Since more than half a century, the association of urbanicity with psychosis has been explored. T... more Since more than half a century, the association of urbanicity with psychosis has been explored. The research interest initially stemmed from the finding of a higher proportion of cases of psychotic disorder coming for treatment from the inner parts of cities. Subsequently, interest in the relationship of urbanicity and schizophrenia expanded and various facets of this association were explored. This narrative review provides an overview of the relationship between urbanicity and psychosis, and evaluates the link from the standpoint of causality. The review further delves into the possible risk factors and mechanisms explaining this association; both biological ones like genetic vulnerability and infections, as well as environmental ones like pollution. Since the literature has primarily emerged from the developed western countries, the review draws attention to the caveats while extrapolating the results to a developing country scenario.
SUMMARY Schizoaffective disorder as a diagnostic entity is of particular present-day relevance; h... more SUMMARY Schizoaffective disorder as a diagnostic entity is of particular present-day relevance; however, the concept of schizoaffective disorder, and its management and prognosis remain contentious. Descriptions of the disorder have varied over time. In this literature review, after tracking the evolution of the concept and nosology of schizoaffective disorder, research findings are summarized. This review takes a broad overview of the epidemiology, neurobiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic validity and stability, treatment, course, and outcome of schizoaffective disorder. Importance is given to the distinctness of schizoaffective disorder, and the overlap with schizophrenia and mood disorders, and problems associated with the construct are examined. Possible ways to treat the construct in the future¾in the best interest of patients, clinicians, and researchers¾are discussed.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics - INDIAN J PEDIATR, 2007
Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children ... more Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children and adults. We hereby describe a 12.5 yr old boy with this rare disorder that presented with an acute onset of episodic psychosis with hallucinations along with seizures and had elevated antithyroid antibodies. Symptoms improved with thyroxine replacement and anticonvulsants and EEG normalized 3 mth into follow up. Hashimoto’s encephalopathy should be considered in patients with unexplained encephalopathy and seizures, as prompt recognition and management can lead to an excellent outcome.
In the recent changes in medical education and health-care systems, stressful work condition and ... more In the recent changes in medical education and health-care systems, stressful work condition and concurrent destabilizing psychosocial dynamics can result in adverse consequences of medical trainee's mental health. This can range from the usual stress in a medical school to distress and long-term burnout emerging into psychological disorders often underrecognized and ill managed. Stigma and poorly integrated available mental health services, administration, peers, and families can be roadblocks to implement an effective campus mental health services. This article also provides a template of student mental health service model in our institution and suggested measures for a holistic professional grooming during medical curriculum.
Introduction: The relation between temperament and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD... more Introduction: The relation between temperament and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is complex and understood in different ways, with the most common being risk model and spectrum model. However, the evidence is mixed and emerging. Aim: To assess the relationship between ADHD symptoms and temperament dimensions in a clinical sample of school-aged children. Methods: A retrospective assessment of temperament of 50 children with ADHD was done on temperament measurement schedule. The mean and standard deviation was computed for continuous variables and frequency and percentage for discontinuous variables and correlation and regression analysis was computed. Results: Children with ADHD were high on activity level, intensity of reaction, approach, and distractibility and low on persistence and threshold of responsiveness. The strength of significant correlations between temperamental dimensions and ADHD symptoms (P < 0.05) ranged from 0.32 to 0.41. On regression analysis, temperament could explain 22% variance of inattention subscale and around 20% variance in hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale. Conclusion: This moderate level of relation suggests that though certain temperamental traits are related to symptoms of ADHD, temperament and ADHD are phenotypically separate constructs, further favoring the risk model.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Is it "irritable brain" or "irritable bowel"? Irritable bowel syndrome ... more Irritable bowel syndrome: Is it "irritable brain" or "irritable bowel"? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been recognized as one of the most common and best studied disorders among the group of functional gastrointestinal disorders. It is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with defecation or a change in bowel habit. In the Western world, IBS appears to affect up to 20% of the population at any given time but in Asian countries, the median value of IBS prevalence defined by various criteria ranges between 6.5% and 10.1%, and community prevalence of 4% is found in North India. Those attending gastroenterology clinics represent only the tip of the iceberg. The disorder substantially impairs the quality of life, and the overall health-care costs are high. IBS has therefore gained increased attention from clinicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical industries. It is often frustrating to both patients and physicians as the disease is usually chronic in nature and difficult to treat. However, the understanding of IBS has been changing from time to time and still most of its concepts are unknown. In this review we have discussed, debated, and synthesized the evidence base, focusing on underlying mechanisms in the brain and bowel. We conclude that it is both brain and bowel mechanisms that are responsible. The clinical implication of such mechanisms is discussed.
Introduction: To mitigate the spread of the pandemic coronavirus infection (COVID-19), government... more Introduction: To mitigate the spread of the pandemic coronavirus infection (COVID-19), governments across the world have adopted “lockdowns” which have confined many individuals to their homes. This disrupts normal life routines, elements of which are important circadian cues. The pandemic is also associated with new stressors, altered roles, and uncertainties about health and economic security, which are also likely to affect sleep. The current study is an online survey of sleep experience, routines, physical activity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, to study the alterations associated with the lockdown. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted in early May 2020 using a questionnaire circulated through social media platforms. Questions related to demographic characteristics, current and previous sleep schedules, routine, and working patterns. Insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index - 4), Stress (Perceived Stress Scale - 4), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire - 4) and physical activity (International Physical Activities Questionnaire) were assessed using standardized instruments. Results: A total of 958 valid responses were received. Compared to the prelockdown period, there was a shift to a later bedtime and waking time, with a reduction in night-time sleep and an increase in day-time napping. These effects were visible across occupational groups, but mostly affected working individuals except health professionals. Sleep quality deteriorated across groups. Reductions in sleep duration were associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown is associated with changes in sleep schedule and in the quantity and quality of night-time sleep. Although these changes are associated with elevated rates of emotional symptoms, it is unclear from these cross-sectional results, whether sleep deterioration produces psychological distress, or vice versa.
The use of zolpidem by general practitioners and specialists alike has increased. Earlier, it was... more The use of zolpidem by general practitioners and specialists alike has increased. Earlier, it was considered safe by physicians, i.e. devoid of dependence potential and the risk of serious adverse events. We report 5 patients seen over a 36-month
Indian journal of occupational and environmental medicine
We all know that 2014 has been declared as the hottest year globally by the Meteorological depart... more We all know that 2014 has been declared as the hottest year globally by the Meteorological department of United States of America. Climate change is a global challenge which is likely to affect the mankind in substantial ways. Not only climate change is expected to affect physical health, it is also likely to affect mental health. Increasing ambient temperatures is likely to increase rates of aggression and violent suicides, while prolonged droughts due to climate change can lead to more number of farmer suicides. Droughts otherwise can lead to impaired mental health and stress. Increased frequency of disasters with climate change can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and depression. Changes in climate and global warming may require population to migrate, which can lead to acculturation stress. It can also lead to increased rates of physical illnesses, which secondarily would be associated with psychological distress. The possible effects of mitigation meas...
Teachers are perhaps the closest observers of child&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s academic performanc... more Teachers are perhaps the closest observers of child&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s academic performance and can be instrumental in detecting learning disorder (LD) early. The present study aimed to assess the teachers&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; perceptions about LD. This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in the public schools located in the urban, rural and slum areas of Chandigarh. Teachers were recruited from 20 randomly selected schools out of a total of 103 schools in the Union Territory by proportionate sampling. The sample size required for α of 0.05 and power of 0.80 to detect a difference of 15% from base rate of 35% was 80. Eighty teachers of 3(rd) and 4(th) grades of these schools were recruited using purposive sampling. Teachers were briefed for 5 minutes about the symptoms of LD. They were asked questions using a structured questionnaire about their socio-demographic status, methods of teaching, and students&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; progress and their perception about LD. Descriptive statistics was mainly used to represent nominal and ordinal data using frequency and percentages. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to assess relationship between the variables. Eighty teachers were recruited, 87.5% were females, 57.5% had more than 5 years teaching experience; 56.3% of teachers thought that they were aware of LD, 67.5% of teachers perceived that they do encounter children with LD in the school, 43.8% endorsed educating such children in special schools, while 36.3% endorsed integration to regular schools. Interestingly, more than three fifth of teachers were willing to undergo special training for LD intervention. Teachers acknowledge that there is a need for further steps to be taken to help children with LD. They perceive opening special cells or sending such children to special schools for appropriate intervention which may not tally with the perception of clinician who may wish to provide LD intervention in hospital setting.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and depressive disorder are f... more Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and depressive disorder are fairly common; symptoms do overlap, often under-identified and under-emphasized, particularly in rural India. The objective was to assess the occurrence of PMS and PMDD in a sample of students and staff of a nursing college and to find their correlation with depression. A prospective cohort study; Tertiary Care Hospital in Rural India (Wardha, Maharashtra); 118 female nursing students or staff aged between 18 and 40 years, who were likely to stay within the institution for the study period. The participants were rated on Penn daily symptom report prospectively for a period of 3-month. Those who scored positive were applied diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4(th) edition, text revision (DSM-IV TR) criteria for PMDD; and were applied primary care evaluation of mental disorders depression screening followed by DSM-IV TR criteria for depression. Severity of depression was...
Children under 19 years of age constitute over 40% of India's population and information abou... more Children under 19 years of age constitute over 40% of India's population and information about their mental health needs is a national imperative. Children with specific learning disorders (SLDs) exhibit academic difficulties disproportionate to their intellectual capacities. Prevalence of SLD ranges from 2% to 10%. Dyslexia (developmental reading disorder) is the most common type, affecting 80% of all SLD. About 30% of learning disabled children have behavioral and emotional problems, which range from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (most common) to depression, anxiety, suicide etc., to substance abuse (least common). Co-occurrence of such problems with SLD further adds to the academic difficulty. In such instances, diagnosis is difficult and tricky; improvement in academics demands comprehensive holistic treatment approach. SLD remains a large public health problem because of under-recognition, inadequate treatment and therefore merits greater effort to understand the...
Hashimoto's encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children ... more Hashimoto's encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children and adults. We hereby describe a 12.5 yr old boy with this rare disorder that presented with an acute onset of episodic psychosis with hallucinations along with seizures and had elevated antithyroid antibodies. Symptoms improved with thyroxine replacement and anticonvulsants and EEG normalized 3 mth into follow up. Hashimoto's encephalopathy should be considered in patients with unexplained encephalopathy and seizures, as prompt recognition and management can lead to an excellent outcome. [Indian J Pediatr 2007; 74 (5) : 492-494]
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine Education and Research, 2012
Koro is a term, probably of Malayasian origin, a culture bound syndrome, which refers to an episo... more Koro is a term, probably of Malayasian origin, a culture bound syndrome, which refers to an episode of sudden and intense anxiety that the penis will recede into the body and possibly cause death. The syndrome is reported in South and East Asia including Eastern India, occasionally found in west. It can occur in localized epidemic and sporadic form or in complete and incomplete form. In some, this is reported as a forerunner of mood disorder and is understood in the context of psychosexual conflicts, personality and culture. Moreover, reports of sporadic Koro are rare from Noneastern India and report of a holistic and comprehensive approach to understand and manage such cases are lacking. Hence, In today's era of extinction of psychotherapeutic treatments particularly in India, this rare case is a small example of how such comprehensive holistic treatments can be helpful to our population. How to cite this article: Panigrahi M, Padhy SK, Behere PB. Understanding and Managing Complete form of Sporadic Koro Syndrome associated with Depression. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2012;46(2):104-105.
Since more than half a century, the association of urbanicity with psychosis has been explored. T... more Since more than half a century, the association of urbanicity with psychosis has been explored. The research interest initially stemmed from the finding of a higher proportion of cases of psychotic disorder coming for treatment from the inner parts of cities. Subsequently, interest in the relationship of urbanicity and schizophrenia expanded and various facets of this association were explored. This narrative review provides an overview of the relationship between urbanicity and psychosis, and evaluates the link from the standpoint of causality. The review further delves into the possible risk factors and mechanisms explaining this association; both biological ones like genetic vulnerability and infections, as well as environmental ones like pollution. Since the literature has primarily emerged from the developed western countries, the review draws attention to the caveats while extrapolating the results to a developing country scenario.
SUMMARY Schizoaffective disorder as a diagnostic entity is of particular present-day relevance; h... more SUMMARY Schizoaffective disorder as a diagnostic entity is of particular present-day relevance; however, the concept of schizoaffective disorder, and its management and prognosis remain contentious. Descriptions of the disorder have varied over time. In this literature review, after tracking the evolution of the concept and nosology of schizoaffective disorder, research findings are summarized. This review takes a broad overview of the epidemiology, neurobiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic validity and stability, treatment, course, and outcome of schizoaffective disorder. Importance is given to the distinctness of schizoaffective disorder, and the overlap with schizophrenia and mood disorders, and problems associated with the construct are examined. Possible ways to treat the construct in the future¾in the best interest of patients, clinicians, and researchers¾are discussed.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics - INDIAN J PEDIATR, 2007
Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children ... more Hashimoto’s encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children and adults. We hereby describe a 12.5 yr old boy with this rare disorder that presented with an acute onset of episodic psychosis with hallucinations along with seizures and had elevated antithyroid antibodies. Symptoms improved with thyroxine replacement and anticonvulsants and EEG normalized 3 mth into follow up. Hashimoto’s encephalopathy should be considered in patients with unexplained encephalopathy and seizures, as prompt recognition and management can lead to an excellent outcome.
In the recent changes in medical education and health-care systems, stressful work condition and ... more In the recent changes in medical education and health-care systems, stressful work condition and concurrent destabilizing psychosocial dynamics can result in adverse consequences of medical trainee's mental health. This can range from the usual stress in a medical school to distress and long-term burnout emerging into psychological disorders often underrecognized and ill managed. Stigma and poorly integrated available mental health services, administration, peers, and families can be roadblocks to implement an effective campus mental health services. This article also provides a template of student mental health service model in our institution and suggested measures for a holistic professional grooming during medical curriculum.
Introduction: The relation between temperament and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD... more Introduction: The relation between temperament and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is complex and understood in different ways, with the most common being risk model and spectrum model. However, the evidence is mixed and emerging. Aim: To assess the relationship between ADHD symptoms and temperament dimensions in a clinical sample of school-aged children. Methods: A retrospective assessment of temperament of 50 children with ADHD was done on temperament measurement schedule. The mean and standard deviation was computed for continuous variables and frequency and percentage for discontinuous variables and correlation and regression analysis was computed. Results: Children with ADHD were high on activity level, intensity of reaction, approach, and distractibility and low on persistence and threshold of responsiveness. The strength of significant correlations between temperamental dimensions and ADHD symptoms (P < 0.05) ranged from 0.32 to 0.41. On regression analysis, temperament could explain 22% variance of inattention subscale and around 20% variance in hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale. Conclusion: This moderate level of relation suggests that though certain temperamental traits are related to symptoms of ADHD, temperament and ADHD are phenotypically separate constructs, further favoring the risk model.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Is it "irritable brain" or "irritable bowel"? Irritable bowel syndrome ... more Irritable bowel syndrome: Is it "irritable brain" or "irritable bowel"? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been recognized as one of the most common and best studied disorders among the group of functional gastrointestinal disorders. It is a functional bowel disorder in which abdominal pain or discomfort is associated with defecation or a change in bowel habit. In the Western world, IBS appears to affect up to 20% of the population at any given time but in Asian countries, the median value of IBS prevalence defined by various criteria ranges between 6.5% and 10.1%, and community prevalence of 4% is found in North India. Those attending gastroenterology clinics represent only the tip of the iceberg. The disorder substantially impairs the quality of life, and the overall health-care costs are high. IBS has therefore gained increased attention from clinicians, researchers, and pharmaceutical industries. It is often frustrating to both patients and physicians as the disease is usually chronic in nature and difficult to treat. However, the understanding of IBS has been changing from time to time and still most of its concepts are unknown. In this review we have discussed, debated, and synthesized the evidence base, focusing on underlying mechanisms in the brain and bowel. We conclude that it is both brain and bowel mechanisms that are responsible. The clinical implication of such mechanisms is discussed.
Introduction: To mitigate the spread of the pandemic coronavirus infection (COVID-19), government... more Introduction: To mitigate the spread of the pandemic coronavirus infection (COVID-19), governments across the world have adopted “lockdowns” which have confined many individuals to their homes. This disrupts normal life routines, elements of which are important circadian cues. The pandemic is also associated with new stressors, altered roles, and uncertainties about health and economic security, which are also likely to affect sleep. The current study is an online survey of sleep experience, routines, physical activity, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, to study the alterations associated with the lockdown. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted in early May 2020 using a questionnaire circulated through social media platforms. Questions related to demographic characteristics, current and previous sleep schedules, routine, and working patterns. Insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index - 4), Stress (Perceived Stress Scale - 4), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire - 4) and physical activity (International Physical Activities Questionnaire) were assessed using standardized instruments. Results: A total of 958 valid responses were received. Compared to the prelockdown period, there was a shift to a later bedtime and waking time, with a reduction in night-time sleep and an increase in day-time napping. These effects were visible across occupational groups, but mostly affected working individuals except health professionals. Sleep quality deteriorated across groups. Reductions in sleep duration were associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions: The COVID-19 lockdown is associated with changes in sleep schedule and in the quantity and quality of night-time sleep. Although these changes are associated with elevated rates of emotional symptoms, it is unclear from these cross-sectional results, whether sleep deterioration produces psychological distress, or vice versa.
The use of zolpidem by general practitioners and specialists alike has increased. Earlier, it was... more The use of zolpidem by general practitioners and specialists alike has increased. Earlier, it was considered safe by physicians, i.e. devoid of dependence potential and the risk of serious adverse events. We report 5 patients seen over a 36-month
Indian journal of occupational and environmental medicine
We all know that 2014 has been declared as the hottest year globally by the Meteorological depart... more We all know that 2014 has been declared as the hottest year globally by the Meteorological department of United States of America. Climate change is a global challenge which is likely to affect the mankind in substantial ways. Not only climate change is expected to affect physical health, it is also likely to affect mental health. Increasing ambient temperatures is likely to increase rates of aggression and violent suicides, while prolonged droughts due to climate change can lead to more number of farmer suicides. Droughts otherwise can lead to impaired mental health and stress. Increased frequency of disasters with climate change can lead to posttraumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and depression. Changes in climate and global warming may require population to migrate, which can lead to acculturation stress. It can also lead to increased rates of physical illnesses, which secondarily would be associated with psychological distress. The possible effects of mitigation meas...
Teachers are perhaps the closest observers of child&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s academic performanc... more Teachers are perhaps the closest observers of child&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s academic performance and can be instrumental in detecting learning disorder (LD) early. The present study aimed to assess the teachers&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; perceptions about LD. This is a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in the public schools located in the urban, rural and slum areas of Chandigarh. Teachers were recruited from 20 randomly selected schools out of a total of 103 schools in the Union Territory by proportionate sampling. The sample size required for α of 0.05 and power of 0.80 to detect a difference of 15% from base rate of 35% was 80. Eighty teachers of 3(rd) and 4(th) grades of these schools were recruited using purposive sampling. Teachers were briefed for 5 minutes about the symptoms of LD. They were asked questions using a structured questionnaire about their socio-demographic status, methods of teaching, and students&amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; progress and their perception about LD. Descriptive statistics was mainly used to represent nominal and ordinal data using frequency and percentages. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to assess relationship between the variables. Eighty teachers were recruited, 87.5% were females, 57.5% had more than 5 years teaching experience; 56.3% of teachers thought that they were aware of LD, 67.5% of teachers perceived that they do encounter children with LD in the school, 43.8% endorsed educating such children in special schools, while 36.3% endorsed integration to regular schools. Interestingly, more than three fifth of teachers were willing to undergo special training for LD intervention. Teachers acknowledge that there is a need for further steps to be taken to help children with LD. They perceive opening special cells or sending such children to special schools for appropriate intervention which may not tally with the perception of clinician who may wish to provide LD intervention in hospital setting.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and depressive disorder are f... more Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and depressive disorder are fairly common; symptoms do overlap, often under-identified and under-emphasized, particularly in rural India. The objective was to assess the occurrence of PMS and PMDD in a sample of students and staff of a nursing college and to find their correlation with depression. A prospective cohort study; Tertiary Care Hospital in Rural India (Wardha, Maharashtra); 118 female nursing students or staff aged between 18 and 40 years, who were likely to stay within the institution for the study period. The participants were rated on Penn daily symptom report prospectively for a period of 3-month. Those who scored positive were applied diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 4(th) edition, text revision (DSM-IV TR) criteria for PMDD; and were applied primary care evaluation of mental disorders depression screening followed by DSM-IV TR criteria for depression. Severity of depression was...
Children under 19 years of age constitute over 40% of India's population and information abou... more Children under 19 years of age constitute over 40% of India's population and information about their mental health needs is a national imperative. Children with specific learning disorders (SLDs) exhibit academic difficulties disproportionate to their intellectual capacities. Prevalence of SLD ranges from 2% to 10%. Dyslexia (developmental reading disorder) is the most common type, affecting 80% of all SLD. About 30% of learning disabled children have behavioral and emotional problems, which range from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (most common) to depression, anxiety, suicide etc., to substance abuse (least common). Co-occurrence of such problems with SLD further adds to the academic difficulty. In such instances, diagnosis is difficult and tricky; improvement in academics demands comprehensive holistic treatment approach. SLD remains a large public health problem because of under-recognition, inadequate treatment and therefore merits greater effort to understand the...
Hashimoto's encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children ... more Hashimoto's encephalopathy is an under-recognized cause of acute encephalopathy both in children and adults. We hereby describe a 12.5 yr old boy with this rare disorder that presented with an acute onset of episodic psychosis with hallucinations along with seizures and had elevated antithyroid antibodies. Symptoms improved with thyroxine replacement and anticonvulsants and EEG normalized 3 mth into follow up. Hashimoto's encephalopathy should be considered in patients with unexplained encephalopathy and seizures, as prompt recognition and management can lead to an excellent outcome. [Indian J Pediatr 2007; 74 (5) : 492-494]
Journal of Postgraduate Medicine Education and Research, 2012
Koro is a term, probably of Malayasian origin, a culture bound syndrome, which refers to an episo... more Koro is a term, probably of Malayasian origin, a culture bound syndrome, which refers to an episode of sudden and intense anxiety that the penis will recede into the body and possibly cause death. The syndrome is reported in South and East Asia including Eastern India, occasionally found in west. It can occur in localized epidemic and sporadic form or in complete and incomplete form. In some, this is reported as a forerunner of mood disorder and is understood in the context of psychosexual conflicts, personality and culture. Moreover, reports of sporadic Koro are rare from Noneastern India and report of a holistic and comprehensive approach to understand and manage such cases are lacking. Hence, In today's era of extinction of psychotherapeutic treatments particularly in India, this rare case is a small example of how such comprehensive holistic treatments can be helpful to our population. How to cite this article: Panigrahi M, Padhy SK, Behere PB. Understanding and Managing Complete form of Sporadic Koro Syndrome associated with Depression. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2012;46(2):104-105.
Elder abuse is a universal pervasive problem of paramount public health importance which garners ... more Elder abuse is a universal pervasive problem of paramount public health importance which garners little attention. Recent World Health Organization estimates suggest that 1 in 6 elders suffer from abuse in various ways, like physical, psychological, sexual, material exploitation and neglect, by their trustworthy caregivers. Potential risk factors are social isolation, cognitive impairment, traumatic life events, dependence on abusers, poor physical and mental health and low social support. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resultant social restrictive measures such as lockdown in most places throughout the world, elder abuse has possibly increased. This review discusses plausible reasons and various socio-cultural factors of elder abuse, especially from the context of a developing country, such as India and the possibility of an ever-growing menace into a 'social pandemic' in future.
Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has been a herculean task even by the developed countries. India, ... more Fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has been a herculean task even by the developed countries. India, however, has handled the crisis proactively with various measures. In this connection the strategies taken by Odisha, an Eastern Indian state, are noteworthy and deserve attention considering scale of the efforts taken to contain the spread of the virus and setting up intervention facilities. Odisha took proactive steps in widespread awareness campaigns on social distancing, containment at ground level (community, district and villages) with shared responsibility up to village panchayat level. Regular open communication to public through press meets coupled with extensive contact tracing, active testing, isolating and setting up COVID hospitals dedicated to the cause are remarkable. The state also restructured the functioning of the health care setups with online training programs and even skilled professionals being sent to remote areas in COVID duty. A dedicated team involving top level bureaucrats working in close coordination with ground level workers, with active implementation of all policies has been the key to the current achievements in management of the pandemic. The state has a well-controlled infection rate, and one of the least case fatality rate, in comparison with figures from India and the world. Considering the current picture, it appears Odisha has led the way in the effective management of COVID-19 pandemic.
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