Asian journal of psychiatry
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The presence of comorbid physical illnesses especially, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in schizophrenia is a growing area of concern in recent years. In order to reduce disease burden, to improve quality of life and to provide holistic care, it is important to know about the relationship between schizophrenia and CVD. The objective of this review is to explore the extent of CVD problems, relevant risk factors and potential measures for early diagnosis and prevention of CVD among patients with schizophrenia. ⋯ The potential methods for early detection and prevention of CVD in schizophrenia are also discussed. Though the patients with schizophrenia form a high risk group for CVD, consensus guidelines for early detection and prevention of CVD in schizophrenia are lacking. Comorbidity of CVD in schizophrenia needs more serious attention by clinicians and researchers.
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Because of the proximity of Persian Iran to Afghanistan, the main opium producer in the world, drug use especially opium use has a long history in Iran. Opium and its residues are the traditional drugs while heroin, heroin Kerack, norgesic, temgesic, and methamphetamine use and injection have emerged more recently. In recent decades, heroin smoking and injection have presented challenges to the Persian health policy makers to accept and develop the internationally-approved programs of drug use treatment and harm reduction. ⋯ The provision of prevention programs, drug education via mass-media, employment and inexpensive leisure activities are required in Iran. In addition, conducting household surveys of the prevalence of drug use and evaluating the clinical effectiveness and treatment outcomes of the provided drug treatment and harm reduction programs are required. National and regional collaborations are rigorously suggested to manage supply reduction along the borders and implement demand reduction inside the borders.
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Major depression disorder (MDD) is the most frequent psychiatric complication after traumatic brain injury (TBI), with a prevalence of 14-77%. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychiatric sequelae of TBI, and to identify the neuropsychological and psychopathological correlates of post-TBI MDD in order to highlight their differences from those of primary MDD. ⋯ MDD is a frequent TBI complication. Patients with post-TBI MDD have a specific psychopathological profile characterised by a less severe depressive symptomatology and a neuropsychological pattern that is significantly associated with greater deficits in cognitive functions than those with primary MDD.
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Rates of self harm are high in south India, but little is known about the relationship between antecedent behaviour, suicidal intent and method. Aims: To identify clinical, social and behavioural antecedents preceding an act of self-harm. ⋯ Amongst people who harm themselves in south India, professionals and unskilled labourers, rural residents, and people with current major depressive disorder have higher levels of suicidal intent. Severity of suicidal intent does not appear to influence choice of method of self-harm. Behaviours predictive of self-harm in the west may not be relevant in south India.