne kryteria rozpoznania niedoboru witaminy B12 w celu oceny, czy niezbędne jest rutynowe oznaczanie stężenia witaminy B12 u osób leczonych metforminą

"CLAW YOUR WAY" - MACHIAVELLIANISM AMONG THE MEDICAL COMMUNITY

Background: Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by emotional detachment and tendency to manipulate others to achieve one\u27s own goal. It is presumed that people high in Machiavellianism would more likely choose business-related occupations, whereas low Machiavellians would prefer helping professions, therefore medical professionals are expected to be low-Machs. Subjects and methods: This is a questionnaire study on 509 respondents: medical school candidates (16.1%), medical students (65%), medical trainees (9.8%), residents (6.3%) and specialists (2.8%) aimed at assessing the level of Machiavellianism, as measured with Mach-IV score, a self-report questionnaire. Results: The overall mean Mach-IV score was 59.24±6.07. The highest mean Mach-IV score, 61.80±6.94, was found in the group of medical school candidates. The lowest mean Mach-IV score, 57.61±7.88, was reported in the group of registered specialists. Male gender was found to be positively correlated with the mean Mach-IV score, which in women was 58.97±6.08 and in men it was 60.16±6.01. There was a negative correlation between the mean Mach-IV score and the age of post-graduate participants. When we divided all participants into subgroups of "low Machs" (<60 points) and " high Machs" (≥60 points), we found that both subgroups were similarly numerous - 49.5% and 50.5%, accordingly. The highest representation of "high Machs" was found in the subgroup of medical studies candidates (65.85%), then in the students (47.73%) and in the group of post-graduates (45.16%). Gender differences remained statistically significant - 47.33% of women and 60.18% of men were "high Machs". Conclusions: Machiavellianism level among medical candidates, students and doctors is relatively high, however is gradually decreasing with the progress of career

EVALUATION OF THE LEVEL OF DEPRESSION AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS FROM POLAND, PORTUGAL AND GERMANY

Background: Depression is a serious illness affecting health, family and professional life of many people of all sectors of society. It also concerns students, regardless of their geographical location. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a proper tool to brief check of the level of depression because it has high correlation with depression. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the level of depression among medical students from Poland, Portugal and Germany. Subjects and methods: Students from different countries were asked to fill in an electronic form containing the BDI. The form was created separately for each country, using official translation of the BDI, approved by the competent psychiatric association. Google Drive software was used for the electronic form, and Stat soft Statistica v10 software for statistical analysis. Results: There were statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in terms of average score of the BDI and of the proportion of the scores more than 10 points of medical and technology students among kinds of studies and countries. The average score of the BDI of medical students: Poland: 13.76±9.99 points; Germany: 8.49±7.64 points; Portugal: 7.37±7.67 points. The average score of the BDI of technology students: Poland: 12.42±9.66 points; Germany: 10.51±8.49 points; Portugal: 9.25±8.97 points. The proportion of the scores more than 10 points of medical students: Poland 56.32% (285/506) Germany 34.92% (154/441) Portugal 26.03% (82/315). The proportion of the scores more than 10 points of technology students: Poland 55.01% (368/669) Germany 43.82% (156/356) Portugal 37.57% (136/362). Conclusions: The highest depression score among medical and technology students according the BDI was found in Poland. A proper monitoring of depression is required, as well as rapid and appropriate help for those who suffer from it

EVALUATION OF THE UTILITY OF LIEBOWITZ SOCIAL ANXIETY SCALE AND BARRATT IMPULSIVENESS SCALE IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY, IMPULSIVITY AND DEPRESSION

Background: Often mental disorders are serious problems concerning psychological well-being. They require comprehensive and specialized psychiatric and psychological help, but there are no public methods of controlling your mental state. The aim of study was the evaluation of the utility of Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale in the diagnosis of social anxiety, impulsivity and depression. Subjects and methods: The study included 85 persons. The study group had 34 patients treated in an open ward of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. The control group included 51 persons without mental disorders. Three self-rating questionnaires were used: Beck Depression Inventory, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale. Statistica v10 Statsoft software was used for statistical analysis. Results: The analyzed groups had significant differences in terms of Beck Scale (U Mann-Whitney test p=0.000001). Average score in study group: 22.94±12.50; in control group: 7.15±6.44. Groups had significant differences in terms of Liebowitz Scale (U test Mann-Whitney test, p=0.000164). Average score in the study group: 60.41± 30.30; in control group: 35.01±23.94. Groups had significant differences in terms of Barratt Scale (t-student test p=0.000601). Average in study group: 66.35±9,49; in control group: 59.54±7.87. Significant positive correlation was observed between the results of Beck Scale and Liebowitz Scale (r=0.64465). Correlation was not observed between the results of the Liebowitz and Barrat (r=0.12091 and Beck and Barrat (r=0.21482). Conclusions: The intensity of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale is directly proportional to the severity of depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory. The degree of impulsivity by Barrat Impulsiveness Scale does not correlate with the level of depression according to Beck Depression Inventory. The analyzed scales are relevant in the diagnosis of mental disorders

Is it necessary to be afraid of vitamin B12 deficiency during metformin treatment?

Metformin, a biguanide derivative, is the most frequently used antihyperglycaemic agent in the world. Various adverse effects can occur during the drug therapy. One of them is vitamin B12 deficiency, which may be either asymptomatic (biochemical) or may lead to neurological and/or haematological disorders. Causal diagnosis of these disorders is hampered due to the fact that nervous system symptoms are similar to neurological complications developing over the course of diabetes mellitus. It is estimated that 5.8 to 33% of metformin treated patients have a low (below the reference level) serum vitamin B12 concentration. The interrelation between vitamin B12 deficiency and metformin usage has been known for decades and over that time many studies have been carried out to assess the issue. Unfortunately, these studies were mainly observational, retrospective and performed on nonhomogeneous groups of patients. Recently a meta-analysis of studies concerning only diabetic patients was performed and it demonstrated the existence of a relationship between metformin treatment and vitamin B12 deficiency. Nevertheless, further well-designed, large-scale, randomized studies performed on a homogenous group of patients and employing homogenous criteria for diagnosing vitamin B12 deficiency are necessary in order to decide whether serum vitamin B12 concentration should be routinely checked among metformin treated patients