American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience最新文献

{"title":"Understanding Medjugorje Apparitional Experiences: Medical and Parapsychological Perspectives","authors":"J. Pandarakalam","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.17","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.17","url":null,"abstract":"Background. The continuing apparitional events at Medjugorje in Bosnia offer an opportunity for sceptics to gain fresh insight into an alleged mystical-cum-paranormal phenomenon. Initially, the apparitional experiences occurred in a collective manner ruling out the possibilities of psychological and spiritual artefacts. Ostensibly, according to the percipients, an active apparition—that has inserted itself harmoniously into our three-dimensional world—is manifesting itself at Medjugorje. In this respect, science is hindered by the lack of both theoretical tools and the vocabulary to handle mystical and paranormal events. Apparitional occurrences involve apparitional experience, the apparition and social events. The apparition is beyond the parameters of science and only apparitional experience can be scientifically studied; social events are more important to social sciences and theology. Aim. To test the postulation that visionary experiences involving RSPK, or RSPK-like activity may be instances of apparitions at the physical site and find the results applying this criterion along with other distinguishable features specific to Marian apparitional experiences. To evaluate the different psychological, parapsychological, psychopathological views usually held against true apparitional experiences. Method. Observational and quantitative studies attempted accepting the limitations.  Selective survey of the scientific and journalistic literature including previous reviews has been carried out to collect different interpretations which also help to form a framework for an informed conclusion. Results. The voice extinction and sensory disconnection exhibited by the Medjugorje witnesses could probably be explained as a manifestation of psychokinetic-like activity of the apparition. Unlike other generic apparitional experiences reported in the scientific literature on parapsychology, the percipients and the apparition at Medjugorje partake in back and forth communication for extended periods of time. It is obvious that these are not self-generated. Medical studies indicate that there are dual modes of perception proving an inward cum outward apparitional experience. These apparitional experiences have the same pattern as those the officially authenticated Marian apparitions of the past. Additionally, the terrestrial memories revealed to the percipients prove the identity of the apparition as the Mother of Jesus. Apart from the spiritual and religious implications, Medjugorje is thought to be at the forefront of a revolutionary paradigm shift in the field of consciousness studies that may be unprecedented in scope. Psychiatry is currently founded on medical reduction and will have to make many adjustments according to the paradigmatic shifts in cognitive sciences; mental health professionals should be tuned to these on-going mystical happenings.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"27 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125011637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"To Assess the Compliance of Monitoring Metabolic Symptoms Associated with Antipsychotics in an Inpatient Setting in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan","authors":"Humera Saeed, Maheen Batool, Muhammad Shameel Khan, Rabeeka Aftab, Mohammad Zaman","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.16","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.16","url":null,"abstract":"Mental health problems like schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and use of second generation antipsychotics (SGA) are linked to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The purpose of our study was to determine the level of compliance to monitoring metabolic symptoms associated with second generation antipsychotics according to the standards of NICE guidelines. Secondly, we aim to develop a workable standardized protocol. A total of 385 patients admitted to psychiatric ward from February 2015-January 2016 were included in the study. Case files were reviewed to obtain relevant clinical information. Assessment of height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, movement disorders, level of physical activity and nutritional status were measured in all patients. Fasting blood glucose was measured in 99 (26.5%), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in 39 (10.4%), blood lipid profile in 44 (11.8%) and prolactin in 3 (0.8%) patients. Less than half of the patients (118, 31.6%) underwent ECG investigation. Slow titration of medication (331, 88.5%) and a trial at optimum dosage (343, 81.7%) were routinely seen. Overall physical health and patient well-being was recorded in the majority of subjects (310, 82. 9%). A significant number of physical and biochemical parameters were not routinely monitored. Our study reports findings consistent with previous literature. With this we hope to highlight important concerns and make recommendations, especially in country like Pakistan where these monitoring systems are non-existing. This will not only reduce the risk of a number of complications secondary to antipsychotic medications, but will also improve patient adherence and compliance to the pharmacological treatment.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"144 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123492091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Review of Psychosocial Interventions in Patients with Advanced Cancer in Latin America and the Value of CALM Therapy in This Setting","authors":"P. Troncoso, A. Rydall, S. Hales, G. Rodin","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.15","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.15","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Advanced cancer is associated with multiple profound and practical challenges, including physical suffering and support needs. Depressive symptoms and other manifestations of distress are common in this population. At present, little professional support is available to help to alleviate the psychological distress of patients and families living with the burden of advanced cancer. Effective interventions and their integration into local health systems are needed to meet this challenge. Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), a brief psychotherapy intervention for patients with advanced cancer. Research conducted in Canada has demonstrated its feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness in reducing and preventing depressive symptoms, in managing distress related to death and dying, and in preparing for the end of life. Research is needed to demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of CALM in Latin America, a developing region comprised of 35 different low- and middle-income countries in South and Central America, where more than one million people are presently in need of end-of-life care. Aim: Review evidence for psychosocial oncology interventions in Latin America and the potential applicability and implementation of CALM therapy in patients with advanced Cancer in this setting. Methods: We used an iterative search process to locate information about psychological interventions for patients with advanced cancer in South/Central/Latin America. Multiple searches were performed in Medline, Google Scholar, National Guidelines Clearinghouse, Trip Database, Redalyc, Scielo, and Latindex for terminology describing cancer, end-of-life, psychology, and psychological interventions. In the larger resources, we added either limits or search terms for Latin America. Results: The literature identified describes psychological interventions for patients with cancer, including psychoeducation, support therapies, group therapies, cognitive behavior therapy, spirituality and hypnosis. However, very few of these interventions were specifically designed for patients with advanced cancer. The majority of articles describe psychological/ psychotherapeutic interventions being implemented in Europe, North America, and Australian settings and we could identify only two papers describing psychological interventions being applied in an advanced cancer setting in Latin America. Conclusion: The availability and practice of psychological interventions in advanced cancer in Latin America are scarce. However, interest in applying such interventions appears to be growing. The application of the CALM intervention in multiple cultures and international settings suggests that it may be feasible and acceptable and effective in Latin America. Research is needed to demonstrate this and to support advocacy for its implementation in this region.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-11-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128547804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"In Differential Diagnosis of Dementia Application of Easy Z-score Imaging System in Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Brain Perfusion Scan","authors":"N. Sultana, H. Matsuda, Azmal Sarker, J. Haque, R. Islam","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.14","url":null,"abstract":"Application of easy Z score imaging system (eZIS) on brain perfusion SPECT images for quantitative evaluation of rCBF has attempted to explore the differential diagnosis of dementia with various degenerative diseases and to evaluate discrimination of early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from other types of dementia. This retrospective study was done with various degenerative diseases that underwent brain perfusion SPECT using 99mTc ethyl cysteinate dimer were included. Brain perfusion SPECT was performed in 58 patients (M/F = 48/10) with mean age of 61.2±10.4 years (41-90). Decreased rCBF was observed in the area suspected early AD in 20 cases (34%) and in the frontal gyrus and insula in 10 cases (17%). And decreased rCBF was observed in occipital lobe and, precuneus, gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex in 8 cases (14%). Discrete areas of decreased rCBF were seen in 14 cases (24%) and the rest of 6 cases (11%) showed normal rCBF. Clinically suspected AD patients were divided into two groups on basis of MMSE score (group A, mild stage of AD, MMSE =20-26 and group B, moderate to severe stage of AD, MMSE=10-19). Mean MMSE and mean Z scores were 22.9±1.11 and 1.01±0.35 in group A (n = 12) while 17.56±0.96 and 2.62±0.59 in group B (n= 8). There was negative correlation between MMSE and eZIS score; r = - 0.69 in group A (p = 0.002); r = - 0.58 in group B (p = 0.019) and r = - 0.93 overall (p = 0.000). Quantification of rCBF with eZIS score was well associated with clinical MMSE scoring in this study group with clinical likelihood of having AD. In rest of the cases, SPECT findings and surface view analysis by eZIS, the affected area of decreased rCBF were consistent with clinically suspected different types of degenerative disease manifesting dementia.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114173618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Rare Case of Wilsons Disease with Zoophilia","authors":"P. Barman, Madhurima Khasnobis, K. Nath","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.11","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190704.11","url":null,"abstract":"Wilsons Disease also known as hepatolenticular degeneration is a autosomal recessive disorder, characterized by abnormal copper deposition in the liver, brain, and other tissues caused by mutation in the copper transporting gene ATP7B. Patients presents with neurological and hepatic disorder. Psychiatric manifestation are common along with movement disorder but its association with paraphilic disorders like zoophilia is very rare and there is practically no literature regarding this in North-Eatern India. In this article we report the unique case of a 21 year old boy from rural Assam suffering from Wilson’s disease with multiple neuropsychiatric manifestations among which zoophilia was noteworthy. This case report highlights a rare and atypical association between an adolescent patient of Wilson disease & zoophilia--- a relatively rare paraphilic disorder. A 21 year old boy presented in the Psychiatry emergency department in a tertiary care hospital with aggressive, disorganized behavior with reported sexual act with a cow. Examination of the patient also revealed massive organomegaly and K-F ring which on further investigation confirmed the diagnosis of Wilsons Disease. The occurrence of zoophilic behavior in Wilsons disease is very rare and we have not come across any such report regarding this. To conclude, the association between copper deposition in specific brain areas due to Wilsons disease and zoophilic behaviour we need further studies with better investigative modalities, which will in turn help in drawing an individualise treatment plan.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"102 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131349580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Pilot Study of a Medical Cannabis - Opioid Reduction Program","authors":"Kevin Rod","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190703.14","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190703.14","url":null,"abstract":"Many chronic pain patients are prescribed opioids at doses exceeding the current Guideline. Tapering the dose can be difficult, as patients fear a return to a state of overwhelming pain. Several factors can increase the likelihood of success: the patient’s readiness for change, psychological support, pharmacological support and careful monitoring. This pilot study addressed these four factors. Six hundred patients took part. Each was taking daily opioid doses ranging from 90-240 mg morphine equivalent dose (MED). All indicated they were prepared to reduce their opioid dose. Over a six-month period, opioid doses were tapered according to individual needs, usually 10% every 1-2 weeks. Psychological support was provided through a freely available web-based mental health and wellness tool. Medical cannabis provided pharmacological support at the rate of 0.5g/day for each 10% reduction in opioid dose, as needed. Physicians monitored patients regularly according to each patient’s needs. After 6 months, 156 patients (26%) had ceased taking opioids. An additional 329 patients (55%) had reduced their opioid use by an average of 30%. One hundred fourteen patients (19%) neither increased nor decreased their opioid use. The one patient whose opioid dose was increased had poorly controlled pain and an aggravated pain condition. The success of this medical cannabis – opioid reduction program in a large proportion of patients is grounds for further investigation.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125710967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anais Nin: An Incest Between a Father and a Daughter","authors":"Michelle Morin-Bompart","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190703.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190703.13","url":null,"abstract":"In 1933, Anais Nin thirty years old, meets again with her beloved father, the pianist and composer Joachin Nin. She did not see him since the age of eleven when he left his family for a mistress. She then started to write a diary. I want to show that you can make links and interpret the material and associations of her diary like the material of a psychoanalysis or a psychotherapy. When they meet again, he behaves like an incestual father telling her his love affairs and his sexual life with her mother. Then he relates to her an incestuous dream with her and acts like a lover until the consummate incest. She seems to consent but feels guilty, between fear and desire, and disgust. She will complain of intense heart beats, death anxiety and loss of joy. Through her Journal of Incest (1932-1934) and her Youth Journal (1914-1919), I will try to understand how such an incest can happen. The father is an incestuous father who has no taboo of the incest, does not recognize the difference between generations, does not respect the body intimacy of his daughter and treat her like a narcissistic object. He fluctuates between psychosis without symptoms and narcissistic perversion. Anais has a hysterical personality, with separation anxiety, psychosomatic and pervert symptoms. This patchwork evokes a borderline state. She acts sometimes like a narcissistic pervert.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"78 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125025742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychiatry of Radicalization and Terrorism in the Lone Wolf, Children, and Women: An E-ethnographic Approach for Analysis","authors":"C. Lazzari, A. Nusair, Marco Rabottini","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190703.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190703.12","url":null,"abstract":"Radicalization is a global event affecting different countries and present in different historical contexts. Psychiatrists can help in the analysis of radicalization in individuals who operate autonomously from more radicalized groups. These lone actors or lone wolves are more difficult to spot as there is no unique identification because they operate as self-determined women or men. A focus of the current study is on the radicalization of children and women. The use of ethnographic research also using Internet sources has provided satisfactory results in the analysis of radicalization while reducing the risk and difficulties of approaching a sample population (terrorists, lone wolves, and radical groups) that, most of the time, is remote, dangerous and concealed to public scrutiny. Emphasis is also provided to the stages of development of radicalized thought and how radicalization can be understood in terms of cognitive and social development of the lone-wolf terrorist. The authors also explore how a radicalized leader can lever on the vulnerability of some individuals to radicalize them. Besides, the authors approach radicalized thought also as a logical fallacy and as a sign of dualistic thinking. Hence, a mix of cognitive, logical, and psychiatric triggers is analyzed in their potential to radicalize.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"51 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129754034","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Logotherapeutic Approach to Pastoral Counseling Education for Catholic Seminarians","authors":"Joseph R. Laracy","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190702.13","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190702.13","url":null,"abstract":"Viktor Frankl, MD, PhD is one of the most widely known and highly respected professors of psychiatry and neurology of the twentieth century. In this article, we adapt and apply some of his profound insights for Catholic pastoral counseling education. Pastoral counseling is a very important aspect of the general pastoral formation of Catholic seminarians. The goal of any pastoral counseling course should be twofold. First, it should give seminarians a basic knowledge of mental illnesses to understand their parishioners better. Second, it should offer them concrete techniques to be used in the context of pastoral counseling. Seminary classes in pastoral psychology and counseling sometimes lack a consistent, coherent theoretical foundation, or may attempt to teach techniques inappropriate for use by future parish priests. This paper presents a logotherapeutic approach for the formation of seminarians in pastoral counseling. This approach is congruent with the pastoral sphere as the focus is on meaning and the life of the spirit.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"124407401","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlates of Psychosis Among Patients with Seizure Disorders in a Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Nigeria","authors":"Nasiru Olamide Madandola, S. Sale, A. Adebisi, A. Obembe, A. Salihu, Ishak Abioda Danjuma, Garuba Illo, A. Bioku","doi":"10.11648/J.AJPN.20190702.12","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.11648/J.AJPN.20190702.12","url":null,"abstract":"Psychosis may complicate epilepsy. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Psychosis among patients with epilepsy and to examine its socio-demographic and clinical correlates. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study that involved the use of General Health Questionnaire, version 28(GHQ-28) and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), which were used to investigate each of the 400 consecutive participants. The diagnosis of epilepsy was based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnostic criteria and all participants with Psychosis were diagnosed using CIDI. A proforma Questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic and clinical variables among the participants. Logistic regression was done to determine the predictors of psychosis. Thirty-two participants (8%) were diagnosed as having psychosis. Unemployment and GHQ caseness were predictors of Psychosis among the participants (p=0.038, p=<0.001 respectively). The study showed the existence of Psychosis among patients with seizure disorder. This is an important association with seizure disorders which has implications on the course of the disorder. The assessment of these patients for this co-morbidity and identification of the factors that leads to unemployment among people with seizure disorder will enhance treatment outcome.","PeriodicalId":256299,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience","volume":"67 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132791277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}