MyMedR

Insights from an infodemiological study of mental health in Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand from 2004 to 2021

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.

Malaysian parent and teacher ratings of the oppositional defiant disorder symptoms: measurement invariance and parent-teacher agreement

Gomez R

Asian J Psychiatr, 2014 Oct;11:35-8.

PMID: 25453694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2014.05.002

This study evaluated the measurement invariance and agreement across parent and teacher ratings of the DSM-IV-TR oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms.

Mental health services in Cambodia, challenges and opportunities in a post-conflict setting

Jegannathan B, Kullgren G, Deva P

Asian J Psychiatr, 2015 Feb;13:75-80.

PMID: 25563073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2014.12.006

Cambodia had suffered enormously due to war and internecine conflict during the latter half of the twentieth century, more so during the Vietnam War. Total collapse of education and health systems during the Pol Pot era continues to be a challenge for developing the necessary infrastructure and human resources to provide basic minimum mental health care which is compounded by the prevailing cultural belief and stigma over mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders (MNSDs). The mental health research and services in Cambodia had been predominantly 'trauma focused', a legacy of war, and there is a need to move toward epidemiologically sound public health oriented mental health policy and service development. Integrating mental health program with primary health care services with specifically stated minimum package of activities at primary level and complementary package of activities at secondary level is an opportunity to meet the needs and rights of persons with mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders (PWMNSDs) in Cambodia, provided there is mental health leadership, government commitment and political will.

Neighbourhood influences and its association with the mental health of adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Zahir Izuan A, Shamsul Azhar S, Tan MKS, Syed-Sharizman SAR

Asian J Psychiatr, 2018 Dec;38:35-41.

PMID: 30408711 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2018.10.018

BACKGROUND: Mental health problems are affecting more children and adolescents worldwide. Individual, family and school factors are often linked with mental health problems among adolescents.

AIM: To determine the neighbourhood factors influencing the prevalence of abnormal mental health status among adolescents in an urban population.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 13, 14 and 16 years old from thirteen secondary schools in Kuala Lumpur using validated questionnaires. A total of 567 adolescents participated in this study.

RESULTS: The prevalence of abnormal mental health status in this study was 4.4%. In multivariable analysis, female (OR = 1.79, 95%CI: 1.11-2.89), having divorced parents (OR = 3.53, 95%CI: 1.96-6.36), high educational stress (OR = 8.18, 95%CI: 4.25-15.75), medium educational stress (OR = 2.99, 95%CI: 1.53-5.83), whose house has been broken in before (OR = 2.02, 95%CI: 1.11-3.68) and living in a neighbourhood with low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.09, 95%CI: 1.23-3.56) were more likely to have abnormal mental health status.

CONCLUSIONS: Neighbourhood factors were found to be significant in determining adolescents' mental health status. The findings emphasize the importance of those in the public health sector to highlight these significant neighbourhood factors to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government. Swift action needs to be taken by the Ministry to provide solutions related to the neighbourhood factors and this can contribute to improvement in the adolescents' mental health.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder: prevalence based on parent and teacher ratings of Malaysian primary school children

Gomez R, Hafetz N, Gomez RM

Asian J Psychiatr, 2013 Aug;6(4):299-302.

PMID: 23810136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2013.01.008

BACKGROUND: This study examined the prevalence rate of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Malaysian primary school children.
METHODS: In all 934 Malaysian parents and teachers completed ratings of their children using a scale comprising DSM-IV-TR ODD symptoms.
RESULTS: Results showed rates of 3.10%, 3.85%, 7.49% and 0.64% for parent, teacher, parent or teacher ("or-rule"), and parent and teacher ("and-rule") ratings, respectively. When the functional impairment criterion was not considered, the rate reported by parents was higher at 13.28%.
DISCUSSION: The theoretical, diagnostic and cultural implications of the findings are discussed

Pain symptoms in Malay patients with major depression

Razali SM, Khalib AQ

Asian J Psychiatr, 2012 Dec;5(4):297-302.

PMID: 23174436 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2012.02.015

There is a strong association between depression and pain, which is influenced by various biological and psychological mechanisms. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence and severity of pain symptoms among patients with major depression; and to determine the correlation between pain with clinical variables, neurotic pathology and severity of depression.

Parenting attitudes and dimensions as predictors of adolescent behavioural problems in the Indian context: A community-based study

Sekaran VC, Kamath VG, Ashok L, Kamath A, Hegde AP, Devaramane V

Asian J Psychiatr, 2020 Apr;50:101941.

PMID: 32070886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2020.101941

INTRODUCTION: Adolescent behavioural problems are a growing public health concern. The authors in this study investigated paternal and maternal reports of parenting attitudes and dimensions as predictors of adolescent behavioural problems in the Indian context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using stratified sampling at the community level, 640 parents including 419 mothers and 221 fathers participated in the study. Tools included a socio-demographic pro-forma; Parental attitude inventory (PAI) to assess parenting attitudes, Parent Global Report of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) to assess current parenting dimensions, and the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to assess behavioural problems among adolescents. We examined the prevalence and predictors of total difficulties, externalizing and internalizing behavioural problems among adolescents from paternal and maternal reports.

RESULTS: Paternal and maternal reports of total difficulties (11.3 %, 13.6 %), externalizing (2.3 %, 1.9 %) and internalizing behaviours (8.6 %, 7.4 %) among adolescents are reported. Predictors of abnormal behaviours per paternal reports included lower social class and poor paternal control. Being a male adolescent increased the odds of total difficulties and externalizing problems. Favourable maternal attitude, good maternal warmth and control predicted the reduced likelihood of total difficulties and externalizing behaviours per maternal reports. Paternal control and maternal warmth and control were found to reduce the likelihood of internalizing behaviours among adolescents.

CONCLUSION: Maternal attitude, paternal control and maternal warmth and control dimensions emerged as significant predictors of total difficulties, externalizing and internalizing behavioural problems among adolescents.

Population screening in Asia: A unique opportunity to enhance early detection of psychosis?

Woodberry KA

Asian J Psychiatr, 2015 Dec;18:97-8.

PMID: 26498721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2015.09.005

A recent article in this journal (Razali et al., 2015) reports the results of a 2-stage study screening for psychosis risk in Malaysia. The researchers incorporated both selective and indicated prevention strategies and included self-report items probing non-specific "early" experiences as well as attenuated psychotic symptoms associated with the prodromal phase of schizophrenia. Given that increased stigma and reduced services may reduce help-seeking in many Asian countries, population screening may be more important to early detection of individuals at risk for psychosis. In fact, the availability of large population centers and greater trust of providers may make Asian research centers uniquely suited for conducting badly needed research on screening strategies and the role of cultural factors in the emergence of psychosis.

Postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms in a case of peripartum-onset depression and infanticide

Lee KKS, Yahya B

Asian J Psychiatr, 2019 Jan;39:10-11.

PMID: 30466055 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2018.11.004

Predictors of Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy outcomes for the treatment of depression in Malaysia

Mukhtar F, Oei TP

Asian J Psychiatr, 2011 Jun;4(2):125-8.

PMID: 23051078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2011.04.002

The aim of this study was to identify predictors of response to treatment for depression in Malaysia, using demographic and cognitive predictors. 113 patients, that were diagnosed with depression, were randomly assigned to the Treatment-As-Usual (TAU) (n=55), or TAU plus eight sessions of Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (TAU+GCBT; n=58). Pre-treatment using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Malay (ATQ-Malay), the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Malay (DAS-Malay), a quality of life scale, and demographic characteristics, were used in a series of multiple regression models, as potential predictors of the Beck Depression Inventory-Malay (BDI-Malay) post-assessment scores. Regression results revealed that age, the quality of life scale, and all three cognitive measures were significant predictors of outcomes in the Group Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (GCBT) group, showing that Beck's cognitive model for depression could be applied in Malaysia.

Preliminary data on the validity and reliability of the Malay version of the NUCOG

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.

Preliminary evidence for behavioral and electrophysiological validity of an emoji dot-probe paradigm for young adults with depression

Wong MY, Croarkin PE, Lee PF

Asian J Psychiatr, 2022 Feb;68:102968.

PMID: 34954613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102968

Preliminary findings on lifetime trauma prevalence and PTSD symptoms among adolescents in Sarawak Malaysia

Ghazali SR, Elklit A, Balang RV, Sultan MA, Kana K

Asian J Psychiatr, 2014 Oct;11:45-9.

PMID: 25453696 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2014.05.008

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of lifetime exposure to traumatic events and its relation to PTSD symptoms.

Prescription of antipsychotic and concomitant medications for adult Asian schizophrenia patients: Findings of the 2016 Research on Asian Psychotropic Prescription Patterns (REAP) survey

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.

Fulltext Prevalence and associated factors of stress, anxiety and depression among prospective medical students

Yusoff MS, Abdul Rahim AF, Baba AA, Ismail SB, Mat Pa MN, Esa AR

Asian J Psychiatr, 2013 Apr;6(2):128-33.

PMID: 23466109 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2012.09.012

Many studies have reported that the prevalence of psychological distress among medical students during medical training was high. However, there are very few studies exploring on the psychological health of prospective medical students. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors for stress, anxiety and depression symptoms among the prospective medical students. A cross-sectional study was done on two cohorts of applicants to a public medical school. A total of 839 applicants were invited to participate in the study. The 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale was administered to the applicants after they completed interviews. A total of 743 (92.2%) applicants took part in the study. The prevalence of moderate to extremely severe level of stress, anxiety and depression were 3.6%, 54.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Stress was significantly associated with extra-curricular activity (p<0.001) and race (p<0.001). Anxiety was associated with extra-curricular activity (p<0.001), race (p<0.001), mother education level (p=0.002) and CGPA group (p=0.034). Depression was associated with academic performance in class (p<0.001) and race (p=0.004). Prevalence of stress and depression among entering medical students was low; however prevalence of anxiety was high which could be due to worry about the interviews to enter medical course. The associated factors of psychological distress among prospective medical students were related to academic, non-academic, parent education and cultural backgrounds.

Prevalence and risk factors contributing to recidivism among patients admitted to Forensic Unit Hospital Permai Johor Bahru Malaysia

Jacob MFF, Razali S, Ali NF, Khamis J, Ahmad Y

Asian J Psychiatr, 2023 Jan;79:103325.

PMID: 36395701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103325

Prevalence of depression among diabetic patients in an outpatient clinic in Hospital Sik: A rural hospital in Malaysia

Ng TK

Asian J Psychiatr, 2010 Jun;3(2):76-7.

PMID: 23051195 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2010.03.008

Study period: 1 February 2008 till 1 August 2008
Study participants: 110 type 2 diabetes patients, 40% male, 96% malay
Study design: Cross-sectional study
Questionnaire: Beck depression inventory II (BDI-II) in Malay version
Prevalence of depression: 22%
Study site: Outpatient clinic, Hospital Sik, Kedah, Malaysia

Psychiatric morbidity in the Chola royal household

Somasundaram O

Asian J Psychiatr, 2013 Dec;6(6):506-9.

PMID: 24309862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2013.06.003

This article deals with the presence of hysterical astasia abasia in the father, and cyclothymic disturbance in the elder brother of the great Chola emperor and builder of the Big Temple at Thanjavur, Raja Raja.

Fulltext Psychological first aid training as a tool to address mental health problems during COVID-19

Kurniawan L, Sutanti N, Ningsih R, Wulandari NY, Ahmad AB, Kee P, et al.

Asian J Psychiatr, 2022 Sep;75:103226.

PMID: 35926297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103226

Psychological health and menopause-specific quality of life of Malaysian women with type 2 diabetes

Hasan SS, Thiruchelvam K, Ahmed SI, Clavarino AM, Mamun AA, Kairuz T

Asian J Psychiatr, 2016 Oct;23:56-63.

PMID: 27969080 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.07.005

Anxiety and depression are more common among females and those experiencing diabetes and menopause. Menopausal symptoms experienced by women can vary tremendously from population to population; therefore, there is a need to investigate these symptoms and associated risk factors in different communities. This study investigated the differences in psychological health and menopause-specific quality of life (MENQOL) between women with and without diabetes type 2 (T2DM) in Malaysia. Women with T2DM (n=320) were matched by age range to controls without T2DM (n=320). Data were collected from March 2012 to January 2013. Delusions Symptoms States Inventory (DSSI) instrument was used to identify symptoms of depression and anxiety. Women with diabetes had higher depressive (11.8% versus 8.4%) and anxiety (8.4% versus 6.6%) symptoms compared to women without diabetes. In both groups, the most common menopausal symptom was aches (muscles and joints). Women without diabetes had significantly higher scores for the sexual domain compared to women with diabetes (4.20 versus 3.21, p=0.001). The odds that a postmenopausal woman with diabetes was depressed or anxious on the DSSI scale increased significantly when the MENQOL score on the physical, vasomotor, and psychosocial domains increased by one unit. Both diabetes and psychological problems have negative impact on MENQOL. Our findings support the view of screening postmenopausal women with diabetes for depressive and anxiety, to improve overall quality of life.

Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 85 in total