Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 154 in total

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  1. Mohammad Farris Iman Leong Abdullah, Rizal Abu Bakar
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case reported highlighted psychotic disorder due to dengue fever
    is rare. Hence we describe a case which clearly presented with psychotic
    symptoms during the illness.

    Methods: We reported a case of psychotic disorder
    due to dengue fever who presented with psychotic symptoms of auditory and
    visual hallucination, and persecutory delusion, which had significant temporal
    correlation with dengue fever symptoms. There were no neurological deficits
    noted, no altered sensorium and cognitive impairment during the episode. He
    has no past and family history of mental illness and there was no evidence of
    encephalitis and metabolic disturbances.

    Results: Our case suggests that
    prominent psychotic symptoms can occur during an episode of dengue fever,
    which remitted when one recovering from dengue fever.

    Conclusion: We
    demonstrated that patients who presented with the acute onset of psychosis
    accompanied by symptoms of viral fever should be screened for dengue fever,
    particularly if the person lived in or visited the area where dengue fever is
    endemic.
  2. Helenna M Hisham Hashim, Lee, Mei-Li, Ng, Chong Guan
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Individuals deal with dying and death differently and may not experience the same journey. We investigated Kübler-Ross' Five Stages of Grief on terminally ill patients to review the current applicability of the model among this population. The aims of this paper is to share information regarding the Five Stages of Grief, the emotions associated with the stages, and the challenges that terminally ill patients, namely those diagnosed with cancer, experience. Methods: Non-structured interviews were conducted among terminally ill patients located at the palliative ward for two years. Results: We found that terminally ill patients at the palliative ward were undergoing the Five Stages of Grief, and that the emotions associated with the stages were reported to be similar to the emotions proposed in the model and among the patients. Conclusion: Kübler-Ross' Five Stages of Grief is still applicable among terminally ill patients. The thoughts regarding dying and death still remain negative, therefore, the change in the myths of dying and death are required to help improve the journey towards death. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 14 (1): January - June 2013: XX XX.
  3. Mukhtar F, Abu Bakar AK, Mat Junus M, Awaludin A, Abdul Aziz S, Midin M, et al.
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2012;13(2):157-164.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: The MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) is a short, structured diagnostic interview compatible with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV). It was designed for clinical practice, research in psychiatric, primary care settings and epidemiological surveys. This preliminary study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Malaysian Version of MINI for Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms criteria only.

    Methods: Six hours of MINI training was given as part of a National Health Morbidity Survey training program for layman interviewers (n=229) and three videos were prepared by an expert psychiatrist for inter-rater reliability purposes. Meanwhile, for validity purposes, the MINI was administered to patients with Major Depressive Disorder (n=30), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (n=20) and to a normal population (n=60), to conform against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV) that was administered by psychiatrists.

    Results: Overall the inter-rater reliability was satisfactory (0.67 to 0.85) and the concordance between the MINI’s and expert diagnoses was good, with kappa values of greater than 0.88.

    Conclusions: The Malay version of the MINI is adjusted to the clinical setting and for the assessment of positive cases in a community setting. Modifications were highlighted to correct any identified problems and to improve the reliability of the MINI for future research and clinical use.
  4. Marhani Midin, Nik Ruzyanei Nik Jaafar, Ruzanna Zam Zam, Che Khatijjah Bee Mohd Ali
    MyJurnal
    Objective: To describe the setting up of a pilot project on weight management programme for patients with severe mental illness (SMI) in a general hospital setting, the effectiveness of the programme on 5 patients and the feasibility of such programme to be developed in our local setting. Methods: Key staff members from relevant disciplines were involved through out the programme, which was based on dietary education, exercise and behavioural techniques. It was conducted weekly for physical exercise and biweekly for topic discussion with a total duration of 16 weeks. Results: Patients achieved means (SDs) weight loss of 1.78 (2.83) kg; BMI reduction of 0.92 (1.41) kg/m2; and reduction of waist circumference of 6.8 (4.97) cm. Factors associated with positive health outcome were high baseline BMI, high educational level and committed family members. Conclusion: The programme appears to be effective for patients and is feasible to be developed in Malaysian hospitals.
  5. Udomratn, Pichet, Deva, M. Parameshvara
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2007;8(1):35-39.
    MyJurnal
    The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) was formed in 1971, and 10 years
    later the ASEAN Federation for Psychiatry and Mental Health (AFPMH) was formally
    launched. This article reviews the objectives, structure, membership, and the principles of
    rotational participation and responsibility of the AFPMH, which has just celebrated its jubilee anniversary last year. Twenty-six years have passed, and the AFPMH has achieved many successes, including the congress, which is currently held every two years, and the ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, which may be the oldest regional journal in the Asian continent. The bright future of ASEAN psychiatry is expected but relies heavily on the unity and commitment of all individual psychiatric associations within the ASEAN.
  6. Nuur Asyikin Mohd Shukor, Shalisah Sharip, Nurul Azmi Muhammad Rappek, Hatta Sidi, Rosliza Yahya
    MyJurnal
    Objective: ADHD is a complex neurobiological disorder, which required tactful
    intervention. Besides pharmacotherapy, there is still limited information in
    addressing the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for treating this
    developmental disorder.

    Methods: We report a case of late diagnosed of ADHD
    whose facing difficulty to cope with her undergraduate degree. She has to repeat
    her semester examination due to lack of attention. Denial was seen in both
    patient and family in accepting the diagnoses, and posed roadblock for
    successful intervention.

    Results: Six sessions of CBT were conducted, coupled
    with psycho education for both the family and patient. Consultation from the
    university’s management helped her to accept and cope with her ADHD
    symptoms, i.e. attention and impulsivity. The patient showed improvement
    following this intensive bio-psycho-social intervention.

    Conclusion: The short
    duration of CBT was found suitable to be adapted and implemented in young
    adult ADHD.
  7. Ahmad Nabil Md Rosli, Singh, Suarn
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2015;16(2):241-244.
    MyJurnal
    The incidence of benzodiazepine paradoxical reaction is uncommon. It may be implicated with crime as will be described in this case report. Method: We report a 37 year-old schizophrenia patient who was detained by the authority under Section 392/397 of Penal Code assaulting a lady using sharp weapon. He had history of illicit substance abuse and benzodiazepine dependence with significant history of aggression associated with benzodiazepine. Just prior to the incident, he took a significant amount of various types of benzodiazepine and suffered from amnesia of that event. During the time of the offense, he was in remission as far as schizophrenia is concerned. Result: He was under the forensic psychiatric care and observation at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK). He developed withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepine in the ward. Conclusion: He was found by the expert team to be under the influence of benzodiazepine during the offence. The role of benzodiazepine and relevant factors leading to aggression will be discussed in this manuscript.
  8. Shamini Arasalingam, Mohamed Suhaib Peer, Shamini Rama, Puvaneswari Jeyapalan
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Bradycardia due to the combination of amisulpride and fluvoxamine is not commonly known in the literature.

    Methods: We report a case of asymptomatic sinus bradycardia that occurred when amisulpride and fluvoxamine were given concurrently and resolved after cessation of both these two medications. The Naranjo scale for Adverse Drug Reaction was used to determine the likelihood of medications’ in causing bradycardia. Other possible causes were also assessed and ruled out through medical consultations.

    Results: This case strongly suggests that the bradycardia occurred due to the combined effect of these medications’ independent risk in causing this potentially harmful cardiac event.

    Conclusion: Therefore, it is important to monitor for bradycardia whenever both these medications are prescribed even at therapeutic dosages.
  9. Osman Che Bakar, Ainsah Omar
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;9(2):126-128.
    MyJurnal
    We aimed to report the first case of anorexia nervosa in a young Malaysian Malay homosexual man with underlying borderline personality disorder and major depression. Patient and parents were interviewed. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM IV was used to generate Axis-I diagnosis. The Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale was used to assess the severity of depression. His parents had marital discord. His father was overinvolved. Regarding anorexia nervosa, he had 163 cm height, 46kg weight and a body mass index (BMI) of 17 kg/m2. His four limbs had multiple scratch marks. Laboratory test results showed anemia, leukocytosis and hypoalbuminemia. Family pathology, borderline personality disorder and homosexuality could be the risk factors of anorexia nervosa in this patient.
  10. Lua, Pei Lin, Wong, Sok Yee, Neni Widiasmoro Selamat
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms , to examine their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) profiles and to determine the predictors on overall HRQoL. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. The Malay Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MMQoL) were administered to a sample of 150 cancer patients (mean age = 50.4 years).
    Chi-square test, correlation and multiple regression were utilised for data analysis. Results: The prevalence for mild anxiety and depressive symptoms was 30.7% and 23.3% espectively. The HADS-A correlated strongest with Total MMQoL Score (r = - 0.578) and Psychological Well-Being (r = -0.526). Only HADS-A (beta = - 0.486), and HADS-D (beta = -0.173) were significant in predicting overall health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Findings in our study indicated that the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in
    Terengganu cancer patients are moderate. If anxiety and depression are identified and treated, health-related quality of life among oncology patients appropriately could significantly be improved.
  11. Ismail N, Husain R, Sidi H
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2017;18(2):278-280.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case report highlights a case of young male referred for psychiatric evaluation due to paraphilic disorder. This 27-year old single male working as an assistant accountant was noted to have voyeuristic behaviour and presented with depressive symptoms since his teenage age. He has poor coping whenever he experiences stress in life. He started to watch pornographic videos and subsequently get involved by peeping pre-pubescent’s undergarments. These activities are followed by a compulsive behaviour such as masturbation to gratify his sexual arousal.
    Results: The patient undergone several psychotherapy sessions, and medical report was furnished for the court's purpose. Our assessment revealed that he was suffering from a lifetime major depressive disorder,and he was prescribed with Tablet Sertraline 50mg/daily.He also has premature ejaculation, severe in nature. He regretted his voyeuristic urge and psychotherapyfocused on how to channel his sexual needs.
    Conclusion: Mood disorder is seen in paraphilic disorder and has to be dealt with in order to establish good management care.
  12. Lim, Dwee Shion, Sambamoorthy, Vijayrama Rao, Ling, Diana Soon Ying, Sharifah Sulaiha Syed Aznal
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(2):131-139.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effects of Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) and buprenorphine-naloxone Maintenance Therapy (BNX) on the Quality of life (QoL) of opiate abusers. Methods: The QoL status of opioid-dependent patients was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. It is a cross-sectional study involving a total of 108 patients who received MMT or BNX therapy in Malaysia from May 2011 to September 2011. Results: A statistically significant difference in the overall QoL and psychological aspect among patients on MMT was observed. On the contrary, the scores of overall QoL and quality of social relationship for BNX group were higher in patients with lower dosage. Conclusion: The comparison between patients on high dose MMT and high dose BNX exhibited significant difference in the overall QoL especially in psychological, social relationship and environment domains, with the high dose MMT group having better mean score. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 131-139.
  13. Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin, Nadiah Syariani Md Shariff, Azizah Othman, Khaidzir Ismail, Geshina Ayu Mat Saat
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(2):176-185.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: A sizable body of criminology literature has suggested that personality factors are critical to the development of aggressive behaviour. While research on personality focusing on aggression often revolves on "Eynseck Three Factor Model" and "Big Five Model", research on "Alternative Five Factor Model" (AFFM) is rather inadequate. Objective: The present study aimed to examine the association between five types of personality traits and subscales of aggression. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in two prisons in Peninsular Malaysia among 198 Malay adult male inmates. The participants were selected based on the purposive sampling method from those who were convicted for various types of crime. Two psychometric instruments adapted to the Malaysian context were used: Malay version of Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire-40-Cross Culture (ZKPQ-M-40-CC) and Aggression Questionnaire (AQ-M). Pearson correlation coefficient test was conducted to determine the association between five types of personality traits and subscales of aggression. Results: The results showed that there was a significant association between certain types of personality traits and subscales of aggression. The results were discussed in relation to theory and the context of crime. Conclusion: There is evidence that personality traits are linked to aggressive behaviour which may lead a person to commit offenses. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 176-185.
  14. Redhwan Ahmed, Al-Naggar
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Globally, there is growing evidence of stigmatization of people with mental illnesses and mental illness is more stigmatizing than physical illnesses. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the attitudes of university students towards persons with mental illness. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Management and Science University students during the academic year 2012. Prior ethical approval was taken for conducting the study. A total of 300 medical and health science students was recruited in this study and the response rate was 93%. The survey questionnaire was adopted from a previous study with 15 statements about attitude towards mental health illness and sociodemographic characteristics. Classes were chosen randomly and students also randomly selected. The inclusion criterion for this research was medical and health science students while the exclusion criterion was students from other faculties, staff and lecturers. Data was analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 13.0. Descriptive statistics were used for the analysis of the basic demographics and survey items of the questionnaire. T-test and multiple linear regression were used to explore the relationship between the socio-demographic and the attitude. Results: A total number of 279 students participated in this study. The majority of them were female, age 20 years and above, single, Malay, from International Medical School (IMS) and from urban areas (68.5%, 88.2%, 96.4%, 58.1%, 60.2%, 77.8% respectively). In this study, the majority of the participants showed a moderate to good attitude towards people with mental illness. Univariate analysis showed that marital status influenced the attitudes of university students towards people with mental illness (p=0.015). In multivariate analysis, multiple linear regression showed that gender, marital status, smoking and drinking alcohol significantly influenced the attitude of university students towards people with mental illness (p=0.014, p=0.012; p=0.009, p=0.013; respectively). Conclusion: This study showed that the undergraduate university students had a moderate to good attitude towards people with mental illness. Gender, marital status, smoking and drinking alcohol significantly influenced the attitude of undergraduate university students towards people with mental illness. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 14 (1): January - June 2013: XX XX.
  15. Ainsah Omar, Osman Che Bakar
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;9(1):33-41.
    MyJurnal
    Food is closely related with emotion. It often provides comfort and satisfaction. Some individuals choose to turn to food to curb their negative emotion, resulting in disturbances in
    eating patterns, such as overeating which lead to obesity and severely controlling food intake, which culminate in eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating. These disorders are not related to the eating problems per se but often due to underlying or complicated by psychological factors, namely depression, anxiety, impulse control problems and personality. The roles of psychological factors in eating disorders and obesity should therefore not be downplayed. These disorders should be managed comprehensively involving multiple approaches, including not only biological but also psychological interventions provided by a professional team comprising endocrinologists, psychiatrists, dietitians, exercise physicians and surgeons.
  16. Mohamad Ayob Ismail, Hazli Zakaria, Hatta Sidi, Hajar Mohd Salleh Sahimi, Khairi Che Mat
    MyJurnal
    Objective: Long-term use of ecstasy is known to be a risk factor for structural brain damage and psychosis. Most patients suffering from ADHD in childhood will not develop psychosis during adulthood but the risk is increased when there is concomitant significant drug use. However, it is difficult to distinguish between substance-induced psychoses with schizophrenic psychosis.

    Method: We report a case of a patient with history of ADHD who was untreated, who later developed psychotic symptoms soon after initiation of ecstasy uses. The symptoms persisted despite in a ‘drug-free period’ and intensified while on the ecstasy.

    Results: Present case helps to understand common neurobiological mechanism behind psychosis and brain atrophy, and risk factors such as ADHD and ecstasy abuse.

    Conclusion: More research in this area is vital for management and further understanding on the importance of treating ADHD earlier and to be more vigilant in establishing the history of substance use.
  17. 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.
  18. Loh, Sit Fong, Sinniah, Aishvarya, Ruzanna Zamzam, Marhani Midin, Wan Salwina Wan Ismail, Mahadevan, Raynuha
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;10(2):186-193.
    MyJurnal
    Objectives: This paper reports the outcome of Session With Carer, one of the activities in the Year 4 Personal and Professional Development (PPD) module in the new integrated curriculum of the Undergraduate Medical Programme at the Faculty of Medicine,
    Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). Methods: This activity involves groups of 14 – 15 students sitting in with family members of individuals with mental illness. The session starts with the carer giving his or her perspective of patient’s care and the challenges involved. This is followed by a question and answer session. Finally, the carer provides a written feedback by way of scoring certain items as well as brief comments. After the session, each student is required to prepare an individual report in the form of reflective writing. Results: Out of a total of 224 students, the reflections of 126 students were reviewed to assess what they had learnt from the Session With Carer. Among the more significant findings were: 100% learnt about the various challenges faced by carers. 31.7% learnt the importance of
    faith/spirituality of the carer in caring for a mentally ill family member. 29.4% learnt the importance of family and others’ support. An equal number, that is, 26.2% learnt that it helps for the carer to have good mental health and a positive attitude, as well as good
    knowledge of the illness. Those who became aware of the benefits of the carer having patience and determination made up 23.8% of the total reflections reviewed. Conclusion: The findings show that the Session With Carer is very educational, and helps create more
    awareness of the importance of the carer’s role in patient management and support. In other words, carers can act as teachers in creating more public awareness about mental illness and
    ultimately, help in gradually removing the stigma associated with mental illness. Therefore, carers should be utilized for this purpose.
  19. 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.
  20. Siti Rohana Abdul Hadi, Suriati Mohamed Saini, Aida Harlina Abdul Razak, Marhani Midin
    ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(2):217-219.
    MyJurnal
    Objective: This case report highlights the psychosocial complications of chronic mania in a mother and the role of CMHT in improving the condition’s outcome. Methods: We report a case of a Malay mother who had underlying chronic mania for 20 years. Results: She was aggressive and abusive towards her children causing tremendous trauma in them, had lost her child custody and almost lost her husband to another woman. Lithium with multiple psychosocial interventions delivered to the patient and her family had improved her mood symptoms significantly and improved the family’s quality of life. Conclusion: Chronic mania causes tremendously high illness burdens, and with extra care, the outcome of the condition can be improved. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 217-219.
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