General hospital psychiatry
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Gen Hosp Psychiatry · Jul 2014
Multiple chronic medical conditions: prevalence and risk factors--results from the Singapore Mental Health Study.
The objective was to establish the prevalence and risk factors for multiple chronic medical conditions (MCMC) in the Singapore population. ⋯ The study identified two important yet potentially modifiable risk factors for MCMC--psychiatric conditions and obesity--in the general population. Screening for mood and alcohol use disorder, as well as lifestyle interventions targeted at obesity, must be a part of disease management for MCMC.
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Gen Hosp Psychiatry · Jul 2014
Preexisting cognitive status is associated with reduced behavioral functional capacity in patients 3 months after cardiac surgery: an extension study.
To examine whether preexisting cognitive status rather than short- and middle-term postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) may differentially account for behavioral functional capacity 3 months after cardiac surgery. ⋯ Preexisting cognitive deficit, especially working memory deficit, rather than short- and middle-term POCD related to intraoperative risk factors is associated with poor behavioral functional capacity 3 months after cardiac surgery. The present study therefore suggests that a preoperative cognitive evaluation is essential to anticipate which patients are likely to show a decline in behavioral functional capacity after cardiac surgery.
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Gen Hosp Psychiatry · May 2014
Multicenter StudyImpact of facial burns: relationship between depressive symptoms, self-esteem and scar severity.
This study assessed the role of self-reported facial scar severity as a possible influencing factor on self-esteem and depressive symptoms in patients with facial burns. ⋯ The study suggests that self-esteem and depressive symptoms were not affected by self-reported facial scar severity but that earlier depressive symptoms were indicative for a more severe self-reported facial scar rating. Therefore, routine psychological screening during hospitalisation is recommended in order to identify patients at risk and to optimise their treatment.
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Gen Hosp Psychiatry · May 2014
Case ReportsPsychosis in neurosyphilis: an association of poor prognosis.
The spectrum of neurosyphilis includes asymptomatic patients, those with variable neurologic deficit, and those with complex cognitive, psychotic and mood dysfunction. Although the neurologic symptoms of neurosyphilis can remit with penicillin treatment, the psychiatric symptoms may persist. We identify two neurosyphilis cases characterized by prominent psychoses and describe commonalities that might assist clinicians in identifying neurosyphilis early.
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Gen Hosp Psychiatry · Mar 2014
Determinants of a hopeful attitude among family caregivers in a palliative care setting.
This study investigated the determinants of a hopeful attitude among family caregivers involved with palliative care. ⋯ Healthcare providers need to pay attention to the psychological vulnerability of caregivers to encourage a hopeful attitude. Additional studies of longitudinal design for hopeful attitude throughout the trajectory of palliative care are necessary.