Day 2 :
Keynote Forum
Peter Norrie
Chief Psychiatrist
Keynote: The Australian national mental health recovery framework: A journey for clinicians, consumers, carers and administrators
Time : 10:00-10:45
Biography:
Peter Norrie has held clinical management positions since 2002 and is currently the Chief Psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Services for Mental Health, Justice Health and Alcohol & Drug Services, ACT Health. In addition, he is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at The Australian National University Medical School and is also a jurisdictional member of the Safety and Quality Partnership Standing Committee of the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council. (This committee launched the National Mental Health Recovery Framework in 2013). He is an ACT and bi-national representative on a number of committees for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. He has clinical and research interests in schizophrenia and psychopharmacology. He has also focused on support for international medical graduates and education and training for colleagues, registrars and general practitioners.
Abstract:
The recovery orientated mental health services have been a priority for consumers and carers in many countries. In Australia the consumer/career voice was represented strongly at a National Safety and quality committee and a commitment made to develop a National Mental Health Recovery Framework. This presentation explores the concept of Recovery and the collaborative efforts in planning, producing and releasing the National Framework. There is then reflection on the impact in a mental health service and the challenge of policy versus practice is highlighted. There is still much to be done, but Recovery can be an exciting journey!
- Session on: Clinical Psychiatry | Psychiatric and Addiction Disorders | Mental Illness
Session Introduction
Ajmal Kazmi
Rutgers School of Health Related Professions, USA
Title: Evidence based psychiatric rehabilitation practices “Illness management and recovery, psycho education and case management†in Karachi Pakistan in collaboration with University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey USA: A Pakistani experience
Biography:
Ajmal Kazmi was graduated from Dow Medical College in 1981. He has worked as Officer In-Charge of Health System Research Project Karachi, Pakistan Medical Research Council in collaboration with ‘WHO ‘for 5 years. During this period he has presented several research papers. He has completed his Post graduate training in Psychiatry from Royal College of Psychiatrist (London). He did Diploma in Psychological Medicine (Dublin) and Membership training from the Royal College of Psychiatrist (London). He has established KPT/Karwan-e-hayat Psychiatric Care & Rehabilitation Center Kemari Karachi in 2004. He has presented more than 25 research papers in both national and international conferences. He has arranged and/or participated in more than 100 conferences/seminar/workshops/awareness lectures.
Abstract:
Psychiatric Rehabilitation, enable individuals to compensate for or eliminate the functional deficits, interpersonal barriers and environmental barriers created by the disability and to restore ability for independent living, socialization and effective life management. Creating new program or strategy is an art. Psychiatric rehabilitation is a combination of both; rehabilitation process through consumer choices (involvement) and assessment of readiness through the need for change. Core element of Psychiatric Rehabilitation includes commitment for change, environment awareness, self awareness and closeness to practitioner. Rehabilitation Diagnosis is based on overall rehabilitation goals. Functional assessment includes areas that need to be worked on and assessment of clients’ strengths and weakness. Resources assessment includes availability of the resources. This presentation describes the collaboration between a comprehensive community mental health facility in Karachi, Pakistan, Karwan-e-Hayat and the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, USA. This training was fostered and supported by a voluntary U.S. based organization, Carvan of Life. In the fall of 2008 faculty from the Department provided on-site consultation and training to selected Karwan-e-Hayat staff members and other invited professionals. The 17 week process was carried out via WebCT (an internet distance learning platform), Skype and e-mail. Prior to this training Professor Smith visited Karwan-e-Hayat to meet staff, interview prospective trainee and learn about the facility. The consultation and training process continues with the eventual introduction of modified evidenced based practices into existing day programming and inpatient services. This presentation describes the technical aspects of the process including Web based learning and Skype, the assessment of service needs through their visit and the on-going consultation and training, differences and similarities between U.S. evidence-based practices and services at Karwan-e-Hayat, the process from the perspective of Karwan-e-Hayat, plans for implementations of evidence-based practices particularly Illness Management and Recovery, Family Psycho-education and Case Management training. Discussion of the Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) group includes questions of appropriate fidelity measures, facilitator training and supervision and methods of on-going evaluation of the process, training of the trainer program through Web based and Skype and to develop a Psychiatric Rehabilitation training center in Karachi Pakistan, impact of training on the practitioners and views of clients and their families about the benefits of the program.
Biography:
Eyinade Olusegun Adewale is presently working as associate professor in medical school in Nigeria undertaken by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.
Abstract:
Introduction: Bipolar disorder, also known as manic – depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activities levels and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performances and even suicide but bipolar disorder can be treated and people will this illness can lead full and productive lives. Causes: Scientists are studying the possible causes of bipolar disorder. Most scientists agree that there is no single cause rather, many factors likely act together to produce the illness or increase risk. Diagnosis: Doctor diagnose bipolar disorder using guidelines from diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorder (DSM) to be diagnosed will bipolar disorder, the symptoms must be a major change from your normal mood or behavior there are four basic types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I Disorder – defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, a depressive episode occurs well, typically lasting at least two (2) weeks. Bipolar II Disorder – defines by a pattern of depressive episodes, but no full blown manic or mixed episodes. Bipolar Disorder not otherwise specified (BP-NOS) diagnosed when symptoms of the illness exist but do not meet diagnostic criteria for either bipolar I or II. However, the symptoms are clearly out of the person’s normal range of behavior. Cyclothymic Disorder or cyclothymia – mild form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia have episodes of hypomania as well as mild depression for at least two (2) years. However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for any other types of bipolar disorders. Treatments: Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, but it can be treated effectively over the long-term proper treatment helps many people will bipolar disorder even those with the more severe forms of the illness-gain better control of their mood swings and related symptoms but because it is a lifelong illness, long-term, continuous treatment is needed to control symptoms. However, even with proper treatment, mood chapters can occur. Having another mental disorder in addition to bipolar disorder increased one’s chance for a relapse. Treatment is more effective if you work closely with a doctor and talk openly about your concerns and choices. An effective treatment plan usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Medication: Different types of medication can help control symptoms of bipolar disorder but not everyone respond to medication in the same way toy may need to try several different medications before finding ones that work best for you. Keeping a daily life chart that makes note of your daily mood symptoms, treatment sleep patterns and life events can help you and your doctor track and treat your illness most effectively. If your symptoms change or if side effects become intolerable, your doctor may switch or add medication. The types of medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include mood stabilizer, a typical antipsychotics and anti depressants.
Biography:
Mehdi Dehestani is currently a Professor of Psychology at the Department of Psychology in Payam-e-Noor University, Iran.
Abstract:
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dialectical behavioral group therapy (based on mindfulness distress tolerance, emotion regulation) on symptoms of borderline personality disorder among college students in Zanjan Province. Method: Two hundreds volunteer students across the Zanjan province Universities completed The MCMI-III. Finally, ten persons with symptom of borderline personality disorders were selected as an experimental group. The experimental group trained 10 sessions of the skills including fundamental pervasive consciousness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation. Result: The results of paired t-test showed that there is significant difference between the symptoms of borderline personality disorder before and after the treatment (t=10.2, p<0.01, d=4.43). The Cohen effect level (Cohen’s d=4.43) showed that the intervention had great influence. The results showed that there was a significant difference between emotional tolerance (t=9.704, p<0.01, d=3.367), distress tolerance (t=12.281, p<0.01, d=4.11) and fundamental pervasive consciousness (t=9.428, p<0.01, d=3.424) in patients with borderline personality disorder symptoms before and after the treatment. Conclusion: The results showed that the training of dialectical behavioral group therapy skills significantly decreased the symptoms of borderline personality disorder.
- Special Session
Biography:
Executive Sales
Abstract:
Exhibition
- POSTER PRESENTATIONS
Session Introduction
Abhishek Kumar
Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
Title: ECT in patient with treatment resistant schizophrenia: A case study
Biography:
Abhishek Kumar is presently working as Senior Psychiatrist at Institute of Mental Health, Singapore.
Abstract:
Electroconvulsive therapy has been used extensively for many years for the treatment of depression and catatonia but is rarely used in the treatment of schizophrenia. In this case study, we try to understand the effect of electroconvulsive in treatment resistant schizophrenia. A 63 year old Chinese male with over 40 years of history of schizophrenia and maintaining well on medications presented with acute change in behavior; patient stated to behave in a bizarre way like eating metal screws, tissue papers, coins, books and also started drinking his own urine. Organic workup was done and was negative. The patient was started on adequate dose of combination of two antipsychotic (Olanzapine and Asenapine) but showed no response and continued with his disorganized behavior. As patient did not show any response to the medications, he was tried on Electroconvulsive therapy. He was given 12 sessions of ECT and after the fourth session, improvement was noticed and after 12 sessions, the patient was in complete remissions. Although limited study has been done about the role of ECT in treatment of schizophrenia but in the case, it has been observed that ECT can be very effective in schizophrenia not responding to antipsychotics.
Aditya Soni
Gujarat University, India
Title: Medical students and interns' knowledge about and attitude towards homosexuality
Biography:
Aditya Soni has completed his Post graduation in MD Psychiatry from Gujarat University, India. He is currently working at Rajasthan as a Senior Resident in a premier Neuroscience and De-addiction Centre.
Abstract:
Background & Rationale: Medical professionals' attitude towards homosexuals affects health care offered to such patients with a different sexual orientation. There is absence of literature that explores the attitudes of Indian medical students or physicians towards homosexuality. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate Indian medical students and interns' knowledge about homosexuality and attitude towards homosexuals. Materials & Methods: After IEC approval and written informed consent, a cross-sectional study was conducted on a purposive sample of undergraduate medical students and interns studying in one Indian medical college. The response rate was 80.5%. Only completely and validly filled responses (N=244) were analyzed. The participants filled the Sex Education and Knowledge about Homosexuality Questionnaire (SEKHQ) and the Attitudes towards Homosexuals Questionnaire (AHQ). SEKHQ consisted of 32 statements with response chosen from 'true', 'false' or 'don't know'. AHQ consisted of 20 statements scorable on a 5 points Likert scale. Multiple linear regressions were used to find the predictors of knowledge and attitude. Results: Medical students and interns had inadequate knowledge about homosexuality, although they endorsed a neutral stance insofar as their attitude towards homosexuals is concerned. Females had more positive attitudes towards homosexuals. Knowledge emerged as the most significant predictor of attitude; those having higher knowledge had more positive attitudes. Conclusion: Enhancing knowledge of medical students by incorporation of homosexuality related health issues in the curriculum could help reduce prejudice towards the sexual minority and thus impact their future clinical practice.
Denisas Dankinas
Vilnius University, Lithuania
Title: Do people with schizophrenia have a tendency to mimic others
Biography:
Denisas Dankinas is currently a PhD student of Neurobiology and Biophysics at Vilnius University, Lithuania. He has participated in 4 scientific conferences and published in 3 proceedings. He has submitted 3 papers and are under review in reputed journals.
Abstract:
Imitation is highly important sort of social behavior that helps us to learn actions and understand the intentions of others. Studies in this field became very popular particularly after the discovery of mirror neurons, which are related to the imitative process. However, in some cases, imitation became a morbid process; a person loses the control of imitation. Such inappropriate copying of other person’s actions is one of deficits in schizophrenia disorder. Nevertheless, directly observable pathological imitation is detected only in rare cases of this disease. Therefore, our goal was to study a latent improper imitative tendency in schizophrenia patients. In our study, 14 schizophrenia patients and 15 healthy subjects were employed in a two-condition experiment: (1) In imitative condition subjects had to copy the hand action seen on the screen; (2) In non-imitative condition they had to make a different movement (this employs a suppression of imitative action that is impaired in case of pathological imitative tendency). Imitative tendency was assessed by interference score; a difference in response time and accuracy between non-imitative and imitative conditions. Additionally, we have assessed the response preparation in both groups. Our results revealed that schizophrenia patients were able to make appropriate preparation for not only imitative, but also non-imitative responses. Nevertheless, we obtained the presence of pathological imitative tendencies in schizophrenia patients. This group had reliably higher interference score. Therefore, our findings can help in diagnostic purposes in the detection of mild pathological imitation that cannot be revealed by direct observation in schizophrenia patients.
Joseph Mansfield
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, USA
Title: Sleep disturbances and PTSD symptom severity associations in a US active duty military inpatient population
Biography:
Joseph Mansfield is currently a Medical student at the Uniformed Services University. He has worked for over 12 years in the Armed Forces in multiple deployed settings. He is currently an Associate Investigator on the first neuromarker database for insomnia patients.
Abstract:
Introduction: Poor sleep quality and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been shown to be positively associated. However, such findings extend mostly to the outpatient population; the inpatient psychiatric population has largely been understudied. This study investigated the relationship between PTSD and sleep disturbances in a sample of military members presenting for inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. Methods: A de-identified database with demographic and psychometric information from psychiatric inpatients was used to investigate a relationship between the PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C) and the DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure question 14 for report of problems with sleep. The subjects were adults aged 18 to 50, active duty U.S. military members. Inclusion criteria for the database required admission to the San Antonio Military Medical Center inpatient psychiatric ward and an ability to fill out screening psychometrics. Results: Psychometric and demographic data of 309 patients over a span of 9 months revealed a mean PCL-C score of 39.56. The prevalence of sleep disturbances was 72.17%. Participants with higher PCL-C scores demonstrated a statistically greater prevalence of sleep symptoms (p<0.05). Conclusion: PTSD symptoms are positively associated with sleep disturbances in an inpatient psychiatric active duty population. Findings suggest a need to better understand the interaction between sleep disturbances and PTSD to elucidate potential shared biological underpinnings.
Lalanthica Yogendran
Richmong Univeristy Medical Center, USA
Title: Psychosocial Risk Factors Associated with Emergency Department Visits and Hospital Admissions among Child and Adolescent Patients
Biography:
Dr. Lalanthica Yogendran has completed her MD, MPH at the St. George’s University SOM with a clinical research fellowship in psyco-oncology from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and is currently in her residency. Her recent publications include health disparities, psychiatry and oncology.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine which factors are associated with psychiatric emergency department (ED) visits and admissions in pediatric patients. 600 charts of pediatric patients, seen in the psychiatric ED from January through December 2014, were reviewed. Sociodemographics, diagnoses, ED visits, and inpatient admissions was collected. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and independent t-test analyses were utilized in analyses. Patients from two biological parent households had significantly fewer ED visits (1.2 vs. 1.7, p < 0.01) and admissions (0.09 vs. 0.26, p < 0.01). Patients who reported sexual, physical or emotional abuse had a significantly greater number of ED visits (2.1 vs. 1.5, p < 0.01) and admissions (0.61 vs. 0.14, p < 0.01), as did thosethat were sexually active, had legal issues, or substance abuse with marijuana (0.43 vs. 0.17, p < 0.01), (0.54 vs. .18, p < 0.01) and (0.46 vs. 0.18, p < 0.01) respectively. Results show that dual parenting may create a safe and stable atmosphere for a child to develop healthy. Abuse is traumaticand can exacerbate existing psychiatric illness or initiate onset of new disease. While it is known that substance abuse and legal issues result in early induction to the criminal system, only marijuana correlated with higher incidence of psychiatric ED visits; other illicit substances, while reported, did not have similar correlation. This may speak to the psychotropic nature of tetrahydrocannabinols and their role in mental illness. This study demonstrates the psychosocial factors that lead to pediatric ED visits and admissions.
Marina Gegelashvili
Ilia State University, Georgia / University of Miami, USA
Title: Religious exclusivity and psychosocial functioning
Biography:
Marina Gegelashvili is a Psychiatrist and an Associate Professor of Faculty of Art and Science in Ilia State University, Republic of Georgia. He is also the Head of Mental Health Department in Neuro-developmental Centre from 2014-2015 and a Fulbright Scholar in University of Miami, Florida.
Abstract:
In the present study we sought to clarify links between religious exclusivity, as form of intergroup favoritism, and indices of psychosocial functioning. (The study of in group favoritism has generally been invoked within Social Identity Theory and related perspectives). However, there is a lack of literature regarding religious exclusivity from the standpoint of social identity. In particular, the ways in which religious exclusivity is linked with other dimensions of religious belief and practice and with psychosocial functioning, (psychological well-being and self-esteem, aggression and rule breaking, depression and anxiety) among individuals from different religious backgrounds are not well understood. A sample of 8545 emerging-adult students from 30 US universities completed special measures. Measure of religious exclusivity was developed and validated for this group. The results suggest negative correlations between exclusivity, psychological well-being and self-esteem, also positive correlations between aggression and rule breaking, depression and anxiety. Exclusivity appears as predictor for impaired psychosocial functioning low self-esteem and low psychosocial well-being in for individuals from organized faiths, as well as for those identifying as agnostic, atheist or spiritual/nonreligious. The necessity of creating similar national sensitive religious exclusivity measure for Georgian population and study of religion exclusivity is being discussed. These findings are discussed in terms of Social Identity Theory and Terror Management Theory (TMT).
Maryam Masood
National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan
Title: Effect of turmeric in scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mouse model
Biography:
Maryam Masood is currently working as a Professor at Atta-ur-Rahman School in Department of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology in Pakistan.
Abstract:
Background: Memory and learning impairment in neurodegenerative disorders has been attributed to underlying perturbation in cholinergic system. Turmeric, a potent anti-inflammatory compound, like donepezil, has shown to have sound effect on cholinergic system improving memory and learning. Aim: In the current study, we intended to elucidate the effect of turmeric alone and in synergism with donepezil on scopolamine induced amnesic moue model. Methods: BALB/c mice were administrated scopolamine (1 mg/Kg/day) through sub cutaneous injections for a period of 26 days. On 11 day, Donepezil (4 mg/Kg/day) and Turmeric (20 mg/Kg/day) was given mixed in feed. Novel recognition test, fear contextual and fear conditioning test, a memory tests were performed to evaluate memory consolidation and acquisition. RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of M1, M3, and M5 receptors of cortex and amygdala. Results: Turmeric significantly (p<0.01) improved the expression of cholinergic muscarinic receptors M1 (0.67±0.06), M3 (1.23±0.30) and M5 (2.66±0.52) in turmeric treated group as compared to scopolamine-induced amnesia group (0.34±0.07, 0.49±0.03 and 1.53±0.14) respectively in cortex. The impairment in cortex dependent learning and memory was inverted in scopolamine-induced amnesia group as evident from improvement in fear conditioning (p<0.001), contextual (p<0.001) and fear extinction (p<0.001) in turmeric treated group as compared to scopolamine-induced amnesia group. Recognition memory was also improved (p<0.001) following turmeric administration as compared to scopolamine-induced amnesia, once again showing turmeric’s positive effect. Conclusion: Therefore in the light of these findings turmeric may serve as a potential candidate in improving cognitive functions. It can also act as a therapeutic option for neurodegenerative disorders.
Mehdi Dehestani
Payam-e-Noor University, Iran
Title: The comparison of social cognition and impulsivity in people with borderline personality and bipolar disorder
Biography:
Mehdi Dehestani is currently a Assitant Professor in Department of Psychology at Payam-e-Noor University located in Iran.
Abstract:
Introduction: This study aimed to compare the “impulsivity” and “social cognition” in patients with borderline personality and bipolar disorder. Method: In ex post facto study fifteen patients with borderline personality disorder & fifteen patients with bipolar disorder have been selected from among patients how seeking treatment in psychiatric centers was. Also healthy group (fifteen) has been matched with them with regard to age, education in this research. Participants responded to Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and Baron-Cohen Social Cognition Questionnaire (RMET). Result: The results showed that in all subgroups of the impulsivity variable (including disorganization, motion impulsivity, cognitive impulsivity and total impulsivity); the mean of patients with borderline personality disorder was significantly higher than patients with bipolar disorder and healthy people. On the other hand, in the social cognition variable, the mean of patients with borderline personality disorder was significantly lower than patients with bipolar disorder and healthy people. Conclusion: The results in terms of impulsivity patterns and social cognitive impulsivity patterns indicated more dysfunctions in patients with borderline personality disorder that should be considered by researchers and clinicians in studies and interventions.
Ramandeep Kaur Romana
Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, India
Title: Is there any scientific basis of Hawan to be used in anxiety prevention/cure?
Biography:
Ramandeep Kaur Romana has completed her graduation in Nursing from Malwa College of Nursing, India in year 2011. Subsequently, she had about one and half years of experience as Bedside Nurse. Currently, she is pursuing MSc in Clinical Research from University Centre of Excellence in Research, Baba Farid University of Health & Sciences, India. She has one publication entitled “Importance of clinical research training to Nurses’ for wider roles in clinical research: A study” and two research paper are in processing for publication.
Abstract:
Anxiety is a psychiatric disorder with unknown neurobiology however neurotransmitters like gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), nor epinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) play crucial roles in mediating the affective circuitry underlying the clinical disorders of anxiety. Present anti-anxiety drugs pose a lot of dependence risk to the patient. There is a great need to develop complementary therapies to fight this disorder. Hawan has been a common religious practice and has been recommended for mental peace and well being by our ancient scholars and physicians. Hawan is a scientific experiment in which special herbs (Hawan Samagri) are offered in the fire of medicinal woods ignited in a specially designed fire pit called agni-kunda. Aromatherapy has also been employed in ancient times for a number of mental disorders. Mahamrituanjay Mantra the part of veda enlightens that sughandhim (aroma, fragrance) puushtivardhanam (gives rise to good health), Om triambkum yajamahe, sughandhim puushtivardhanam, urvarukmev vandhanaat and mrityu mokshay mamritaat. Present analysis of the hypothesis is based on action of Hawan components on anxiety through integration of modern and ancient concepts. Analysis of literature demonstrates that the components of Hawan are having a number of volatile oils that are specifically useful for prevention and treatment of anxiety through one or the other mechanism of action. Due to high temperature of fire the vapors of these oils from herbs enter into the central nervous system through nasal route. As per modern science and ancient texts on medicine, nasal drug delivery systems are the best for the diseases related to brain and head. The routine of performing Hawan might keep the threshold value of the therapeutic components in the body and help in preventing anxiety. In the present manuscript authors highlight and integrate the modern and ancient concepts for treatment and prevention of anxiety through scientific evidences.
Roman Koposov
UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Norway
Title: Community violence exposure and associated psychopathology: Comparing juvenile delinquents and school students
Biography:
Roman Koposov has completed his PhD from UiT-The Arctic University of Norway. He is an Associate Professor at the Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Welfare, North, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway. He has published more than 48 papers in peer-reviewed journals.
Abstract:
Background: Research has consistently reported that exposure to community violence is a risk factor for child and adolescent mental health. The aim of this study was to investigate potential differences in the relationship between community violence exposure and psychopathology among adolescents. Methods: Participants were 1361, 12-17 year old adolescents (M=16.4, SD=0.9) in three different groups, juvenile delinquents (N=344) and school students (N=1017, 35% boys) from Northwestern Russia. Results: Juvenile delinquents reported higher levels of both witnessing and victimization. As for differences in problem scores according to the degree of severity of violence exposure, direct victimization was associated with reporting significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, somatization, alcohol use, binge drinking and aggressive beliefs among all adolescents. The main effect for the degree of exposure to violence for the total group was significant with increasing problems scores by increasing exposure to community violence. The main effect for group was also significant demonstrating differences between variables of interest between the study groups. Considering that the differences by outcome, country and gender could have been masked by use of the MANCOVA analysis, each outcome was examined separately. The results obtained have been largely similar. Conclusions: Our findings that problems scores increased along with severity of violence exposure and generalizability of this pattern to all three groups expand previous research about a consistent relationship between community violence and psychopathology. Findings are of relevance both for identifying adolescents at risk for psychopathology as a result of exposure to community violence and for prevention.
Saira Pasha
Richmong Univeristy Medical Center, USA
Title: Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in Meidcal Residency
Biography:
Dr. Saira Pasha completed her MD at American University of Antigua and will be starting her Psychiatry residency at the Univeristy of Conneticut this summer.
Abstract:
Introduction:A resident physician’s level of confidence in their respective field may guide in the residency training process. Previous studies evidence the correlation between self-efficacy levels, the belief in one’s ability to achieve academic or occupational requirements, and scholastic achievement.The study aim was to correlate residents’ self-esteem and self-efficacy with their year of training, field of study, and demographics in order to understand how the education process could be guided accordingly. Methods:Survey Monkey, an anonymous survey was sent to 128 residents at Richmond University Medical Center. It consisted of the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), and demographic questions including native language, citizenship status, marital status, ethnicity, age, and sex. Results: Responses were received fromresidents in Internal Medicine (64),Psychiatry (24),Pediatrics (18), OB/GYN (16), and Radiology (6). The PGY4 residents reported higher self-esteem than Radiology, and self-efficacyscores than Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. Maleshad higher GSE scores, andthe Asian population had the lowest RSE scores. Psychiatry residents reported to have the highest GSE and RSE Scores. Conclusions: It is shown that with more training, confidence of decision making and practice rises, assuring that residents are adequately prepared with each successive year. High risk specialties, defined as high rates of malpractice suits, and the training program quality, may explain the higher scores reported by Psychiatry residents. Demographic factors should be considered in developing educational curricula. Further research should be done to determine exam scores comparisons to self-efficacy.
Samreen Ahmed
University of Illinois, USA
Title: Repititive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation(rtms); An advanced Treatment for Depression
Biography:
Dr. Samreen Ahmed has completed her MBBS at the age of 24 years from Dow Medical College, Pakistan, and currently volunteering as a Research Assistant at University of Illinois at chicago. Dr. Ahmed has written 3 case reports as a first author that were published in the IJBCP.
Abstract:
rTMS, a painless and non-invasive procedure, causes cerebral cortex stimulation by superficial neurons depolarization. Its designed to allow focused electrical stimulation with the help of hand-held magnet. Magnetic stimulators used in rTMS, have multiple capacitators that have the ability to generate rapid pulses as high as 60 Hz. Lower frequency causes inhibition, on contrary, excitation is associated with higher frequency. No pain is associated with TMS, whereas, percutaneous magnetic stimulation is painful. Initial uses comprised of locating hemisphere dominance, however, current research is exploring its potential for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. A literature review of various articles relevant to the role of TMS in depression intervention is performed on MEDLINE, PSYCH Info, and PUBMED. According to a research in Russia, 10 sessions of TMS augmented the antidepressant effects leading to improvement in depressive symptoms. In 2015, a cost evaluation research was conducted at a hospital in France, using TMS as an intervention for depression, which may point towards its widespread international use in future. In older population with treatment resistant depression, its beneficial to use a slightly higher dose of TMS. Interestingly, patients with neuropathic pain of chronic nature, can also benefit from TMS. In a pilot study, conducted at an outpatient setting in 2015 at Texas, revealed alleviating effects of bilateral rTMS in depressed patients with co-existing GAD. According to that pilot study, patients showed reduction in symptoms associated with both MDD and GAD. Other than depression, literature review revealed that rTMS also helped patients with Parkinson’s Disease in alleviating symptoms such as bradykinesia. TMS, approved by FDA in 2008, is recommended for 6 weeks for treatment resistant depression. Review of research done in the past, revealed beneficial effects of rTMS in depression, anxiety disorder, and Parkinson’s disease. Although, geriatric population require a higher dose as compared to young patients. We recommend rTMS application in treatment resistant depression. However, more research is required to further explore its clinical uses.
Stelzer Eva-Maria
University Hospital Erlangen, Germany
Title: Bouldering therapy as a new treatment for depression: First results of a randomized waitlist-controlled intervention study
Biography:
Stelzer Eva-Maria is a Doctoral student in Psychology at University of Erlangen, Germany. She has received her BSc and MSc in Psychology from the University of Erlangen where she worked with PD Dr. Katharina Luttenberger on a pilot study which investigated the effects of a short-term bouldering psychotherapy program for treatment of depression. Her research interests fall into two main categories: Grief, loss and social stress with a particular emphasis on bereaved parents after adult child loss and Effects of climbing/bouldering therapy on mental health outcomes. She has published in international journals and is currently conducting research at the University of Arizona.
Abstract:
Background: Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders. Alternative therapies, such as exercise, are on a rise to complement traditional care. A new mode of exercise which may be promising in alleviation of depressive symptoms is bouldering, a style of climbing without a rope in moderate heights. This present study aimed to find empirical support for the relationship between bouldering and depression. Method: The short-term bouldering psychotherapy took place in a group format once a week for three hours over the course of eight weeks. Using a control-waitlist-design, participants were assigned to the two groups and assessed at baseline and subsequently after 8, 16 and 24 weeks. Self-report measures included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL- 90-R) and the questionnaire on resources and self-management skills (FERUS). Additionally, the attention test d2-R was performed. In the trials presented here, a total of 47 participants completed the study. Results: Improvements after bouldering included lower depressive scores (BDI-II: d=0.77; SCL-90-R: d=0.62), reduced obsessive-compulsive behavior (d=0.73), enhanced self-efficacy (d=0.63) as well as improved coping skills (d=0.82) Depression scores dropped by up to 6.27 points on the BDI-II during the intervention. Group allocation evolved as only significant predictor of change in depression scores in a regression-analysis (p=0.007). NNT was four. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that short-term bouldering psychotherapy can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression. Larger studies, however, are required.
Biography:
Suraj Jaisinghani has obtained his BS in Computer Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology. He has worked as a Consultant for several years and then went on to Chicago Medical School.
Abstract:
Background: Repeated stress can trigger episodes of depression, along with symptoms of anhedonia and anxiety. Though often modeled separately, anxiogenic factors potently modulate hedonic or appetitive, behavior. While repeated stress can increase anxiety and decrease appetitive behavior, it is not clear whether repeated stress can influence interaction between anxiogenic factors and appetitive behavior. The purpose of this study was to test whether repeated stress increases the effect of anxiety on appetitive behavior. Methods & Materials: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were trained to lever press for sucrose pellet reward, an appetitive behavior. After performance criteria were reached for this behavior, rats were exposed to daily social defeat stress or control handling, once/day for five consecutive days. After 2 days or 2 weeks, rats were tested in behavioral assays for social withdrawal and anxiety to confirm the effectiveness of the daily social defeat model of stress. These data were compared between control and stress groups with a one-way ANOVA. After an additional 24 hours, rats were tested for appetitive lever pressing (fixed ratio 4 schedule) under dim light conditions or in the presence of anxiogenic bright light. These measures were compared between control and stress groups across age using a two-way ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Repeated social defeat stress reduced exploration in the open field (main effect of stress p=0.006, F(1.40)=8.5) and decreased social interaction (main effect of stress p=0.0004, F(1.40)=14.9), consistent with other models of stress. Repeated social defeat had minimal effect on baseline lever pressing for reward. However, stress-exposed rats were more sensitive to the anxiogenic light, as repeated stress substantially enhanced the effect of anxiogenic bright light on lever pressing. This effect was greater two days after the last stress exposure, and began to diminish within two weeks (stress x age interaction p=0.04, F(1.40)=4.4).