scholarly journals Changes in Diagnostic Patterns of Depression Among Family Physicians in Latvia after Participating in The Education Course on Depression Developed within the National Research Programme Biomedicine 2014–2017: Preliminary Results

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-194
Author(s):  
Elmārs Rancāns ◽  
Anda Ķīvīte-Urtāne
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Services ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
National Research Programme ◽  
Rural Places ◽  
And Control ◽  
Depressive Episodes

Abstract Annually, 7.9% of the general population in Latvia are suffering from depression. According to the official statistics, less than 8000 persons a year have been treated for depression in the state-paid health care services while the National Research Programme (NRP) BIOMEDICINE 2014–2017 found that more than 70 000 depressed patients annually are coming to family physicians (FPs) in Latvia. Within NRP researchers have developed an algorithm for diagnostics and treatment of depression and carried out ten educational courses for FPs all over Latvia in 2016. Data on the treatment of depression have been collected from the National Health Service (NHS) database from 01.01.2015 till 30.06.2017. Changes between the trained and control groups have been calculated for the time period before intervention — 2015–2016 and six months right after it. The “Depression School” was attended by 210 (15.2%) out of 1382 FPs, in contract with the NHS, who signed in for the course on first-to-come basis. There were no statistically significant demographic differences between trained and control groups, except, a larger proportion of FPs from rural places vs. the capital city attended the courses. Comparing the trained and control groups, during the period before the intervention there were on average 0.96 vs. 0.83 depressive episodes (F32) and 3.26 vs.1.74 recurrent depressive disorder (F33) episodes in 1/2 year (p < 0.001). Statistically significant increase was observed for F33 episodes (+1.42, p < 0.001), and numeric for F32 episodes (+0.18, p = 0.36) in the trained group of FPs in 2017. In total this gave a statistically significant (p < 0.001) increase by 43.6% of F33 diagnoses following the education course on depression for family physicians. Further analysis of data to access sustainability of training effect after 12 and 24 months are underway.

Home Visiting of Varying Frequency and Child Development

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-164
Author(s):  
Christine Powell ◽  
Sally Grantham-McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Services ◽  
Home Visiting ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Developmental Quotient ◽  
Care Services ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Local Health Center ◽  
And Control

Two studies were made of home visiting and psychosocial stimulation with deprived urban children in Jamaica. The aim was to determine the relative effectiveness of different frequencies of visiting on the children's developmental levels and the feasibility of integrating the model into government primary health care services. Health paraprofessionals supervised by a nurse from a local health center conducted the intervention. In the first study, 152 children aged 6 to 30 months were assigned to groups visited biweekly, monthly, or not at all by area of residence. The biweekly group showed small but significant increases in scores on the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (developmental quotient) and performance subscale compared with the monthly and control groups, whereas no benefit was shown in the Griffiths scores of the monthly group. In the second study, 58 children aged 16 to 30 months from the same neighborhoods were randomly assigned to weekly visited and control groups. The group visited weekly showed marked improvements in the performance and hearing and speech subscales as well as the developmental quotient scores. The results indicate that as the frequency of visiting increases from none through monthly and biweekly to weekly, the benefits increase as well.

scholarly journals Latvian Family Physicians’ Experience and Attitude in Diagnosing and Managing Depression

2019 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-170
Author(s):  
Vineta Viktorija Vinogradova ◽  
Jeļena Vrubļevska ◽  
Elmārs Rancāns
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorders ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Primary Care Settings ◽  
National Research Programme ◽  
Management Approaches ◽  
Training Programmes

Abstract Depression is among the most common mental disorders in primary care. Despite high prevalence rates it remains to be under-diagnosed in primary care settings over the world. This study was aimed to identify Latvian family physicians’ (FPs) experience and attitude in diagnosing and managing depression. It was carried out within the framework of the National Research Programme BIOMEDICINE 2014–2017. After educational seminars on diagnosing and managing depression, FPs were asked to complete a structured questionnaire. In total 216 respondents were recruited. Most of the doctors, or 72.2% (n = 156), agreed with the statement that patients with depression use primary care facilities more often than other patients. More than a half of physicians, or 66.3% (n = 143) quite often asked their patients about their psycho-emotional status and 65.7% (n = 142) of clinicians thought that they can successfully assess a patient’s psychoemotional status and possible mental disorders. The majority, or 91.6 % (n = 198), supposed that routine screening for depression is necessary in Latvia. Despite the fact that a significant number, or 62.6% (n = 135) of FPs thought that their practice was well suitable for the treatment of depressive patients, half of the respondents, or 50.9% (n = 110), assessed their ability to build a trustful contact and to motivate patients for treatment as moderate. Although FPs acknowledged the importance and necessity to treat depression, current knowledge and management approaches were far from optimal. This justifies the need to provide specific training programmes for FPs.

The effect of lavandula angustifolia in the treatment of depression

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 624-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Parvin ◽  
S. Farzaneh ◽  
M. Nikfarjam ◽  
N. Shahinfard ◽  
N. Asarzadegan
Keyword(s):  
Depression Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Case Group ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Severity Of Depression ◽  
And Control

Background and aimMedical plants have been used for centuries as a medicinal agent in treatment of depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of the lavendula officinalis on depression in patients using citalopram.MethodsThis clinical trial study was performed in Hajar hospital, Shahrekord, Iran. In this study eighty patients randomly allocated into two groups (40 patients in each group). Patients who complained from depression were studied during a two-month double-blind study. In control group, patients were given 20 mg citalopram twice daily plus placebo and case group were treated with 5 g arial part of dried Lavendula officinalis and citaloperam (20 mg, twice per day). After 4 and 8 weeks, patients were followed for evaluations of their depression and complications. Depression severity was scored using standard Hamilton’s depression questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi square and Paired-t test.ResultsAfter 1 month treatment, mean depression score in case and control groups were 15.2 ± 3.6 and 17.5 ± 3.5, respectively (P < 0.05). After 2 months the mean score of depression in case and control groups was 14.8 ± 4 and 16.8 ± 4.6, respectively (P < 0.01). The most common side effects in two groups were confusion and dry mouth, which were not significantly different between two groups.ConclusionLavendula officinalis has a positive effect on depressed patients and may be useful to decrease the severity of depression in patients using other antidepressants.

scholarly journals PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION IN COLLEGE STUDENTS

2022 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-71
Author(s):  
Xiaowei He
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
College Students ◽  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Observation Group ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
And Control

ABSTRACT Introduction: The mental health of college students is getting more and more attention from society. Physical exercise as a means of psychotherapy and mental health has become common at home and abroad. Objective: We explore the effect of prescribing physical exercise in the treatment of depression in college students. Methods: College students who had been diagnosed with depression were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each with 18 patients. The control group received drug treatment. The observation group received sports therapy in addition to drug therapy. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in HAMD scores between the observation and control groups in the first week (P<0.01). Conclusions: Exercise can play a role in treating depression patients rapidly, safely, and efficiently. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

Do People with Rheumatoid Arthritis Need Mental Support?

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-59
Author(s):  
Mateusz W. Romanowski ◽  
Anna Kostiukow ◽  
Wojciech Strzelecki ◽  
Piotr Poniewierski ◽  
Kinga Litwin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
And Control ◽  
Depressive Episodes

Introduction: Depression is an increasingly common mental disorder. Among the factors significantly contributing to its occurrence is permanent pain. Thence high percentage of people struggling with depression in chronically ill people and the elderly. Depression is diagnosed late, which is a serious problem in the comprehensive recovery process. Aim: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the relationship between the occurrence of RA and depression, taking into account data such as gender, age and place of residence. Material and Methods: The study involved 163 adults - 116 people with RA and 47 healthy people. The Beck Depression Inventory was used for research purposes. It consists of 21 questions, to which the patient answers according to the symptoms appearing in the last two weeks. Results: Analysis of the results of the examined and control groups indicates a higher percentage of occurrence of depression symptoms in people diagnosed with RA. In women, depression was more common than in men. In addition, there were more depressive episodes in women in the study group than in healthy women. There were no significant differences in the study and control groups of men and depending on age and place of residence. Conclusion: The presence of RA has a significant impact on the occurrence of depressive disorders. Illness and gender are a determining factor for depression. Research shows that women are more likely to be affected than men. Rapid intervention of doctors is very important, which can prevent the negative effects of the disease, i.e. suicidal thoughts. Prevention is therefore important. People with chronic illnesses should be under psychological support.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Academic Detailing to Optimize Medication Prescribing Behaviour of Family Physicians

2013 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harpreet K Chhina ◽  
Vidula M Bhole ◽  
Charles Goldsmith ◽  
Wendy Hall ◽  
Janusz Kaczorowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Observational Studies ◽  
Drug Prescription ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Prescription Rate ◽  
Academic Detailing ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
The Difference ◽  
And Control ◽  
Relative Change

PURPOSE. To synthesize current knowledge about the effectiveness and the magnitude of the effect, of Academic Detailing (AD), as a stand-alone intervention, at modifying drug prescription behavior of Family Physicians (FPs) in primary care settings. METHODS. A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases of all English language articles between January 1983 and July 2010 was conducted. We hand-searched the bibliographies of articles retrieved from the electronic search to identify additional studies. Inclusion criteria were: full-length articles describing original research; randomized controlled trial (RCT), or observational study design with a control group; studies of AD delivered to FPs; AD as a stand-alone intervention; drug prescription as the target behavior. Data extraction was done independently by two reviewers. Outcomes evaluated were: the difference in relative change in prescription rate between the intervention and control groups; the difference in absolute change in prescription rate between the intervention and control groups; and effect size, calculated as the standardized mean difference. RESULTS. 11 RCTs and 4 observational studies were included. Five RCTS described results showing effectiveness, while 2 RCTs reported a positive effect on some of the target drugs. Two observational studies found AD to be effective, while 2 did not. The median difference in relative change among the studies reviewed was 21% (interquartile range 43.75%) for RCTs, and 9% (interquartile range 8.5%) for observational studies. The median effect size among the studies reviewed was - 0.09 (interquartile range 2.73). Conclusion. This systematic review demonstrates that AD can be effective at optimizing prescription of medications by FPs. Although variable, the magnitude of the effect is moderate in the majority of studies. This systematic review also provides evidence supportive of  the use of AD as a strategy to promote evidence based prescription of medications or incorporation of clinical guidelines into clinical practice. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.  

Conjugated Linoleic Acid Causes a Marked Increase in Liver α-Tocopherol and Liver α-Tocopherol Transfer Protein in C57BL/6 J Mice

2010 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pei-Min Chao ◽  
Wan-Hsuan Chen ◽  
Chun-Huei Liao ◽  
Huey-Mei Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Enzymes ◽  
Linoleic Acid ◽  
Conjugated Linoleic Acid ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Transfer Protein ◽  
And Control

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a collective term for the positional and geometric isomers of a conjugated diene of linoleic acid (C18:2, n-6). The aims of the present study were to evaluate whether levels of hepatic α-tocopherol, α-tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP), and antioxidant enzymes in mice were affected by a CLA-supplemented diet. C57BL/6 J mice were divided into the CLA and control groups, which were fed, respectively, a 5 % fat diet with or without 1 g/100 g of CLA (1:1 mixture of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12) for four weeks. α-Tocopherol levels in plasma and liver were significantly higher in the CLA group than in the control group. Liver α-TTP levels were also significantly increased in the CLA group, the α-TTP/β-actin ratio being 2.5-fold higher than that in control mice (p<0.01). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were significantly decreased in the CLA group (p<0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in levels of three antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase). The accumulation of liver α-tocopherol seen with the CLA diet can be attributed to the antioxidant potential of CLA and the ability of α-TTP induction. The lack of changes in antioxidant enzyme protein levels and the reduced lipid peroxidation in the liver of CLA mice are due to α-tocopherol accumulation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document