MyMedR

Fulltext Systematic Review on Management of Conversion Disorder

Aamir, Siddiqua

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;18(2):1-7.

MyJurnal

The aim of review was to find the recent evidence for the management of conversion disorder. The study was conducted at the Psychiatry Unit of Govt. Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan. A systematic literature search was done using Medline and Extra Medline. A total of 10 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the literature reviewed hypnosis and self hypnosis, psychoanalytical intervention, behavioral intervention, paradoxical intervention, treatment by strong suggestion and trans-cranial magnetic stimulation were the treatments used by the clinicians for the management of conversion disorder. Conclusion: The literature review did not give details concerning the treatment used for conversion disorders adequately. Behavioral interventions were in general found to be more successful treatment course for the management of conversion disorders.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext The development and validity of the medical student stressor questionnaire (MSSQ)

Ahmad Fuad Abdul Rahim, Mohd Jamil Yaacob, Muhamad Saiful Bahri Yusoff

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;11(1):13-24.

MyJurnal

Objective: To determine the construct validity and the internal consistency of the Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ) among medical students hence in the future it could be used as a valid and reliable instrument to identify stressors among medical students. Methods: The blueprint for the development of MSSQ was developed after a review of literature on the subject and a discussion with experts in the field. It comprised of 40 items
with six hypothetical groups. The face validity of the questionnaire was established through discussion with 141 final year medical students whereas content validity was established through discussion with experts from field of Medical Education and Psychiatry. It was administered to a total of 761 medical students. Data was analysed using Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 12. Factor analysis was applied to test construct validity of the MSSQ. Reliability analysis (Cronbach’s alpha and item total correlation) was applied to test internal consistency of the MSSQ. Results: The total Cronbach’s alpha value of the MSSQ was 0.95. All the preliminary 40 items were included in the MSSQ as the items had item total correlation value of more than 0.3. The items were loaded nicely into the six pre-determined hypothetical groups as their factor loading values were more than 0.3.
Conclusion: This study showed that MSSQ had good psychometric value. It is a valid and reliable instrument in identifying stressors among medical students.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext Training standardized patients for undergraduate Psychiatry examinations: experience of a Malaysian university

Ahmad Khaldun Ismai, Suzaily Wahab, Rosdinom Razali, Mohammad Arif Kamarudin, Noorlaili Mohd Tohit, Rajen Durai, Ruth Packiavathy, et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2015;11(2):29-34.

MyJurnal

Simulated/ standardized patients (SPs) have become one of the significant components in today’s medical education and students’ assessment. Some differences exist in the training method of SPs for psychiatry examinations compared to other medical disciplines. This brief report highlights the challenges encountered in the training process and methods to overcome those challenges. A wellstructured, intensive training remains as one of the most important factors in ensuring standardization of SPs for psychiatric examinations.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext Clozapine re-challenge with lithium supplementation following clozapine-induced neutropenia

Ahmad Nabil Md Rosli, Subbiah, Rakesh, Maniam, T.

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(1):90-92.

MyJurnal

Objectives: This paper aims to report on a case in which re-challenging with clozapine in combination with lithium in a patient who developed neutropenia was carried out. Methods: The patient was treated with clozapine for treatment- resistant schizophrenia. After five weeks he showed much improvement but developed neutropenia. Withdrawal of clozapine brought on a relapse of psychotic symptoms. Subsequently, clozapine was reintroduced along with Lithium. The neutrophil count was monitored closely. Results: The neutrophil and white blood cell count were noted to return to normal upon re-challenging, and the patient’s clinical condition also improved. Conclusion: Simultaneous administration of lithium and clozapine to patients experiencing neutropenia on clozapine is a possible strategy. However, very close monitoring of the white count is needed. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 90-92.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext A case report of a patient involved in an alleged homicide-attempted suicide case - a theoretical discussion on the theory of homicide-suicide

Ahmad Nabil, M.R., Suarn, S.

Medicine & Health, 2015;10(2):141-145.

MyJurnal

This case report stresses the role of depression in the manifestation of a homicide-attempted suicide. We report the case of a man who allegedly murdered his partner and then attempted suicide. Previously, he had several failures and rejections in relationships in addition to work-related stress. He was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and treated with antidepressant. The scarcity of homicide-attempted suicide as exemplified in this case could give an insight to the Psychiatrist for better understading and possible prevention.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext Memantine augmentation in the treatment of frontal lobe syndrome in patients with end-stage renal disease: a case report

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.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext Binge eating and lifestyle factors in relation to obesity in schizophrenia

Ainsah O, Salmi R, Osman CB

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;17:13-22.

Obesity is highly prevalent among patient with schizophrenia. It is therefore important to know whether lifestyle factors could contribute to obesity. The objective of this paper is to study the prevalence of overweight, obesity and high waist circumference (WC) in relation to Binge eating and lifestyle factors among patients with schizophrenia. This is a cross sectional study for a period of three and a half months which systematically selected patients with schizophrenia who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The diagnosis of schizophrenia was made using Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID). The diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and the assessment of lifestyle factors were made using Eating Disorder, Module H of SCID and Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP II) respectively. The prevalence of overweight was 39.2 %, obesity was 35.1 % and high waist circumference was 63.9 %. The difference between presence of BED among patients who had normal and either overweight or obese was not significant (?2 with Yates correction 3.34, p=0.06). BED was found to be more in patients with high WC (n=11, 78.6 %) than those with normal WC (n=3, 21.4 %) but the difference was not significant (?2=1.88, p=0.21). In term of lifestyle factors, no significant different found between those who smoke and those who did not smoke in relation to BMI (?2=0.00, p=0.98) and WC (?2=0.15, p=0.90). There was no difference between total score of diet and exercise among patients who had normal weight and those who were either overweight or obese in relation to BMI (t=1.30, p=0.20) and WC (t=0.91, p=0.36) and BMI (t=0.80, p=0.43) and WC (t=0.02, p=0.98) respectively. There were also no differences between total score of all four domains of psychological lifestyle i.e. stress management, health responsibility, spiritual growth and interpersonal relationship among patients who had normal weight and those who were overweight and obese in relation to BMI and WC (p>0.05). Presence of Binge eating disorder and the lifestyle factors did not contribute to obesity among patients with schizophrenia. Keywords: Schizophrenia, obesity, lifestyle, binge eating disorder

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext Bio-psychological perspectives of eating disorders and obesity: a revisited

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.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Innovative Educational Initiatives to Train Psychodynamic Psychiatrists in Underserved Areas of the World

Alfonso CA, Michael MC, Elvira SD, Zakaria H, Kalayasiri R, Adlan ASA, et al.

Psychiatr. Clin. North Am., 2018 06;41(2):305-318.

PMID: 29739528 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2018.01.010

Psychodynamic psychiatry remains a challenging subject to teach in underserved areas, where enthusiasm to learn is substantial. Besides logistical and psychiatric workforce shortcomings, sensible cultural adaptations to make psychodynamic psychiatry relevant outside of high-income countries require creative effort. Innovative pedagogical methods that include carefully crafted mentoring and incorporate videoconferencing in combination with site visits can be implemented through international collaborations. Emphasis on mentoring is essential to adequately train future psychodynamic psychotherapy supervisors. Examples of World Psychiatric Association initiatives in countries such as Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, and Thailand are presented as possible models to emulate elsewhere.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry/education*

Fulltext Schizencephaly: psychosis, a rare manifestation

Aloysius, A., Seed, H.F., Thong, K.S.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2017;26(2):0-0.

MyJurnal

Schizencephaly is an uncommon congenital malformation of the central
nervous system which affects the development of the cerebral cortex. It is
defined as the gray matter lined filled cleft with cerebrospinal fluid that
extends from the pial surface to the ventricle. There exists a paucity in
scientific literature regarding the association between schizencephaly and
psychosis. We report a case of a 36-year-old male, presented with worsening
crisis of aggression, disorganized behavior and auditory hallucinations over
20 years. CT brain scan revealed unilateral left open lip schizencephaly, a
finding during his recent admission to the psychiatry ward.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext From New Zealand to Malaysia: making smoking free agenda for psychiatrists in Malaysia

Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2012;13(2):0-0.

MyJurnal

This article highlights the issues pertaining to psychiatry and smoking as reported in a symposium on smoking cessation in Malaysia. Methods: A report on a meeting outcome of a symposium on “Making smoking free agenda for psychiatrists in Malaysia.” Results: Smoking is still the number one public health problem and those with mental illness were at a high risk. Despite that, they are often under served in service provision by those caring for them. These shortcoming are seen more and more in Malaysia, where smoking and psychiatry is under researched. Conclusion: More research are needed on the why and how psychiatrist can play a major role in ensuring that those with mental illness in Malaysia are provided equal opportunities to quit smoking.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext Psychiatry and World No Tobacco Day

Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2013;14(2):190-192.

MyJurnal

Objective: Smoking is a prevalent problem globally but more so among most ASEAN countries. Worldwide, six million lives are lost annually and this number is expected to grow. In light of this, the World Health Organization recognises the 31st of May to be World No Tobacco Day. For 2013, the theme is "Ban Tobacco Advertising, Promotion and Sponsorship". This article aims to increase awareness among mental health workers, in particular psychiatrists, on the dangers of smoking, the tactics of the tobacco industry, and simple measures to address these problems within their daily activities.

Method: A brief review of recent relevant literature in the field and actual experience from the field were highlighted in this opinion section.

Results and Conclusion: Mental health workers are at an advantage as they have training in both psychological treatments such as brief intervention, cognitive behavioural therapy or counselling skills and for some others, pharmacological treatments. It is timely that health workers in the region take up this challenging but meaningful opportunity to help those with mental illness to stop their dependence for tobacco.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext Moving the Malaysia tobacco control agenda forward in psychiatry

Amer Siddiq, A.N., Farizah, M.H.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2013;22(2):91-94.

MyJurnal

Introduction: Tobacco smoking kills and estimated six million lives annually worldwide of which include 10,000 Malaysian lives. Twenty three per cent of Malaysian adults smoke however, similar prevalence is not known among the mentally ill. Those with mental illness often have higher prevalence rates and greater disability due to smoking. This commentary aims to update the mental health community in Malaysia on the on-going efforts made locally to assist the national tobacco control agenda. Methods: A brief report of recent updates is provided for this article. Results and Conclusion: Three major significant activities are reported, all of which will move the tobacco control agenda within psychiatry forward. These activities will allow psychiatry be in a better position to align tobacco control activities for the mentally ill
together with the general population.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Fulltext Factorial validity and reliability of the simplified-Chinese version of Snaith-Hamilton pleasure scale: a study among depressed patients at an out-patient clinic in Malaysia

Anne, Yee, Huai, Seng Loh, Chong, Guan Ng

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(1):66-71.

MyJurnal

Objective: The Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) is a self-assessment scale designed to evaluate anhedonia in various psychiatric disorders. To facilitate its use in Malaysian settings, our current study aimed to examine the validity of the Simplified-Chinese translated version of the SHAPS (SHAPS-SC) in a group of subjects at a university out-patient clinic. Method: A total of 40 depressed patients were recruited in this cross sectional study. They were given both the Simplified Chinese and Malay versions of SHAPS, General Health Questionnaire 12 (GHQ-12) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess their hedonic state, general mental health condition and level of depression. Results: Our study showed that SHAPS-SC had impressive internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha 0.84) and concurrent validity, and fair parallel-forms reliability (Pearson’s correlation 0.39). Conclusion: SHAPS-SC demonstrated good psychometric properties in the evaluation of hedonic state among a group of Chinese speaking depressed patients in an out-patient setting. It is easy to administer and suitable as a valid and reliable questionnaire in assessing anhedonia among depressed patients in Malaysia. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 66-71.

Study site: psychiatric out-patient clinic, University
Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC)

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

Perspectives in international neurosurgery: neurosciences in Malaysia

Arumugasamy DN

Neurosurgery, 1979 Oct;5(4):528-9.

PMID: 534059

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry/education

The growing importance of mental health: are medical curricula responding?

Azhar MZ

Med J Malaysia, 2002 Dec;57 Suppl E:34-6.

PMID: 12733191

Mental health is becoming an important issue. Several local and international studies have proven that the incidence of mental illness is on the rise. Doctors have also been able to make more accurate diagnoses and treat mental disorders more reliably with the aid of recent research and newer drugs. As such it is necessary for the medical curricula to respond to this shift. Medical students must now be exposed to new psychiatric disorders and ways of managing them. The time spent in psychiatry and the mode of teaching must also be revised and modified to the current needs of patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry/education*

Changing undergraduate attitudes to mental illness

Bharathy A, Foo PL, Russell V

Clin Teach, 2016 Feb;13(1):58-62.

PMID: 26036961 DOI: 10.1111/tct.12372

BACKGROUND: Promoting positive experiences of patient contact during psychiatry clerkships may be important in influencing medical students' attitudes to people with mental illness. Here we report findings from a focus group study that explored the impact on undergraduate attitudes of participation in a novel social interaction programme for people with mental illness and their carers, provided by a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

METHOD: An audio-taped focus group interview was undertaken with 14 medical students using a semi-structured interview guide. The recorded discussion was transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed.

RESULTS: Initial apprehension about interacting with patients lessened as the students engaged in shared activities. Students described their increased awareness of the normality and competence of psychiatric patients. As future doctors, they reported a greater understanding of the benefits of social inclusion for patients and carers alike. Promoting positive experiences of patient contact … may be important in influencing medical students' attitudes to people with mental illness

DISCUSSION: Medical students' joint participation in a group activity programme for people with mental illness in non-hospital settings may have advantages in promoting positive attitudinal change. Clinical teachers could usefully incorporate this type of experience into the undergraduate psychiatry curriculum.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry/education*

Psychiatry in Peninsula Malaysia

Buhrich N

Aust N Z J Psychiatry, 1980 Dec;14(4):299-304.

PMID: 6945096

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry/education; Psychiatry/manpower

The amok syndrome in Papua and New Guinea

Burton-Bradley BG

Med J Aust, 1968 Feb 17;1(7):252-6.

PMID: 5642836

Matched MeSH terms: Forensic Psychiatry

Fulltext Model answer for critical review paper: conjoint examination for Master of Medicine (Psychiatry) and MPM, November 2010

Chan, Lai Fong, Hatta Sidi, Suzaily Wahab

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2011;12(2):0-0.

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.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

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