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Why do young adolescents bully? Experience in Malaysian schools

Wan Ismail WS, Nik Jaafar NR, Sidi H, Midin M, Shah SA

Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S114-20.
PMID: 23763872 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.05.002

INTRODUCTION: To determine sociodemographic and psychological factors associated with bullying behavior among young adolescents in Malaysia.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of four hundred ten 12-year-old adolescents from seven randomly sampled schools in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sociodemographic features of the adolescents and their parents, bullying behavior (Malaysian Bullying Questionnaire), ADHD symptoms (Conners Rating Scales), and internalizing and externalizing behavior (Child Behaviour Checklist) were obtained from adolescents, parents and teachers, respectively.
RESULTS: Only male gender (OR=7.071, p=0.01*, CI=1.642-30.446) was a significant sociodemographic factor among bullies. Predominantly hyperactive (OR=2.285, p=0.00*, CI=1.507-3.467) and inattentive ADHD symptoms reported by teachers (OR=1.829, p=0.03*, CI=1.060-3.154) and parents (OR=1.709, p=0.03*, CI=1.046-2.793) were significant risk factors for bullying behavior while combined symptoms reported by young adolescents (OR=0.729, p=0.01*, CI=0.580-0.915) and teachers (OR=0.643, p=0.02*, CI=0.440-0.938) were protective against bullying behavior despite the influence of conduct behavior (OR=3.160, p=0.00*, CI=1.600-6.241). Internalizing behavior, that is, withdrawn (OR=0.653, p=0.04*, CI=0.436-0.977) and somatic complaints (OR=0.619, p=0.01*, CI=0.430-0.889) significantly protect against bullying behavior.
DISCUSSIONS: Recognizing factors associated with bullying behavior, in particular factors distinctive to the local population, facilitates in strategizing effective interventions for school bullying among young adolescents in Malaysian schools.
Waist circumference and not body mass index as the outcome of a group weight intervention for patients with severe mental illness

Nik Jaafar NR, Midin M, Mahadevan R, Sinniah A, Rahman AH, Ming W, et al.

Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S60-4.
PMID: 24139853 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.09.002

OBJECTIVE: Most weight interventions among patients with severe mental illness (SMI) used body mass index (BMI) as outcome measure but excluded waist circumference (WC) although the latter is a stronger predictor of obesity complications. This study aimed to assess a weight-management program consisting of education, exercise and behavioural techniques for patients with SMI using weight parameters including WC as the outcome measures.
METHODS: A group intervention was carried out as part of psychiatric outpatient community service. It used structured modules on diet, exercise and related topics comprising of education and exercises sessions with a total of 12-week duration. The participants were outpatients with SMI recruited through referrals to the program by the treating doctor. The participants' body weight, BMI and WC were measured at the baseline, fortnightly and at the end of the program.
RESULTS: A total of 27 patients participated in the program which was carried out in 6 cycles. The pre- and post-intervention comparisons analysis of the weight parameters found a significant reduction in the WC (mean=3.878 cm+5.165, p=0.001) while no significant changes were recorded in body weight and BMI.
CONCLUSION: Small but significant loss in WC and possibly weight maintenance were achieved using this non-pharmacological intervention. Modest loss in WC may have an impact on reducing the risk of obesity-related health risks.
Study site: Psychiatric clinic, Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Fulltext Voyeuristic disorder and internet pornography addiction: a case report

Wong DTL, Sidi H, Salleh H, Tajjudin I

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2018;14(3):54-56.
MyJurnal

With the availability of the Internet, pornographic materials are readily accessible. Pornographic materials may have a link to addiction and other deviant sexual behaviour. In this case report, we highlighted a link between voyeuristic disorder and internet sex addiction. Mr. SK is a 22-year-old single gentleman who was referred for psychiatric assessment due to voyeuristic acts. He had been watching pornographic materials since 16 years old and became addicted to it.
Fulltext Voyeurism with sexual fantasy on female body parts: a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Sidi H, Midin M

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;17(1):94-99.

The compulsive behaviour of observing an unsuspecting person undressing or being naked in voyeurism may be related to Obsessive-Compulsive spectrum disorder. The aim of this paper is to report a case that reiterates a unique psychopathology of a Malaysian male voyeur with an obsession on female body parts. This 35 year-old voyeur man who attended psychiatric outpatient clinic in an academic medical centre presented to a psychiatrist for taking photos of his sisters' naked bodies and collected nails and hairs from their body, coded them with intend for masturbation. His voyeuristic thoughts and urges which came repeatedly and intrusively, involving attempts to resist them and was associated with an inner tension for the urges to be fulfilled. He responded both to Paroxetine and behaviour therapy. The possibility that voyeurism, a paraphilia can manifest itself as a subtype of OCD is discussed. Keywords: Malaysian voyeur, obsession-compulsive spectrum disorder, body parts
Fulltext Validation of the malay version of the hospital anxiety and depression scale among patients with traumatic brain injury.

Leong Abdullah MFI, Sidi H, Ng YP

IIUM Medical Journal Malaysia, 2019;18(2):3-12.
MyJurnal

Depression and anxiety are common complications associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients but screening tools which are validated to assess these complications in the TBI population are scarce. This study investigated the validity of the Malay version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to screen for depression and anxiety among Malaysian TBI patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 101 TBI patients in which they were administered the Malay version of HADS and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorder 4thEdition (DSM-IV) for Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) (as comparison tool). Internal consistency (Cronbach’s α) and concurrent validity (using receiver operating characteristics) of the Malay version of HADS were evaluated. Results: The total Malay version of HADS score and its anxiety subscale exhibited good internal consistency of 0.80 and 0.78 respectively, but the internal consistency of its depressive subscale was low at 0.57. The depressive subscale of the Malay version of HADS exhibited high area under the curve (AUC) of 0.86, specificity of 82%, sensitivity of 76% and negative predictive value of 91% but its positive predictive value was 58%, at cut-off point of 8/9. While the anxiety subscale also demonstrated high AUC of 0.88, specificity of 71%, sensitivity of 93% and negative predictive value of 98% its positive predictive value was only 34%. Conclusion: The Malay version of HADS is a valid screening tool for depression and anxiety among Malaysian TBI population.
Understanding the Pathophysiology of Premature Ejaculation: Bridging the Link between Pharmacological and Psychological Interventions

Yusof F, Sidi H, Das S, Midin M, Kumar J, Hatta MH

Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(8):856-864.
PMID: 27993112 DOI: 10.2174/1389450117666161215161108

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the commonest male sexual dysfunctions. It is characterized by ejaculation which occurs before or soon after vaginal penetration, which causes significant psychological distress to the individual, and his partner. The exact cause of PE is still unknown but several mechanisms are proposed, and these involve complex interactions of neurophysiological, psychosocial, and cognitive factors. We discuss the role of serotonin, nitric oxide, phosphodiesterase enzymes and other neurotransmitters. Treatment of PE tends to co-occur with other sexual difficulties, especially erectile dysfunction (ED). Treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Dapoxitene are also discussed in detail. The treatment strategy requires a comprehensive holistic approach incorporating both combination of psychopharmacological agent and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The present review highlights the integration of the hypothalamic-neural and reverberating emotional circuit and discusses the etiology and treatment for patients with PE.
Try to Remember: Interplay between Memory and Substance Use Disorder

Mohamed RMP, Kumar J, Yap E, Mohamed IN, Sidi H, Adam RL, et al.

Curr Drug Targets, 2019;20(2):158-165.
PMID: 28641520 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666170622092824

Memories associated with substance use disorders, or substance-associated cues increase the likelihood of craving and relapse during abstinence. There is a growing consensus that manipulation of synaptic plasticity may reduce the strength of substance abuse-related memories. On the biological front, there are new insights that suggest memories associated with substance use disorder may follow unique neurobiological pathways that render them more accessible to pharmacological intervention. In parallel to this, research in neurochemistry has identified several potential candidate molecules that could influence the formation and maintenance of long-term memory. Drugs that target these molecules (blebbistatin, isradipine and zeta inhibitory peptide) have shown promise at the preclinical stage. In this review, we shall provide an overview of the evolving understanding on the biochemical mechanisms involved in memory formation and expound on the premise that substance use disorder is a learning disorder.
The risk and associated factors of methamphetamine psychosis in methamphetamine-dependent patients in Malaysia

Sulaiman AH, Said MA, Habil MH, Rashid R, Siddiq A, Guan NC, et al.

Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S89-94.
PMID: 23433219 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.01.003

The objective of this study was to determine the risk of lifetime and current methamphetamine-induced psychosis in patients with methamphetamine dependence. The association between psychiatric co-morbidity and methamphetamine-induced psychosis was also studied.
The relationship between sexual functioning among couples undergoing infertility treatment: a pair of perfect gloves

Yeoh SH, Razali R, Sidi H, Razi ZR, Midin M, Nik Jaafar NR, et al.

Compr Psychiatry, 2014 Jan;55 Suppl 1:S1-6.
PMID: 23116967 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2012.09.002

The study aimed to measure the relationship of sexual functioning between male and female partners, who sought infertility treatment in a university hospital setting in Malaysia.
Fulltext The psychological status of patients with delayed intravitreal injection for treatment of diabetic macular edema due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Zaini MA, Mohd Zain A, Din NM, Mustapha M, Sidi H

PLoS One, 2023;18(8):e0290260.
PMID: 37624864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290260

BACKGROUND: Since the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to contain the spread of COVID -19 infection in Malaysia, most clinic appointments have been rescheduled and procedures and surgeries postponed to a later date. Clinic appointments including intravitreal endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) were also no exception to the postponement. This measure takes a psychological toll on patients because of the overwhelming concern for their eye condition. This study was conducted to assess the psychological status of DME patients with delayed anti-VEGF treatment during the pandemic.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 in Ophthalmology Clinic Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM UKM). Subjects diagnosed with center-involved DME aged between 20 to 80 years who experienced delayed anti-VEGF injection were recruited. Level of depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using DASS-21 questionnaire. Statistical analysis using non-parametric tests were performed to determine the relationship between the DASS-21 score and duration of last injection, in those whose vision was affected by delayed injection and the relationship to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical significance was denoted as p < 0.05.
RESULTS: A total of 86 respondents with median age of 69 years old participated in this study. Most respondents were Malays (n = 47,54.7%) males (n = 51, 59.3%), had education up to secondary level (n = 37, 43%), unemployed (n = 78, 90.7%), married (n = 72, 83.7%) and living with their family (n = 82, 95.3%). The number of intravitreal injections received was at least three times among the respondents (n = 81, 94.2%). More than half of the respondents (n = 46, 53.5%) had been postponed for more than 12 weeks and felt that their vision was affected after delayed intravitreal injection (n = 47, 54.7%). Most of the subjects did not experience depression, anxiety, or stress. However, there was a significant level of stress scores among those with delayed injection of 9 to 12 weeks (p = 0.004), and significant anxiety (p = 0.029) and stress (p = 0.014) scores found in subjects with vision affected due to delayed treatment.
CONCLUSION: The level of anxiety and stress can be significant in DME patients who experienced delay in intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment. Assessment of psychosocial impacts is important to identify early mental health issues potentially leading to the onset of psychiatry illness, thus early intervention is indispensable.
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction and potential risk factors that may impair sexual function in Malaysian women

Sidi H, Puteh SE, Abdullah N, Midin M

J Sex Med, 2007 Mar;4(2):311-21.
PMID: 17040486

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent sexual health problem that does not spare the women in Malaysia, a nation with a conservative multiethnic society.
Fulltext The prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in gynaecological cancer patient

Tee, B.C., Ahmad Rasidi, M.S., Mohd Rushdan, M.N., Ismail, A., Sidi, H.

Medicine & Health, 2014;9(1):53-61.
MyJurnal

Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in gynaecological cancer patients. Most of the time, sexual dysfunction in gynaecological cancer is underdiagnosed as there is overlapping of symptoms with other psychological morbidities, interplaying of multiple risks, patients’ reluctance to complain or incompetence of health care provider to assess. Determining the risk factors of sexual dysfunction in cancer patients enables us to pay more attention to those who are vulnerable and to device strategies for early detection, prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunction in them. The main aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its risk factors in gynaecological cancer patients in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Star, Malaysia. Sexual function of eighty-three gynaecological cancer patients who were married were assessed with self-rated MVFSFI (Malay version Female Sexual Function Index). Self-rated WHOQOL-BREF (World Health Organization- Quality of Life- 26) which assessed the domains of quality of life was used while MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview) was used for diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among the married gynaecological cancer patients was 65% (54/83). Sexual dysfunction was significantly associated with low education level (OR 3.055, CI 1.009-9.250), shorter duration of cancer (OR 0.966, CI 0.966- 0.998), ongoing chemotherapy (OR 3.045, CI 1.149-8.067), pain perception (OR 3.230, CI 1.257-8.303), absence of sexual intercourse for more than one month (OR 1.862) and three domains of quality of life such as physical health, psychological health and social relationship (OR 0.942, CI 0.908-0.978; OR 0.955, CI 0.916-0.995; OR 0.933, CI 0.894-0.973, respectively). However, sexual dysfunction was not associated with major depressive disorder (χ2 ² = 1.224, p = 0.268). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in gynaecological cancer patients was comparable to other studies of similar population. Since, the risk factors of sexual dysfunction in gynaecological cancer patients are multidimensional, the process of assessment and management need to be holistic and patient-oriented.
The female sexual response cycle: do Malaysian women conform to the circular model?

Sidi H, Naing L, Midin M, Nik Jaafar NR

J Sex Med, 2008 Oct;5(10):2359-66.
PMID: 18086161

The concept of a sexual response cycle (SRC) for women has gained interest lately with the reintroduction of terms with new definitions and a new model for the sexual response, especially the Basson's circular model.
Fulltext The Role of Bupropion in the Treatment of Women with Sexual Desire Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Razali NA, Sidi H, Choy CL, Roos NAC, Baharudin A, Das S

Curr Neuropharmacol, 2022;20(10):1941-1955.
PMID: 35193485 DOI: 10.2174/1570159X20666220222145735

Although few clinical trials examined the efficacy of bupropion to treat sexual dysfunction among female patients, a comprehensive and objective synthesis of the best available evidence is still lacking. To date, to the best of our knowledge, there are no published systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically focusing on the role of bupropion in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of bupropion in the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, and we hypothesized that bupropion is efficient in treating female patients with sexual dysfunction. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search for published literature was performed using Ovid, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, and PubMed databases. In our study, we found that bupropion was almost three-fold more favorable in improving problems with sexual desire (pool estimate 2.845, 95% CI: 0.215 to 5.475, I2= 95.6%, p=0.034). A meta-regression was performed to explore heterogeneity and we found that only the dosage of bupropion was statistically significant in explaining the variance, i.e., the lower the dosage (150 mg vs. 300 mg), the better the improvement in the sexual desire of women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Based on the results of this systematic review and metaanalysis, there is a potential role of bupropion as an effective treatment for women with HSDD.
The Role of Atypical Antipsychotics in Sexuality: Road to Recovery in Schizophrenia

Adam RL, Sidi H, Midin M, Zakaria H, Das S, Mat KC

Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(12):1402-1411.
PMID: 28464773 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666170502130126

Sexuality is an important dimension in human beings as a form of expression of individuality. For many decades, sexual functioning has been a neglected area among patients suffering from schizophrenia. It was a presumption that patients with schizophrenia could be asexual and this could be secondary to overwhelming situations of delusion, hallucination, hostility and negative symptoms among others. The deficient in sexual functioning are due to innate factors, i.e. negative symptoms (apathy, avolition and amotivation) and also as a result of prefrontal dysfunction, i.e. inability to plan and execute meaningful relationship. Adverse effects of the psychopharmacological agents, especially the typical antipsychotics, e.g. dystonia, excessive sedation and hyperprolactinemia may interfere with patients' sexual activity. In this review, we highlight the neurobiology of schizophrenia in the context of understanding sexual functioning and to integrate the knowledge of dopamine-serotonin neurotransmitter's interaction and the receptors' target. Interventional approaches consist of psychopharmacological and psychosocial interventions. In the perspective of sexuality, we recommend atypical antipsychotic should be placed as the first line treatment for both drug naïve patients and also to patients who are already receiving psychopharmacological agents in consideration for a drug-switch from typical to atypical antipsychotics. Aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine and quetiapine exert benefits in terms of sexual functioning recovery due to their atypical mechanism of action. However, the potential adverse effect like metabolic syndrome should be adequately managed to prevent negative consequences. Psychosocial interventions, i.e. psychoeducation, destigmatization, supportive psychotherapy and psychiatric rehabilitation also play a crucial role in the management. In conclusion, restoration of sexual function is an achievable recovery target in patients with schizophrenia through these biopsycho- social interventions.
Fulltext The Relationship between Emotion Regulation (ER) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses

Shahidin SH, Midin M, Sidi H, Choy CL, Nik Jaafar NR, Mohd Salleh Sahimi H, et al.

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2022 Nov 28;19(23).
PMID: 36497921 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315848

Emotion Dysregulation (ED) and Problematic Smartphone Use (PSU) are two rising global issues requiring further understanding on how they are linked. This paper aims to summarize the evidence pertaining to this relationship. Five databases were systematically searched for published literature from inception until 29 March 2021 using appropriate search strategies. Each study was screened for eligibility based on the set criteria, assessed for its quality and its level of evidence was determined. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software program (CMA) was employed to run further analyses of the data. Twenty-one studies were included in the systematic review. Nine studies with extractable data for meta-analysis had high across-studies heterogeneity, hence subgroup analyses were performed that confirmed a significant moderate positive correlation between ED and PSU (pooled correlation coefficient, r = 0.416 (four studies, n = 1462) and r = 0.42 (three studies, n = 899), respectively) and a weak positive correlation between "expressive suppression" and PSU (pooled correlation coefficient, r = 0.14 (two studies, n = 608)). Meta-regression analysis showed a stronger correlation between ED and PSU (R2 = 1.0, p = 0.0006) in the younger age group. Further studies to establish and explore the mechanisms that contribute towards the positive link between ED and PSU are required to guide in the planning of targeted interventions in addressing both issues.
The Phosphodiasterase 5-Inhibitors (PDE-5i) for Erectile Dysfunction (ED): A Therapeutic Challenge For Psychiatrists

Koon CS, Sidi H, Kumar J, Xi OW, Das S, Hatta MH, et al.

Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(12):1366-1377.
PMID: 28215172 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666170215164747

Erectile function (EF) is a prerequisite for satisfactory sexual intercourse (SI) and central to male sexual functioning. Satisfactory SI eventually initiates orgasm - a biopsychophysiological state of euphoria - leading to a sense of bliss, enjoyment and positive mental well being. For a psychiatrist, treating ED is self-propelled to harmonize these pleasurable experiences alongside with encouragement of physical wellness and sensuality. Hence, the role of PDE-5i is pivotal in this context and constitutes a therapeutic challenge. PDE-5i work via the dopaminergic-oxytocin-nitric oxide pathway by increasing the availability of endothelial's guanosine monophosphate (GMP), immediately causing relaxation of the penile smooth muscle and an erection. The PDE-5i, like sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil, are effective in the treatment of ED with some benefits/ flexibilities and disadvantages compared to other treatment modalities. Prescribed PDE-5i exclusively improve EF, fostering male's self-confidence and self-esteem. Treatment failures are associated with factors such as absent (or insufficient) sexual stimulation, psychosexual conflicts and the co-existence of medical disorders. Managing ED requires dealing with underlying medical diseases, addressing other co-morbid sexual dysfunctions like premature ejaculation (PE), and educating the patient on healthy life-styles. Furthermore, by dealing with interpersonal dynamics within the couple and embracing adequate lifestyles (managing stress and revising one's sexual scripts), PDE-5i treatment benefits may be enhanced. In this review, we propose a holistic conceptual framework approach for psychiatric management of patients with ED.
The Novelty of Bupropion As a Dopaminergic Antidepressant for the Treatment of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Deang KT, Sidi H, Zakaria H, Adam RL, Das S, Hatta NH, et al.

Curr Drug Targets, 2019;20(2):210-219.
PMID: 28494748 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666170511145628

Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), a hyperactivity disorder prevalent among children may continue as an adulthood attention deficit. To date, treating an individual with an adult ADHD may be an arduous task as it involves numerous challenges, which include a need for high index of suspicion to diagnose this medical condition. Many psychiatric disorders masquerade as ADHD and delay the necessary assessment and proper treatment for this debilitating medical disorder. Adult ADHD is often misdiagnosed (or under diagnosed) due to the fact that this medical condition is being masked by the patients' high level of intellectual achievement. As the ADHD in adult persists, it may end-up with impairment in the personal-social-occupational function in which the management becomes a great challenge. The treatment of ADHD can be optimized by using various drugs targets agents like norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), with or without psycho stimulants like methylphenidate, which is marketed as Ritalin. Bupropion, an NDRI has a novel effect on ADHD as the molecule exerts its effects by modulating the reward-pleasure mesolimbic dopaminergic system and at the same time regulates the elevating mood dimension of the noradrenergic neurotransmission. The role of Bupropion in the neural and psychopharmacological perspective treatment of ADHD was deliberated. The present review highlights the novel effects of Bupropion in ADHD treatment, together with the help of other successful bio-psycho-social measures. This may be of immense benefit to the psychiatrists for treating their patients.
The Neurobiology and Psychiatric Perspective of Vaginismus: Linking the Pharmacological and Psycho-Social Interventions

Kadir ZS, Sidi H, Kumar J, Das S, Midin M, Baharuddin N

Curr Drug Targets, 2018;19(8):916-926.
PMID: 28228081 DOI: 10.2174/1389450118666170222153908

Vaginismus is an involuntary muscle contraction of the outer third of vaginal barrel causing sexual penetration almost impossible. It is generally classified under sexual pain disorder (SPD). In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition (DSM-5), it is classified under the new rubric of Genito-Pelvic Pain/Sexual Penetration Disorder. This fear-avoidance condition poses an ongoing significant challenge to the medical and health professionals due to the very demanding needs in health care despite its unpredictable prognosis. The etiology of vaginismus is complex: through multiple biopsycho- social processes, involving bidirectional connections between pelvic-genital (local) and higher mental function (central regulation). It has robust neural and psychological-cognitive loop feedback involvement. The internal neural circuit involves an inter-play of at least two-pathway systems, i.e. both "quick threat assessment" of occipital-limbic-occipital-prefrontal-pelvic-genital; and the chronic pain pathways through the genito-spinothalamic-parietal-pre-frontal system, respectively. In this review, a neurobiology root of vaginismus is deliberated with the central role of an emotional-regulating amygdala, and other neural loop, i.e. hippocampus and neo-cortex in the core psychopathology of fear, disgust, and sexual avoidance. Many therapists view vaginismus as a neglected art-and-science which demands a better and deeper understanding on the clinico-pathological correlation to enhance an effective model for the bio-psycho-social treatment. As vaginismus has a strong presentation in psychopathology, i.e. fear of penetration, phobic avoidance, disgust, and anticipatory anxiety, we highlighted a practical psychiatric approach to the clinical management of vaginismus, based on the current core knowledge in the perspective of neuroscience.
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI): validation of the Malay version

Sidi H, Abdullah N, Puteh SE, Midin M

J Sex Med, 2007 Nov;4(6):1642-54.
PMID: 17608666

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent sexual health problem that has been inadequately investigated in Malaysia, a nation with a conservative multiethnic society.

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