Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 154 in total

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  1. Al-Naggar, Redhwan Ahmed, Al-Jashamy, Karim, Ramli Musa, Zaleha Mohd Isa
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;11(1):6-12.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of sleep among medical students of IIUM towards and to determine the impact of socio-demographic data on the knowledge, attitude and practice. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 106 students from first, second and third year medical students of IIUM. Verbal consent was taken from the students who were willing to take part in this study. Student knowledge about sleep was studied using a questionnaire. Results: A total of 106 medical
    students completed the survey, there were 54 female and 52 male. The mean age of the students was 20 ± 0.56 and ranged from 18 to 22 years. In terms of their sleep knowledge, the mean ± SD knowledge, attitude and practice scores were 81.8 ± 16.8, 65.9 ±15.3 and 176 ± 26.3 respectively. In univariate analysis, there was a significant difference between parents’ marital status regarding knowledge of the students (p = 0.03). There was a significant difference between gender regarding attitude of the students (p=0.05). In
    multivariate analysis, gender and smoking status were significantly affected the overall KAP. Conclusion: This study showed that sleep medicine knowledge was generally low among medical students. Therefore, educational strategies to improve knowledge regarding sleep-related problems and the development of proper sleep practices among medical students are needed.
  2. Ramli Musa, Mohd Ariff Fadzil, Zaini Zain
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2007;8(2):82-89.
    MyJurnal
    Background: Up to date, there are handful questionnaires that have been validated in Bahasa Malaysia (BM). This study aimed to translate the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21-item (DASS-21) and measure its psychometric properties. Objectives: To determine the construct validity and acceptability of the DASS, BM. Methods: Two forward and backward translations were done in BM in accordance to guideline, and its validation was determined by using confirmatory factor analysis. A total of 263 subjects were selected by systematic random sampling to represent Malaysian population for reliability and validity purposes. Results: The BM DASS-21 had very good Cronbach’s alpha values of .84, .74 and .79, respectively, for depression, anxiety and stress. In addition, it had good factor loading values for most items (.39 to .73). Correlations among scales were between .54 and .68. Conclusions: BM DASS-21 is correctly and adequately translated to Bahasa Malaysia with high psychometric properties. Further studies are required to support these findings.
  3. Siti Raudzah Ghazali, Elklit, Ask, Rekaya Vincent Balang, Ameenudeen Sultan, M., Yoke, Yong Chen
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(2):146-152.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the optimal cut-off score for the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CESD) according to Malaysian adolescent norms. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Nine hundred and thirty-one adolescents aged 13 to 17 years-old completed the CESD and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-depression scale (HSCL-depression). Results: Results from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, kappa coefficients and odds ratio analysis showed that CESD cut-off score of 27 was suitable to be used according to Malaysian norms, demonstrating a specificity of 93%. Conclusion: The findings suggest a cut-off score 27 should be used for screening of depression for Malaysian adolescents using the CESD. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 146-152.
  4. Nasir Yusoff, Low, Wah Yun, Yip, Cheng Ha
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(1):23-29.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This study validates The Malay Version of The Inventory of Socially Supportive Behaviour. Methods: The psychometric properties of the ISSB- Malay Version were examined on sixty-eight women who were Malay native speakers and diagnosed with breast cancer. Respondents answered the questionnaire at three weeks and ten weeks following surgery for breast cancer. Results: The Malay Version of ISSB showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.96). Test-retest Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.03. Small mean differences were observed at test-retest measurement with Effect Size Index 0.18. Conclusion: The Malay Version of the ISSB could be an appropriate tool to measure the supportive behavior of the Malaysian population. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January – June 2014: 23-29.
  5. Lua PL, Wong SY
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This interventional study was aimed to investigate the effects of dark chocolate
    consumption on anxiety, depression, and stress (ADS) among trainee nurses. Methods: A
    parallel and open-label experimental study was conducted. Of the 128 nurses enrolled, only 47 participated in the intervention study (mean age = 20.32 years; ranging from 19 to 22 years old). They were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG, n = 25) or a control group (CG, n = 22). The IG consumed dark chocolate and CG ingested mineral water for 3 consecutive days. The validated Malay Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were utilised for measuring ADS levels. Data were analysed descriptively and score comparisons were conducted using non-parametric tests. Results: No significant differences between IG and CG in ADS scores were detected at baseline (all p > 0.05). At post-consumption, ADS score were significantly reduced in IG (all p < 0.01) compared with CG (all p < 0.05). Larger effect sizes among these respondents had also revealed that there were mood-elevating effects of dark chocolate consumption. Conclusion: This study has discovered that 3-day consumption of dark chocolate may alleviate ADS status among trainee nurses suggesting that dark chocolate may have a more prominent role in improving emotional and mood generally. Further investigations are however warranted to confirm this finding.
  6. Siti Rohana Abdul Hadi, Aida Harlina Abdul Razak, Ek Zakuan Kalil, Wan Salwina Wan Ismail
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(1):83-85.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case report aims to highlight the importance of parental contribution to the school refusal problem. Methods: We report a case of a 9- year old boy who presented with school refusal behaviour. Results: There was no psychiatry diagnosis made in this patient. Parental issues such as ineffective and inconsistent parenting, and parental marital disharmony contribute significantly to the school refusal behaviour. Conclusion: Parents in particular are important team players in the management of school refusal. Parental issues need to be explored and managed accordingly to ensure good outcome. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 83-85.
  7. Abdullah KHA, Wahab S
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2012;13(2):221-223.
    MyJurnal
    This case report highlights Koro-like symptoms with erectile dysfunction.
    Methods: We report a case of a Rohingya refugee who presented with Koro-like symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction and severe religious guilt.
    Results: Sexual dysfunction, i.e. erectile dysfunction may be a predisposing factor for a Koro incidence. Religious issues complicated by superstitious beliefs pose a treatment challenge.
    Conclusion: Treating patient with sexual dysfunction should involve exploring and addressing patient's conflicts to avoid worsening of symptoms. As this case illustrates, severe anxiety can present with Koro-like symptoms.
  8. Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Abdullah, Darshan Singh, Vicknasingam Kasinather, B.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Lysergic-acid-diethylamide (LSD) users are the hidden population of drug users as they do not present to medical personal for treatment. The method of transporting the drug is usually by-pass the law enforcers’ monitoring. We describe a rare case of LSD use in Malaysia Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) which is difficult to capture as LSD users remained as a hidden population of drug users in the country.

    Methods: We reported a 23-year-old male with chronic use of Lysergic-acid-diethylamide (LSD) presented with retrospective history of acute intoxication. Later, he presented with depressive symptoms, occasional flashbacks and physical complications such as premature ejaculation (PE), urinary incontinence, reduced sweating and headache despite abstinence from LSD and other drugs. The reported physical complications remitted after 4 months of abstinence.

    Result: Our case report suggested that LSD use not only causes acute intoxication but leads to several complications, which may persist even after cessation of LSD use.

    Conclusion: This case-report had pointed out the importance of future studies to look into the complications of LSD and the case-report as well demonstrated the harmful psychological and physical effects of LSD use, which would warrant proper surveillance and interventions curbing the emergence of LSD use in Malaysia.
  9. Lai, M.H., Tan, Susan M.K.
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(1):101-105.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case report highlights the complexity of eating disorder in schizophrenia and outlines the diagnostic dilemma and challenges associated with the treatment. Methods: We report a 13 years old female with early onset schizophrenia who developed anorexic symptoms and binge eating. Her eating disturbances worsened after olanzapine was commenced. Results: A combination of pharmacological and psychosocial intervention led to remission of schizophrenia co-morbid with eating disorder NOS. Conclusion: Co-morbid diagnosis of schizophrenia and eating disorder is not uncommon. Early diagnosis and evidence-based intervention are imperative as untreated illness greatly impacts the developmental trajectory of young people. Meeting family’s needs improves family functioning which in turn improves patient’s outcome. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 101-105.
  10. Lua PL, Talib NS
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2012;13(1):55-68.
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: This review aims to compile and evaluate all available randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of auricular acupuncture (AA) treatment in drug addiction population with emphasis on the length of treatment course, needle-points, outcome measures, reported side-effects and overall outcomes.
    Methods: Science Direct, Medline and EBSCOhost databases were searched. From the year 1990 until 2010, only full-length English articles incorporating RCTs related to AA studies (needle-based only) in drug addiction such as heroin, morphine, methamphetamine and cocaine were included. Studies involving the usage of various methods of electroacupuncture and investigations relating to cigarette-smoking or alcohol addiction were excluded.
    Results: Eight RCTs met all inclusion criteria comprising of 1,594 respondents (age = 19 - 46 years; male = 57% - 76%). Most were involved in cocaine addiction. Overall, trials were designed with brief periods of treatment course and utilised three to five standard National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) points (Sympathetic, Lung, Liver, Kidney and Shen men), but inconsistent sham points. All trials included urine toxicology test as the main outcome measure while data on side-effects incidence was insufficient. Conclusions: Overall, four of the RCTs reported positive outcomes although at this point, AA’s effectiveness and safety could not be substantially confirmed. For the future, high-quality RCTs of AA are urgently required to provide a clearer understanding on the usefulness of this complementary therapy in drug addiction treatment.
  11. Azlina Wati Nikmat, Syed Hassan Almashoor
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2015;16(1):84-94.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Transition of people with cognitive impairment to nursing home is often an option when their disease progresses and their needs become too complex. The aim of this study was to identify the needs of people with cognitive impairment living in nursing homes and factors associated with higher level of needs.
    Methods: A cross sectional survey involving 110 respondents with cognitive impairment aged ≥60 was carried out. Respondents were assessed using the Short Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE), Camberwell Assessment of Needs for Elderly (CANE), Barthel Index (BI), Friendship Scale (FS), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).
    Results: Respondents with cognitive impairment had a mean of 2.81 (SD=3.72) for unmet needs and 11.95 (SD=3.14) for the met needs, with higher mean suggesting a better outcome measure. The most frequent unmet needs were intimate relationships (66.40%), company (40.00%), and daytime activity (34.50%). Unmet needs were significantly associated with depression, social isolation, and cognitive impairment.
    Conclusion: Most of the needs of people with cognitive impairment in nursing homes were fulfilled, except in social area. Therefore, attention should be given in improving the care system, which emphasizes collaboration between people with cognitive impairment, family members, community, and government in helping to reduce the risk of loneliness in those with cognitive impairment.
  12. Yasmin Othman Mydin, Norzarina Mohd Zaharim, Syed Hassan Ahmad Almashor
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the correlation between psychological factors and insomnia and the impact of insomnia on daytime sleepiness. Methods and Results: The participants were recruited through convenient sampling and consist of 173 working adults in Georgetown, Penang, aged 20 to 60 years. Participants completed the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The results revealed that the prevalent of insomnia was 34.7%. There was a positive correlation between psychological distress and insomnia r = .481, p < .001 and also a positive correlation between insomnia and daytime sleepiness r = .334, p < .001. Conclusion: It is concluded that psychological distress typically causes sleep difficulties, and sleep deprivation leads to daytime sleepiness.
  13. Lim DS, Sambamoorthy VR, Ling DSY, Syed Aznal SS
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;10(1):8-18.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: In Malaysia, opioid abuse is an acknowledged problem with severe health and economic repercussions. Until recently, drug addicts were mainly criminalised and forcefully rehabilitated in correctional facilities. However, the high relapse rates of this approach, coupled with the high rates of blood borne infections among drug users, led to increasing acceptance of a healthcare-based approach in the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Methadone was among the medications introduced as substitution maintenance therapy in 2005 and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) is a centre for MMT. This study aimed to determine the effects of MMT on quality of life in patients here. Methods: The sample was 46 patients who attended the Psychiatric outpatient clinic in fill in UMMC. The instrument used to assess quality of life was the WHOQOL-BREF. Results: The study design was cross-sectional with retrospective elements. Baseline QOL scores were obtained from case records and follow-up scores from the month of September 2007. Statistically significant improvements in all four domains of WHOQOL-BREF were found. Physical: p

    Study site: Psychiatric outpatient clinic, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC
  14. Sumeet Kaur, Syaril Ezuan
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Suicide pacts are rare subsets of suicides amounting to less than 1% of suicides globally. Usually, there is one dominant participant to persuade the other by their shared experiences to agree to the suicide pact. There is also the perceived loss of a partner (which is a contributing factor in about 20% of cases) with the impending death of one member acting as a trigger.

    Methods: We report a 46-year-old Burmese lady who presented with deliberate self- poisoning immediately after the death of her husband to honour a suicide pact they made. She had no previous history of psychiatric illnesses. The pact, initiated by her husband, was well planned six months prior to his death.

    Result: She was discharged well after a thorough medical evaluation and supportive therapy. Input of family members knowledgeable in Buddhism helped allay her obligation to the pact citing religious reasons.

    Conclusion: The case highlights a suicide pact that was initially unrecognised in the ward. In a multicultural country, psychiatrists need to be more sensitive and aware of erroneous beliefs that may lead to a suicide pact.
  15. Chan, Lai Fong, Hatta Sidi, Suzaily Wahab
    MyJurnal
    The critical review paper is a component of the theory examination for postgraduate psychiatry in Malaysia. Majority of students find this paper difficult, thus this article is intended to help the students understand the critical review paper better. The paper discussed below aimed to determine the knowledge, attitude and practice towards sleep among medical students of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). Model answers were provided at the end of each question, as marked in italic font.
  16. Ek Zakuan Kalil, Tan, Susan M.K., Loh, Sit Fong, Norazlin Kamal Nor, Suzaily Wahab
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;11(2):216-219.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case report highlights males as victims of sexual abuse, ascertain the factors that are associated with male sexual abuse and outline problems in management of sexual abuse with the presence of co morbidities. Methods: We report a case of sexual abuse in a 14 year old boy who has borderline mental retardation and ADHD. Results: The victim was
    traumatized due to the abuse. The perpetrator was not charged due to lack of evidence of the abuse and stigma. Conclusion: Sexual abuse that occurs in males can be influenced by multiple factors such as the presence of comorbidities. Strong awareness must be present in caregivers to prevent abuse in this population and to take appropriate and early action to effect the necessary intervention.
  17. Suriati Mohamed Saini, Susan, Mooi KoonTan.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case report highlights the optimum end-of-life care of an adolescent dying of cancer. Method: We report our experience, as part of a multidisciplinary team in managing the cancers of a female student who died an untimely death at the age of 15. Results: Our role of motivating her for chemotherapy of her initial treatable carcinoma, became that of palliative care upon discovery of a second malignancy. We helped the patient “live life to the fullest” during her last days, she helped us realize that helping her master the tasks of adolescence was optimum “end-of-life care” as well. Conclusion: to help an ill adolescent die with dignity is to help her live whatever time she has left of her life. Allowing her to participate in decisions regarding her treatment and in other bio-psycho-social needs of that stage of life is crucial in helping her prepare for the end of life.
  18. Aida Abdul Razak, Maniam, T., Hatta Sidi, Shalisah Sharip, Suriati Mohamed Saini
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(1):93-96.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case report highlights the challenges in managing Frontal Lobe Syndrome (FLS) in a patient with end-stage renal disease. Methods: This is a case description of a 58 year-old gentleman who presented with behavioural changes: irritability, mood lability, aggression, psychosis, and overfamiliarity. His presenting symptoms were in keeping with (FLS) with positive findings on Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain and also neuropsychological assessments. Difficulties arose in attempts to control his aggression without further compromising his renal function. Results: The usage of the commonly used antipsychotics in controlling aggression was restricted in view of the patient’s renal impairment. Augmentation with low dose memantine proved to be beneficial in this case, without causing further deterioration in renal function. Conclusion: The use of memantine to augment the effect of risperidone was observed to be safe and successful in managing the behavioural changes associated with FLS in adults with end-stage renal disease. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 93-96.
  19. Siti Rohana Abdul Hadi, Saminah Md Kassim, Suriati Mohamed Saini
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2013;14(2):183-186.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case report highlights psychosis post craniopharyngioma surgery.

    Methods: We report a case of a young Malay lady who presented with psychotic symptoms after she underwent craniotomy for craniopharyngioma.

    Results: Presence of prominent hallucinations and delusions after removal of the tumour and the symptoms lasted more than a month. The psychosis subsided with antipsychotic.

    Conclusion: Psychosis post craniopharyngioma surgery is still possible whether possibly due to the residual tumour or as a result of treatment sequealae.
  20. Loo, Jiann Lin, Eu, Choon Leng, Johari Khamis, Raba'iah Mohd Salleh, Suarn Singh Jasmit Singh
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Pritchard Criteria are adopted in a Malaysian criminal-justice system while assessing fitness to plead. There is limited data on the reason of unfitness to plead for female offenders in Malaysia.

    Methods: A case series of five patients hospitalized to Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Malaysia due to unfitness to plead was presented and discussed.

    Result: The offences include three homicides, one assault, and one stealing. All of them were diagnosed to have schizophrenia with prominent looseness of association. Four of them subsequently treated as Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia (TRS) with a minimal response toward clozapine.

    Conclusion: Looseness of association may be a contributing factor for unfitness to plead among Malaysian female offenders, which can result in indeterminate hospitalization. This should be confirmed in a larger prospective study.
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