Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 85 in total

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  1. Alibudbud R
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2022 Dec;78:103311.
    PMID: 36335844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103311
    This infodemiological study utilized Relative Search Volumes (RSV) from Google Trends. It determined changes in public interest in mental health after the implementation of the mental health laws of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand using search volumes from 2004 to 2021. It found that public interest in mental health increased in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore after implementing their mental health laws. On the contrary, public interest in mental health continued to decrease in Thailand despite its mental health law implementation. This can be explained by the unequal prioritization of mental health among these countries.
  2. Balasingam K, Kanagasundram S, Ann AYH, Kasmuri K, Gooding DC
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2023 Jan;79:103350.
    PMID: 36462388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103350
    The reduced capacity for social and interpersonal interactions, social anhedonia, is an important aspect of various psychiatric disorders, especially schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The goal of the present study was to validate a Malay translation of the adult version of the Anticipatory and Consummatory Interpersonal Pleasure Scale (ACIPS; Gooding and Pflum, 2014), a relatively short and easy to administer indirect measure of social anhedonia. This cross-sectional study included 95 (47 male, 48 female) schizophrenia patients and 300 (77 male, 223 female) healthy subjects. Participants were given Malay versions of the ACIPS, Snaith Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS-M), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-M). The ACIPS exhibited good internal consistency (Ordinal alpha = 0.966). Total ACIPS scores were inversely correlated with the BDI-M scores, and positively correlated with total SHAPS-M scores. Factor analysis yielded a three-factor solution which accounted for 52.06% of the variance. As expected, the schizophrenia patients scored significantly lower than the healthy community participants on the ACIPS, t(130) = 4.26, p 
  3. Bhat R, Singh VK, Naik N, Kamath CR, Mulimani P, Kulkarni N
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2020 Apr;50:102047.
    PMID: 32251853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102047
  4. Bujang MA, Musa R, Liu WJ, Chew TF, Lim CT, Morad Z
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2015 Dec;18:49-52.
    PMID: 26549864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2015.10.004
    Studies addressing the nature of relationship between psychological symptoms and quality of life among dialysis patients in Malaysia are scarce. Hence, this study is intended to investigate the association between psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety and stress on the quality of life in dialysis patients. A cross sectional multicentre study was conducted from May to October 2012 at 15 centres that provide haemodialysis and/or peritoneal dialysis. Apart from socio-demographic profile data collection, WHOQOL-BREF and DASS21 questionnaires were administered to study subjects. All three psychological symptoms had significant impact on quality of life domains of physical health, psychological health, social impact, perceived environment and overall quality of life. These findings suggest that subjects with symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress had poorer quality of life than those without, highlighting the negative impact of psychological symptoms.
  5. Chandra Sekaran V, Bailey A, Kamath VG, Ashok L, Kamath A
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2020 Jun;51:102021.
    PMID: 32315964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102021
    Adolescents experience myriad emotions which occur in relation to their immediate social space which may shape their perceptions of members within the microsystem. The photovoice method uniquely provides participants with the means to capture their life through the lens of a camera while also enabling them to express emotions and meanings they attach to their particular life situations. We explore the various emotions adolescents attach to the spaces they occupy and how they link them to socialization in the context of the microsystem. This study was conducted in rural and urban areas of Udupi taluk, southern India. A total of 21 participants, ranging from early to late adolescence participated and provided multiple forms of data with 112 photographs, 21 journals on their daily interactions and one-on-one interviews facilitated using the SHOWeD model. The analytical method involved compiling visual data from photographs, journal content and interview data pertaining to each participant as a single data file, developing codes using ATLAS.ti, version 8, and further developing sub-themes and themes as they emerged into narratives. Our study was able to elicit emotions and meanings that adolescents attached to social interactions with gendered nuances specific to the Indian cultural setting. Future applications of the photovoice methodology on research among adolescents have also been discussed.
  6. Chandrasekaran PK, Walterfang MA, Velakoulis D
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2010 Dec;3(4):186-9.
    PMID: 23050885 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2010.10.001
    The Neuropsychiatry Unit Cognitive Screening Instrument (NUCOG) provides more detailed screening of cognition than most commonly available tools and was selected for translation into and validation in Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language). It was first translated to Malay, then back-translated to English until changes made were comparable to the original English version. The Malay-translated NUCOG and the Malay version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) were delivered to Malay-speaking subjects (n=24). The Malay NUCOG version was then validated by correlating scores against the Malay version of the MMSE and the data tested for reliability of the tool. The Malay version of the NUCOG proved to be a valid (r=0.98, p<0.001) and internally consistent (Cronbach's α=0.76) tool to assess cognitive function and this multi-dimensional cognitive screening instrument is likely to be valuable in the cognitive assessment of neuropsychiatric patients in Malay.
  7. Chandrasekaran PK, Yan Qi OW, O Brien FM
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2021 Dec;66:102884.
    PMID: 34740125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102884
    Lithium therapy is a common treatment for affective disorders and is widely regarded as a lifesaving drug. However, because its elimination is almost wholly unchanged via the kidneys, both acute and long-term adverse effects relating to toxicity may occur, including declining renal function and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI). DI may be difficult to detect and is frequently preceded by dehydration and which, in our patient, was discovered by chance. We describe a case of an elderly woman on chronic lithium therapy for bipolar affective disorder who initially presented with dehydration from vomiting but possibly developed extra-pontine myelinolysis (EPM) after over-zealous correction of hyponatraemia. Steroids administered appeared to have prevented further progression but a persisting hyperosmolar state then alerted us to the presence of nephrogenic DI. Although both conditions were later successfully reversed with no obvious chronic sequelae, the recovery of the patient was protracted. Clinicians should be vigilant for complications of managing dehydration states in people prescribed with lithium.
  8. Chen CK, Yang SY, Park SC, Jang OJ, Zhu X, Xiang YT, et al.
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2023 Jul;85:103613.
    PMID: 37163943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103613
    OBJECTIVE: Mood stabilizers are psychotropic drugs mainly used to treat bipolar disorder in the acute phase or for maintenance therapy to prevent relapse. In clinical practice, mood stabilizers are commonly prescribed for conditions other than bipolar disorder. This study investigated the distribution of mood stabilizer prescriptions for different psychiatric diagnoses and studied differences in the drugs, dosage, and plasma concentration in 10 Asian countries including Taiwan, South Korea, Malaysia, China, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Indonesia, and Myanmar.

    METHODS: Patients prescribed mood stabilizers (lithium, carbamazepine, valproic acid, or lamotrigine) for a psychiatric condition other than bipolar disorder (codes F31.0-F31.9 in the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Edition, Clinical Modification) were recruited through convenience sampling. A website-based data entry system was used for data collection.

    RESULTS: In total, 1557 psychiatric patients were enrolled. Schizophrenia, schizotypal, delusional, and other non-mood psychotic disorders (F20-F29, 55.8 %) was the most common diagnosis, followed by non-bipolar mood disorders (F30, F31- F39, 25.3 %), organic mental disorder (F00-F09, 8.8 %), mental retardation (F70-F79, 5.8 %) and anxiety, dissociative, stress-related, somatoform and other nonpsychotic mental disorders (F40-F48, 4.4 %). The most frequently targeted symptoms (>20 %) were irritability (48 %), impulsivity (32.4 %), aggression (29.2 %), anger (20.8 %), and psychosis (24.1 %). Valproic acid was the most frequently used medication.

    CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians typically prescribe mood stabilizers as empirically supported treatment to manage mood symptoms in patients with diagnoses other than bipolar disorders, though there is on official indication for these disorders. The costs and benefits of this add-on symptomatic treatment warrant further investigation.

  9. Chen L, Xu YY, Lin JY, Ji ZP, Yang F, Tan S, et al.
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2024 Mar;93:103958.
    PMID: 38364597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.103958
    BACKGROUND AND AIM: Suicide is nearly always associated with underlying mental disorders. Risk factors for suicide attempts (SAs) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) remain unelucidated. This study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical risk factors of SAs in Chinese patients with BD misdiagnosed with MDD.

    METHODS: A total of 1487 patients with MDD from 13 mental health institutions in China were enrolled. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to identify patients with BD who are misdiagnosed as MDD. The general sociodemographic and clinical data of the patients were collected and MINI suicide module was used to identify patients with SAs in these misdiagnosed patients.

    RESULTS: In China, 20.6% of patients with BD were incorrectly diagnosed as having MDD. Among these misdiagnosed patients, 26.5% had attempted suicide. These patients tended to be older, had a higher number of hospitalizations, and were more likely to experience frequent and seasonal depressive episodes with atypical features, psychotic symptoms, and suicidal thoughts. Frequent depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts during depression were identified as independent risk factors for SAs. Additionally, significant sociodemographic and clinical differences were found between individuals misdiagnosed with MDD in BD and patients with MDD who have attempted suicide.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis in individuals with BD and provide valuable insights for the targeted identification and intervention of individuals with BD misdiagnosed as having MDD and those with genuine MDD, particularly in relation to suicidal behavior.

  10. Chong SC, Ang JK, Hashim H
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2020 Dec;54:102117.
    PMID: 32623189 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102117
    Pathological narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder is commonly characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance, condescending attitude, need for excessive admiration, diminished empathy and exploitativeness. In contrast to these overt attributes, there is a different presentation of pathological narcissism which is underrecognized, as one's preoccupation with hypervigilant, self-effacement and proneness to shame in the context of covert grandiose fantasies. This report illustrates a patient who had this subtype of vulnerable narcissism, and how his defence had been activated to preserve own self agency during a session with the doctor by revealing his paraphilic fantasy.
  11. Chong SC, Ang JK, Tan KP
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2021 Nov;65:102835.
    PMID: 34534918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102835
    Covid-19 pandemic and the public health measure have forced an en masse transition to remote therapy from physical sessions. Remote psychodynamic psychotherapy is not a new treatment modality, but its effectiveness in holding the analytic frame has been concerned by some therapists. We would like to highlight some of the therapeutic processes involved with remote psychodynamic psychotherapy, via the help of a narrative experience of a psychiatry trainee who was novice to this delivery method of therapy. Reflections on these concerns have been made in line with the experiences highlighted.
  12. Chow TJ, Loh HC, Tee SF, Tang PY
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2010 Dec;3(4):190-3.
    PMID: 23050886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2010.09.006
    Free radicals are produced as part of the body immune response triggered by exogenous oxidants. In excess, they impair antioxidant defence system and cause oxidative stress. Antioxidants are hypothesised as antidotes to counteract oxidative stress and improve immune function. Carotenoids serve as a reliable indicator of overall antioxidant level in humans. This study investigated the possible relationship of carotenoid antioxidant levels in schizophrenia. A total of 351 schizophrenic subjects from Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta, Malaysia and 247 healthy controls were recruited. Subjects' skin carotenoid levels were measured using a non-invasive technique, Raman spectroscopy. The results showed significant (P<0.01) reduction of carotenoid level in patient compared to healthy controls, suggesting higher levels of oxidative stress in schizophrenia. Comparison between gender, age, subtypes, antipsychotic drug treatments, and duration of illness was investigated, but none was significantly associated with carotenoid score. Antipsychotics were suggested to be the possible causes of reduced antioxidant level in schizophrenia.
  13. Chow TJ, Tee SF, Loh SY, Yong HS, Abu Bakar AK, Tang PY
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2020 Mar;49:101957.
    PMID: 32078952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.101957
  14. Deva MP, D'Souza R, Sundram S
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2009 Oct;2(3):120-1.
    PMID: 23051055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2009.09.001
    Cambodia is a developing south-east Asian country located in the fertile Mekong delta. Its recent past has been complicated by European colonialism and internal conflict. Health including mental health services are limited and sparse in regional and rural areas. Very constrained public mental health facilities and services are hampered by a shortage of a skilled workforce and insufficient training programs. The recent formation of the Mental Health Association of Cambodia promises to be a positive step forward in promoting mental health throughout the country.
  15. Dong M, Zeng LN, Zhang Q, Yang SY, Chen LY, Najoan E, et al.
    Asian J Psychiatr, 2019 Oct;45:74-80.
    PMID: 31520884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.08.010
    OBJECTIVE: Regular surveys are important to monitor the use of psychotropic medications in clinical practice. This study examined the psychotropic prescription patterns in adult Asian schizophrenia patients based on the data of the Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription (REAP) 2016 survey.

    METHODS: This cross-sectional survey across 15 Asian countries/territories collected socio-demographic and clinical data with standardized procedures between March and May 2016. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded with a standardized questionnaire.

    RESULTS: Altogether 3,537 adult patients with schizophrenia were consecutively screened and enrolled in the survey. The mean age was 38.66 ± 11.55 years and 59.7% of the sample were male. The mean dose of antipsychotics in chlorpromazine equivalents (CPZeq) was 424 ± 376 mg/day; 31.3% and 80.8% received first- and second- generation antipsychotics, respectively and 42.6% had antipsychotic polypharmacy, 11.7% had antidepressants, 13.7% had mood stabilizers, 27.8% had benzodiazepines, and 45.6% had anticholinergics.

    CONCLUSIONS: Psychotropic prescription patterns in Asian adult patients with schizophrenia varied across countries. Regular surveys on psychotropic medications for schizophrenia are important to monitor pharmacotherapy practice in Asia.

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