Suchergebnisse

Background: Recent studies show that self-reported psychotic-like experiences in general population samples are quite common and on a continuum with psychotic symptoms in clinical samples. However, most evidence comes from western settings and there is a dearth of research in developing countries. Examination of these experiences across different cultures adds to their validity. Aims: To assess psychotic-like ideations and its association with poor mental health in a group of young normal individuals in Iran. Methods: A total of 150 medical students with no history of a psychiatric disorder completed the Peters et al. Delusions Inventory (PDI-40) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Psychotic-like ideations were rated on the basis of their presence, as well as their levels of distress, preoccupation and conviction (PDI sub-scores). Results: On average, 9.4 psychotic-like ideations were reported by the subjects (range 0—28). More frequent psychotic-like ideations and higher distress and preoccupation associated with these ideations were correlated with poor mental health as assessed by the GHQ. Conclusion: Frequency of psychotic-like ideation and its dimensions, as well as its association with poor mental health, were comparable to the studies on healthy subjects conducted in Europe.

Background: One in four families has at least one member with a mental disorder and families are the main caregivers in most patients in low and middle-income countries. Caregivers experience disruption in their routine lives, increased responsibilities, increased need for support, and changes in their network. The role of personal support networks in the health and burden of the caregivers is complex and depends on the context, cultural and socioeconomical variables. In this study, we aimed to investigate the personal support network of caregivers of patients with severe mental illness in Iran. Methods: By using a mixed-methods design, we focused on the structure and composition of caregiver networks, as well as self-perceived caregiver support. Results: We found that the support network of caregivers was mostly composed of immediate family members whom themselves were selectively chosen as a result of the multidimensional process of interaction between stigma, availability, and the perceived needs of caregivers. The participants mentioned economic and instrumental supports more frequently than emotional support, probably reflecting their unmet basic needs. Advocacy for providing formal systemic supports to caregivers, as well as interventions that expand caregivers personal support network is recommended. Conclusions: Most participants of the study were relatively isolated and had a small network of support, mostly composed of immediate family members. Stigma was a serious source of family distress for caregivers and a limiting factor in social relationships.

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Assessments of DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria with sample populations of opioid users are limited. This study aimed to determine the number of latent classes in opioid users and assessment of the proposed revisions to the DSM-5 opioid use disorder (OUD) criteria. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Data came from the 2011 Iranian National Mental Health Survey (IranMHS) on 7,886 participants aged 15-64 years living in Iran. We used the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) version 2.1 in all respondents who indicated using opioids at least 5 times in the previous 12 months (n = 236). <b><i>Results:</i></b> A three-class model provided the best fit of all the models tested. Classes showed a spectrum of severity that was compatible with the DSM-5 classification. 'Legal problems' and 'desire to cut down' showed poor discrimination between classes. The weighted prevalence of OUD using DSM-5 was 20.7% higher than with DSM-IV. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Results support the grouping based on severity of symptoms, combining abuse and dependence into a single diagnosis, omitting legal problems, and addition of craving as a new criterion.