Depression - The Proteus of Medicine

Depression is discussed as a disease of antiquity with suitable contemporary references also. The prevalence of this disorder, which at a given time constitutes 121 millions world-wide is mentioned. Among the types of depression, comorbid depression forms an important one. Classical depression forms the visible part of the depression iceberg while somatic and other life contextual situation forms the submerged part. Somatic manifestations per se do not carry diagnostic weightage unless the core features of depression are elicited. Non-recognition of somatic manifestations result in under-diagnosis and under treatment of the disorder

‘MIND’ IN INDIAN PHILOSOPHY

The place of mind in the philosophical systems of India is briefly discussed. The philosophies selected are - Vedas, Upanishads, Six systems of philosophies (saddarsanas), Gita and materialistic school of Carvaaka. That mind is of subtle physical nature and that self is postulated as higher than mind in the hierarchy is being pointed out. Mind can be man's own friend to elevate him or his foe debasing him. Modern neuro - science and the ancient materialistic schools do not subscribe to the existence of self. An integrated approach extending beyond the mind in psychiatric care is suggested. Scientific and technological advances do not necessarily preclude a transcendent (spiritual) dimension to the total care

TOWARD SUICIDE PREVENTION

Suicide is an important mode of death. There are many psychiatrically ill patients in therapy running different degree of suicide risk. The risk of death by suicide is with almost all psychiatric illnesses, but it is found more with depressive disease, schizophrenia and personality disorder. Many studies have reported higher incidences of suicide attempts and suicide among alcoholics, which is often precipitated by family crises. Drug problems, low threshold for tolerance of day to day frustration, unemployement and poor parenting are major causes for youth suicide

MIND IN AYURVEDA

Ayurveda now among the alternative complementary systems of medicine is over 5000 years old. Its origin and the compilation of Caraka Samhita are noted. The nature of mind as a sensory and a motor organ, its structure and functions are discussed. The concept of Thdosha theory and Trigunas are explained besides the so-called master-forms of Doshas namely Prana, Tejas and Ojas. The constituional and tempermental types depending upon the doshas are described. These determine diagnoses and guide treatment. Ayurveda is highlighted as a holistic system with its concern for prevention of disease and promotion of health. Disease denotes failure of prophylaxis. Some methods of Ayurvedic therapy are mentioned

UNIPOLAR AND BIPOLAR DEPRESSIONS—A REVIEW

The paper discusses the emergence of the concept of polarity out of the rubric of manic depressive illness. The polar types are defined and changes in polarity, frequency and similarities and the differences between them are discussed. The author ventures to suggest that a change in the polarity viz., occurrence of mania in depressive or of depressive episodes in mania to be designated “LAP Phenomenon” after Leonhard, Angst and Perris who have been mainly responsible for the concept

“LATE PARAPHRENIA” (A REPORT FROM THE GEROPSYCHIATRIC CLINIC, MADURAI, INDIA)

A brief review of literature on Late Paraphrenia is offered. An analysis was made on 15 cases of late paraphrenia with reference to its frequency, sex distribution, hallucinations, delusions and sensory impairment. Late Paraphrenia formed 4% of all Geropsychiatry cases

OBESSIVE COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOURS—A THERAPEUTIC STUDY WITH THOUGHT STOPPING PROCEDURE

In a Cross over design, the therapeutic value of thought-stopping technique in Obsessive Compulsive behaviour was examined by comparing its effect to that of progressive muscular relaxation. A group of 17 individuals with obsessive compulsive behaviours patterns served as study group. The measure of therapeutic change include frequency of obsession, Taylor's Manifest Anxiety scale, Beck's inventory for Depression. Distress rating and Fear survey schedule. The results showed marked improvement in 11 individuals and minimal improvement in 3 and no change in the remaining 3 individuals. Both relaxation and as thought stopping effected changes in the indices of therapeutic change. However, thought stopping was found to be significantly more effective. The study also discusses some follow-up data as well as the theoretical issues of obsessional behaviour