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Fulltext Global health film club - bringing global health issues and activism to local communities

Nicholas Pang, Jiann Lin Loo

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(106):50-50.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Global health awareness is sorely lacking in medical curricula and the general public, leading to increasing apathy and decreased levels of volunteerism. Much knowledge about pertinent global health issues is sequestered with academicians and researchers, with little public trickle down. The aim of the study was to increase awareness among Sabahan public about global health issues and promote discussion. Methods: A global health film club was established at community level and discussions about issues and potential individual action points was conducted. Films were screened every month in both UMS and Palliative Care Center Sabah. Global health issues ranging from First World manipulation of HIV/AIDS medication prices, deregulation of medical devices industries, heroin addiction, ADHD drug abuse, and stigma in psychiatry were covered. Public participants’ responses were collected qualitatively. Results: The films largely were well received by participants, with most participants prefer-ring the expose-type films over the more narrative approaches. Films spurred discussion about how foreign or global issues were related to local level, for example unscrupulous sale of medical devices in Malaysian populations and abuse of sleeping medications from local health providers. Also each film screening vastly increased participants’ awareness of pertinent issues, and spurred them to evangelise about said issues to others and take small actions. Conclusion: Global health is a somewhat neglected part of medical and community curricula. Lack of awareness about global health issues reduces the public’s capacity for collective action in exerting pressure on stakeholders, governments, and civil society in taking action. It is hoped such regular global health film screenings at local level brings literacy on urgent public health issues to the people for whom it matters most – the communities where ad-verse global health consequences eventually arise.

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
The state of psychiatric research in the Asia Pacific region

Roche GC, Fung P, Ransing R, Noor IM, Shalbafan M, El Hayek S, et al.

Asia Pac Psychiatry, 2021 Mar;13(1):e12432.
PMID: 33145988 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12432

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to review recent scientific publications and research output in the field of psychiatry, from a series of countries in the Asia-Pacific region (Australia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Nepal), with a view to identify themes and similarities across regions, as well as to examine the barriers and challenges in mental health research faced by countries in the region.
METHODS: Seven psychiatrists from seven countries reviewed recent published and ongoing research in psychiatry in their respective nations, with respect to themes, as well as any barriers or challenges faced by mental health researchers.
RESULTS: While the seven nations included in this review vary in terms of research capabilities and economic development level, they share many similarities both in terms of research direction, and with regards to challenges faced. Limitations in the form of sociocultural differences from the West, and a lack of funding were some of the barriers identified.
DISCUSSION: Mental health research in the region has been progressing well. However, more varied research in the form of qualitative or economic studies are lacking, as are multi-center studies. The similar issues that nations face with regards to research could perhaps benefit from collaborative efforts and initiatives for the furtherance of research in the region.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext COVID-19 Pandemic - a review and assessing higher education institution undergraduate student’s mental health

Mohd Amiruddin Mohd Kassim, Pang, Nicholas Tze Ping, Sandi James

Borneo Epidemiology Journal, 2020;1(2):0-0.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The current COVID-19 pandemic has sequelae reverberating around Malaysia, particularly in university students, as Malaysian university students are isolated in their university campuses in semi-quarantine status. This article seeks to review the existing literature on the specialized issue of university student-related psychological sequelae of COVID-19, and seeks to offer some recommendations through the process.
Methods: Existing literature demonstrates that COVID-19 has affected university students psychosocially, with the rate of anxiety and depression markedly increased. There have been significant alterations of lifestyle related to education, in accordance with the new normal, resulting in isolation and feelings of disengagement with education. Moreover, with the current uncertainties regarding their studies and possible financial depression postpandemic, the future is deeply worrying and will adversely affect their mental health.
Results: Quantitatively, recent findings indicate 33.3% of the undergraduates in a higher education institution are noted to be in stress. Therefore, multiple interventions have been implemented; a customized ultra-brief psychological module, an online tele psychiatry hotline (COVID Cares) and tele-counselling, which have received universally positive feedback.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the review demonstrates that undergraduates’ psychological health is an aspect that needs urgent attention as it is not merely limited to the fear of COVID-19, but also related to the social aspects of the pandemic. Multiple interventions have been seen to be efficacious in reducing the psychological sequelae

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Prevalence & Experience Of Contact With Traditional Healers Among Patients With First-Episode Psychosis In Hospital Kuala Lumpur

Phang, C.K., Marhani, M., Salina, A.A.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2010;19(2):1-9.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Patients with mental disorders in Malaysia often seek help from traditional healers prior to consulting psychiatric service. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence and experience of contact with traditional healers among patients with first-episode psychosis in Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL). Methods: This is a hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study of 50 in-patients with first-episode psychosis in HKL. Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Clinical Version for Axis I Disorders (SCID-CV) was used for establishing diagnosis. Socio-demographic data, information on help-seeking pathways, and experience of contact with traditional healers were determined through face-to-face interview and semi-structured questionnaires. Results: Twenty seven (54%) of the patients had at least one contact with traditional healers prior to consulting psychiatric service, and it was the most popular first point of non-psychiatric help-seeking contact (48%). About a quarter of them (24%) had 3 or more contacts with traditional healers prior to consulting psychiatric service. The most common type of traditional treatment received was prayer (25, 96.3%). Only 2 patients (7.41%) reported having some beneficial effects from traditional treatments. There were two patients who reported having adverse experience with traditional healers. Among those who had sought help from traditional healers, one third was recommended by at least one of their traditional healers to seek medical help. Conclusion: History of contact with traditional healers prior to consulting psychiatric service was common among inpatients with first-episode psychosis in HKL. There may be potential meaningful collaborations between psychiatrists and traditional healers for better management of patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext An adolescent with anorexia nervosa - a case report

Khairani O, Majmin SH, Saharuddin A, Loh SF, Noor Azimah M, Hizlinda T

Malays Fam Physician, 2011;6(2):79-81.
PMID: 25606230 MyJurnal

This case report illustrates an adolescent with clinical presentation of moderate anorexia nervosa with no significant co-morbidities. It highlights the management of anorexia nervosa in the outpatient setting by a multi-disciplinary health care team which includes a family physician, a dietician, a psychologist and a child psychiatrist.

Matched MeSH terms: Child Psychiatry
Fulltext Sociodemographic profiles of caregivers and their association with burden of care in dementia

Rosdinom, R., Norzarina, M.Z., Ruzanna, Z., Zanariah, M.S.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2011;20(1):1-10.
MyJurnal

Caring for a family member with dementia is associated with distress and several caregiver factors are known to be determinants of burden of care.
Objective: To determine the relationship between the caregivers’ sociodemographic variables and their perceived burden of care.
Methods: Patients diagnosed as having dementia with their caregivers were selected through a non-randomised sampling method from the psychogeriatric and memory clinics in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre and Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Burden of care was assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview.
Results: Age, gender, educational achievement, ethnicity and kinship of the 65 caregivers did not show any significant statistical difference in relation to their perceived burden. Conclusion: Burden in caring after patients with dementia was not significantly determined by the sociodemographic characteristics of their caregivers
Study site: Psychogeriartic clinics and memory clinics of Pusat Perubatan University Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM) and Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Matched MeSH terms: Geriatric Psychiatry
Fulltext Prevalence of Psychological Distress and Depressive Disorders among Married Working Women in Malaysia

Umi Adzlin, S., Marhani, M., salina, A.A., Ruzanna, Z., Rosdinom, R., Rozhan Sharif, M.R., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2011;20(1):1-12.
MyJurnal

This two-phase study examined the prevalence of depressive disorders among married working women in a sub-urban area in Malaysia. The Malay version of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) was used for initial screening. Using multistage cluster sampling, there were 700 subjects from 25 workplaces that were approached, of which 307 filled out GHQ-12 in the initial phase. The prevalence of psychological distress (GHQ 2/3 cut off) is 22.8% (n=70, 95% CI 18.1-27.5). In the second phase, all 49 consenting patients who were screened positive for severe psychological distress (GHQ 3/4 cut off point) were telephone-interviewed by a trained psychiatrist with the Malay version of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I) to diagnose depressive disorders. The prevalence of depressive disorders was 5.5% (n=17, 95% CI 3.5-7.5). The prevalence of depressive disorders is comparable to those found in the working population worldwide.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Validation of the Malay version of auditory verbal learning test (MVAVLT) among schizophrenia patients in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM), Malaysia

Zahiruddin Othman, Muhammad Najib Muhammad Alwi, Kamarul Imran Musa, Muhammad Najib Muhammad Alwi, Ruzita Jamaluddin

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2009;10(1):54-74.
MyJurnal

Objective: Many studies have emphasized the significance of verbal memory for the functional outcome in schizophrenia. A preserved capability to encode and recall verbal information is essential for the long-term efficacy of psychoeducational programs and other
psychological intervention to ensure the successful transfer of newly acquired skills or knowledge into everyday life. Aims of this study aimed to validate the MVALT among schizophrenia patients in HUSM. Methods: The subjects were 15 schizophrenia patients
conveniently selected from the patients that attended follow up at the psychiatry clinic in HUSM or inpatients who have been admitted during the study period and 15 healthy control subjects as a comparison. Reliability and validity of the MVAVLT were analyzed. Results: The validation study showed that the Malay version Auditory Verbal Learning Test (MVAVLT) had a good validity (factor analysis 0.66 to 0.98) and test-retest reliability (pearson correlation ranged from 0.24 to 0.84) and has been shown to be sensitive in
discriminating between normal and schizophrenia patients. In line with the previous research, the schizophrenia patients performed significantly worse than healthy control in all indexes measured in MVAVLT. Conclusion: The screening of deficits in verbal learning
and memory among the schizophrenia patients is important, for early detection and treatment since it can be helpful for clinicians and psychologists in their counseling sessions. Subsequently, it helps patients to reduce such cognitive difficulties and their impact by using specific rehabilitation with the usage of newer antipsychotic agents.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Investigating the relationship between post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and emotional intelligence among adolescent refugees from the Middle East

Siti Raudzah Ghazali

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(2):220-224.
MyJurnal

Objective: The objective of this study was to establish the relationship between symptoms of PTSD and various scores of emotional intelligence scales. This study employed a cross-sectional research design. Participants were recruited from the local community health centre in Dearborn, Michigan, USA. The Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index (CPTS-RI) measured the presence of PTSD symptoms and the Adolescents Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Scale (AMEIS) measured emotional intelligence. Results: The findings suggest an inverse relationship between PTSD severity and emotional intelligence. The PTSD score was negatively correlated with all AMEIS subscales. Two significant negative correlations were found in the tasks of using emotion and understanding emotion. Conclusion: Findings suggest that individuals with severe PTSD symptoms appear to lack the abilities to understand and use emotions. These findings might be useful in identifying factors that may contribute to decreasing the severity of PTSD symptoms of these children. Implications of the findings were discussed, and recommendations for future research are presented. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2), July - December 2014: 220-224.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Coping styles and Stroop test in non-clinical sample: exploring the associations and predictors of cognitive styles

Chang, Teo Yong, Nasir Yusoff, Begum, Tahamina

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2015;16(1):75-83.
MyJurnal

Objective: Literatures on factors influencing performance of the Stroop interference have been elusive on coping styles. Past investigations of coping influence on Stroop test have been indirect and inconclusive due to variability of multidimensional coping models and application of different Stroop test. The concept of constricted versus flexible or broad cognitive style have linked personality and coping styles to Stroop performance. The objective of this study was to determine the associations of coping styles with Stroop resistance towards interference (Stroop RI) and subsequently determine the predictors of Stroop performance. Methods: This was a cross-sectional community research design study with purposive sampling. In this study, the self-administered Brief COPE inventory questionnaires and Stroop Test were performed among 205 undergraduate medical students. Results: Findings revealed that behavioural disengagement (r=-0.361), dysfunctional coping (r=-0.355), self-blame (r = 0.222), and substance abuse (r = -0.173) showed negative correlation and proven strong association with Stroop RI. Further multiple regression analyses identified behavioural disengagement (R2 = 0.13), and dysfunctional coping (R2 = 0.024) as significant predictors for interference. Conclusion: Coping styles have implication on Stroop test exhibited in varied cognitive styles. Integrating coping styles factor on Stroop test has glimpsed the future direction of other neuropsychological assessment batteries on the importance of profiling individualistic baseline norms. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 16 (1): January – June 2015: XX XX.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Chronic mania: psychosocial impact to the family and role of community mental health team in providing care

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.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Associations between personality traits and aggression among Malay adult male inmates in Malaysia

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.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Assessment effects of maintenance therapy on quality of life of opiate abusers

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.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Determining the cut-off score for a Malay language version of the centre for epidemiologic studies depression scale (CESD)

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.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Linking psychological traits with criminal behaviour: a review

Mohammad Rahim Kamaluddin, Nadiah Syariani Md Sharif, Azizah Othman, Khaidzir Hj Ismail, Geshina Ayu Mat Saat

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2015;16(2):135-147.
MyJurnal

Apart from environmental and social factors, psychological traits is largely linked with criminal and delinquent behaviour. The purpose of this article is to review four critical psychological traits of individuals that may lead to criminal behaviour in a nutshell. Methods: An archival research methodology was employed in this study where relevant search for literatures on these four psychological traits was made across search engines such as Google Scholar with relevant articles selected for this review. The literatures were microscopically reviewed in order to demonstrate the linkage between psychological traits and criminal behaviour. Results: Four psychological traits: personality trait, low selfcontrol, aggression behaviour, and cognitive distortion were chosen to address such linkages. All these four traits were discussed thoroughly in relation to crime and criminality contexts. Conclusion: It is crucial to understand the role of these traits and in-depth understanding of each psychological trait with relation of criminal behaviour offers an opportunity to the public at large to expand their knowledge on the importance of practicing and equipping oneself with healthy psychological traits to hinder from criminal and delinquent acts. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 16 (2): July – December 2015: XX XX.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext Validation of the Malay-translated version of the center for epidemiological study - depression scale (CES-D)

Nurul Hazrina Mazlan, Affizal Ahmad

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(1):54-65.
MyJurnal

Objective: This study aims to establish the validity and reliability of the Malay- translated version of the CES-D. Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional study design. The participants were female inmates (n=90) from local prisons which were selected based on purposive-selective sampling. The analyses include face validation, factor analysis, and reliability testing. A test-retest was conducted within a one-week interval. Results: The mean score for depression among the participants is 18.97 (SD=6.51). Further descriptive analysis showed that 58.9% of them scored above the mean score, which is considered high. Preliminary construct validation analysis confirmed that factor analysis was appropriate for the Malay-translated version of the CES-D. Furthermore, the factor analysis showed similar factor loadings to the original English version. The total internal consistency of the translated version, which was measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, was equal to 0.75. The test-retest reliability of the total score, measured by Pearson’s correlation was equal to 0.69. Conclusions: Face validity, construct validity, and reliability analysis were found satisfactory for the Malay-translated version of the CES-D. The Malay-translated version of the CES-D was found valid and reliable to be used in future studies, with comparable properties to the original version and to previous studies. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (1): January - June 2014: 54-65.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry
Fulltext The experiences and challenges in caring for HIV/AIDS patients: a qualitative exploration among Muslim family caregivers in Terengganu, Malaysia

Pei, Lin Lua, Norhayati Mustapha, Ramle Abdullah, Ahmad Kashfi Abdul Rahman

ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;15(2):120-130.
MyJurnal

Objective: The family caregiver has a pivotal role in the management of HIV/AIDS patients and their well-being is consequently crucial as it could impact negatively on the quality of caregiving. This preliminary qualitative investigation intended to explore and describe the challenges and experiences of HIV/AIDS family caregivers in Terengganu, Malaysia. Methods: A convenient sample of family caregivers of HIV/AIDS patients who were aware of the diagnosis was enrolled. Recruitment was conducted in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia and semi-structured interviews were used. Results: Results were transcribed into verbatim before being subjected to analysis. Twelve Muslim caregivers consented participation (age range = 18.0 - 81.0; female = 75.0%, mother/wife = 50.0%; married = 83.3%; ≤ primary school
= 50.0%; and self-employed = 66.7%). The four major themes that emerged were challenges of caregiving, financial issues, stigma and discrimination, and support for caregivers. Additionally, caregivers did mention several positive aspects of their caregiving role including satisfaction from helping family member and improved family relationships. Conclusion: A variety of life aspects were negatively affected by caring for HIV patients, thus requiring a multidisciplinary approach to address such issues. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 120-130.

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 Epigenetics, mental health and transgenerational epigenetic effects

Lake, H., Pridmore, S.

Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2014;23(1):89-100.
MyJurnal

Objective: to review the field of epigenetics, and present basic and recent material that may be of interest to clinical psychiatrists. We include basic molecular mechanism, a consideration of findings related to mental disorders, evidence of sustained effects, and the evidence for and implications of transgenerational epigenetic modifications. Method: we examined all the available papers for the last five years identified by PubMed using the words ‘epigenetics’ and ‘epigenetics psychiatry’, and the available leading specialized textbooks. Results: we report on molecular mechanisms including DNA and histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs. While some modifications are short-lived, others are life-long. Depression, suicide, schizophrenia, PTSD, borderline personality disorder and drug addiction are among the conditions for which epigenetic involvement has been proposed. Transgenerational epigenetics enables the environmental experience of one generation to be non-genetically inherited by subsequent generations. This has been molecularly demonstrated in laboratory animals and epidemically suggested in humans. Conclusions: epigenetics provides a new way of understanding human behavior and points to potential therapies for mental disorders. Should it transpire that transgenerational epigenetic modifications apply with force in humans as they do to laboratory animals, this will emphasize the need for cultural shift, safe societies with ample opportunities.

Matched MeSH terms: Psychiatry

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