The global burden of disease (GBD) has shifted from communicable to non-communicable diseases, and from premature death to years live with disabilities (YLDs) over the past 30 years. Mental and substance use disorders constitute a major component in the scenario of the global health with a significant impact on the global burden of disease, especially in the developing countries. The 1990 GBD study listed depression as the fourth common cause of global burden of disease; while lower respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases and conditions arising during perinatal period are top in the list. In GBD 2000 study depressive disorders climbed to the third place, however still behind lower respiratory infections and diarrheal diseases. The subsequent 2010 GBD study ranked depression in the second place of the global disability burden, and are also considered as a major contributor to the burden of suicide and ischaemic heart disease. The WHO predicted that depressive disorders will be the leading cause of global burden in 2030.
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder
occurring in 1 in 15,000 births. PWS is a rare case in Malaysia and a successful approach to its
management has not been well reported here. We present a case of a 13-year-old boy with
Prader-Willi Syndrome with prominent behavioural disturbances characterised by temper
tantrums, compulsive food intake, stubbornness, stealing and impulsivity further complicated by
underlying morbid obesity, poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension,
dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and intellectual disability. Multidisciplinary
approach involving child and adolescent psychiatrist, occupational therapist, counsellor, family
therapist, endocrinologist and dietician has shown to improve the patient’s weight, glucose and
blood pressure control and most importantly the behavioural disturbances
Grief has been defined as the reaction towards loss with typical symptoms including sadness, anger, guilt, yearning, regret, loneliness, numbness and positive feelings related to individual’s personal experience. Grief has been postulated to occur when a safe and secure bond has been threatened. This loss can be an opportunity for personal growth. It is growth that emerges from difficult life events. It may occur during or after the process of grieving. We reviewed three cases related to grief and personal growth. Three cases were described where grief and personal growth were observed. Each case occurred in different situations. These different situations were; an adult child and caregiver of patient with dementia, a widow who loss her husband from drowning, and a cancer survivor who experienced psychological and spiritual growth from the loss and adverse life event. As a comparison three stories taken from the Quran and Hadithwere analyzed to reflect on the three case discussions. The Quran and Hadithhave mentioned stories of personal growth emerging from difficulties. The completeness of Islamic creed has never neglected the spiritual component in treating medical, physical and psychological illnesses. Islamic spirituality facilitates and enhances personal growth in the aftermath of any physical and psychological tribulations. It is important to merge the spiritual aspects of grief from Islamic perspective, as to aid those suffering from grief to attain personal and spiritual growth.