scholarly journals Vesico-Vaginal Fistula a leading cause of Traumatic Stress In sufferers

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadaf Ahmed ◽  
Shamoon Noushad ◽  
Shershah Syed ◽  
Faiza Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Emergency Obstetric Care ◽  
Obstetric Care ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Vaginal Fistula ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Timely Access ◽  
Vesico Vaginal Fistula

Aims: To evaluate psychological constraints among patients presenting with vesico-vaginal fistula (VVF). Methods: An Observational exploratory study was carried out to explore the experiences of women suffering from VVF. The study included 16 women hospitalized with the diagnosis of VVF at Kohi Goth Women's Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. All patients presenting with VVF were administered a structured questionnaire followed by an in-depth interview while Sadaf Stress Scale was utilized for the evaluation of psychological condition. Results: The average age of patients was 25.4 years, range 24-30 years. A total of 5 patients were diagnosed with severe traumatic stress, only 1 patient was found in moderate level. While non to of the patients were unable to find proper mental health treatment due to poverty & illiteracy. Severity of traumatic stress was found greater in early years of the disease. All patients were affected by untrained Midwives. Conclusions: VVF is leading to traumatic stress, if not treated in early stages could lead to post traumatic stress disorder. The need to empower patients to timely access standard maternity and emergency obstetric care & mental health care is recommended.

scholarly journals Veterans’ Perspectives on Fitbit Use in Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Interview Study

10.2196/10415 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. e10415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada Ng ◽  
Madhu Reddy ◽  
Alyson K Zalta ◽  
Stephen M Schueller
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Treatment Program ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Intensive Treatment ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Post Traumatic

Background The increase in availability of patient data through consumer health wearable devices and mobile phone sensors provides opportunities for mental health treatment beyond traditional self-report measurements. Previous studies have suggested that wearables can be effectively used to benefit the physical health of people with mental health issues, but little research has explored the integration of wearable devices into mental health care. As such, early research is still necessary to address factors that might impact integration including patients' motivations to use wearables and their subsequent data. Objective The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of patients’ motivations to use or not to use wearables devices during an intensive treatment program for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During this treatment, they received a complementary Fitbit. We investigated the following research questions: How did the veterans in the intensive treatment program use their Fitbit? What are contributing motivators for the use and nonuse of the Fitbit? Methods We conducted semistructured interviews with 13 veterans who completed an intensive treatment program for PTSD. We transcribed and analyzed interviews using thematic analysis. Results We identified three major motivations for veterans to use the Fitbit during their time in the program: increase self-awareness, support social interactions, and give back to other veterans. We also identified three major reasons certain features of the Fitbit were not used: lack of clarity around the purpose of the Fitbit, lack of meaning in the Fitbit data, and challenges in the veteran-provider relationship. Conclusions To integrate wearable data into mental health treatment programs, it is important to understand the patient’s perspectives and motivations in using wearables. We also discuss how the military culture and PTSD may have contributed to our participants' behaviors and attitudes toward Fitbit usage. We conclude with possible approaches for integrating patient-generated data into mental health treatment settings that may address the challenges we identified.

scholarly journals Veterans� Perspectives on Fitbit Use in Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Interview Study (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada Ng ◽  
Madhu Reddy ◽  
Alyson K Zalta ◽  
Stephen M Schueller
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Treatment Program ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Intensive Treatment ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Post Traumatic

BACKGROUND The increase in availability of patient data through consumer health wearable devices and mobile phone sensors provides opportunities for mental health treatment beyond traditional self-report measurements. Previous studies have suggested that wearables can be effectively used to benefit the physical health of people with mental health issues, but little research has explored the integration of wearable devices into mental health care. As such, early research is still necessary to address factors that might impact integration including patients' motivations to use wearables and their subsequent data. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of patients’ motivations to use or not to use wearables devices during an intensive treatment program for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). During this treatment, they received a complementary Fitbit. We investigated the following research questions: How did the veterans in the intensive treatment program use their Fitbit? What are contributing motivators for the use and nonuse of the Fitbit? METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with 13 veterans who completed an intensive treatment program for PTSD. We transcribed and analyzed interviews using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified three major motivations for veterans to use the Fitbit during their time in the program: increase self-awareness, support social interactions, and give back to other veterans. We also identified three major reasons certain features of the Fitbit were not used: lack of clarity around the purpose of the Fitbit, lack of meaning in the Fitbit data, and challenges in the veteran-provider relationship. CONCLUSIONS To integrate wearable data into mental health treatment programs, it is important to understand the patient’s perspectives and motivations in using wearables. We also discuss how the military culture and PTSD may have contributed to our participants' behaviors and attitudes toward Fitbit usage. We conclude with possible approaches for integrating patient-generated data into mental health treatment settings that may address the challenges we identified.

scholarly journals Trend Analysis of Vesico-vaginal Fistula among Attendee’s in Fistula Centres in Kano State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Onyeugo Glory Ugochi ◽  
Chimezie Iwuala ◽  
C. R. Nwufo ◽  
Sally Ibe ◽  
Obinna Godwin Udujih ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Care ◽  
Trend Analysis ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Emergency Obstetric Care ◽  
Obstetric Care ◽  
Vaginal Fistula ◽  
Traditional Practice ◽  
Hospital Records ◽  
Access To Medical Care ◽  
Vesico Vaginal Fistula

A study on the trend analysis of VVF among attendee’s in fistula centers, Kano State, Nigeria was carried out using ten (10) years hospital records. Results showed three peaks in prevalence in year 2010 (73.8%), 2015 (77.2%) and 2017 (59.3%). The highest peak was in the year 2015 while the lowest prevalence occurred in 2014 (46.0%). Overall, there is a decline in prevalence for the ten years studied. It was observed in this study that most of the patients reside in the rural area of the state, where lack of access to appropriate emergency obstetric care and strong hold to traditional practice is obtained. Therefore, there is need to expand the current strategies employed in the fight against VVF to include initiating a men-targeted programme to enlighten and educate men, especially those living in rural areas on the need to allow their women access to medical care during pregnancy to avoid complications that could result to Vesico-vaginal fistula.

scholarly journals Paranoia in patients attending child and adolescent mental health services

2021 ◽  
pp. 000486742098141
Author(s):  
Jessica C Bird ◽  
Emma C Fergusson ◽  
Miriam Kirkham ◽  
Christina Shearn ◽  
Ashley-Louise Teale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Network Analyses ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
Peer Difficulties

Objective: Paranoia may be particularly prevalent during adolescence, building on the heightened social vulnerabilities at this age. Excessive mistrust may be corrosive for adolescent social relationships, especially in the context of mental health disorders. We set out to examine the prevalence, symptom associations, and persistence of paranoia in a cohort of young people attending child and adolescent mental health services. Method: A total of 301 patients (11–17 years old) completed measures of paranoia, affect, peer difficulties and behavioural problems. Clinicians also rated each participant’s psychiatric symptoms. Patterns of association were examined using linear regressions and network analyses. In total, 105 patients repeated the measures several months later. Results: Most of the adolescents had affective disorders ( n = 195), self-harm/suicidality ( n = 82), or neurodevelopmental conditions ( n = 125). Few had suspected psychosis ( n = 7). Rates of paranoia were approximately double compared with previous reports from the general population. In this patient sample, 35% had at least elevated paranoia, 15% had at least moderate paranoia, and 6% had high paranoia. Paranoia had moderate associations with clinician-rated peer difficulties, self-harm, and trauma, and small associations with clinician-rated social anxiety, depression, generalised anxiety, and educational problems. Network analyses showed paranoia had the strongest unique relationship with peer difficulties. Paths from peer difficulties to anxiety, self-harm, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, and behavioural problems were all via paranoia. Both self-harm and post-traumatic stress disorder were solely associated with paranoia in the network. Paranoia remained persistent for three-quarters and was associated with greater psychological problems over time. Conclusion: Paranoia is relatively common and persistent across a range of clinical presentations in youth. When paranoia occurs alongside emotional problems, important peer interactions may be adversely affected. Wider consideration of paranoia in adolescent patients is needed.

scholarly journals Physiological parameters of mental health predict the emergence of post-traumatic stress symptoms in physicians treating COVID-19 patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Dolev ◽  
S. Zubedat ◽  
Z. Brand ◽  
B. Bloch ◽  
E. Mader ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Physiological Measures ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic

AbstractLack of established knowledge and treatment strategies, and change in work environment, may altogether critically affect the mental health and functioning of physicians treating COVID-19 patients. Thus, we examined whether treating COVID-19 patients affect the physicians’ mental health differently compared with physicians treating non-COVID-19 patients. In this cohort study, an association was blindly computed between physiologically measured anxiety and attention vigilance (collected from 1 May 2014 to 31 May 31 2016) and self-reports of anxiety, mental health aspects, and sleep quality (collected from 20 April to 30 June 2020, and analyzed from 1 July to 1 September 2020), of 91 physicians treating COVID-19 or non-COVID-19 patients. As a priori hypothesized, physicians treating COVID-19 patients showed a relative elevation in both physiological measures of anxiety (95% CI: 2317.69–2453.44 versus 1982.32–2068.46; P < 0.001) and attention vigilance (95% CI: 29.85–34.97 versus 22.84–26.61; P < 0.001), compared with their colleagues treating non-COVID-19 patients. At least 3 months into the pandemic, physicians treating COVID-19 patients reported high anxiety and low quality of sleep. Machine learning showed clustering to the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 subgroups with a high correlation mainly between physiological and self-reported anxiety, and between physiologically measured anxiety and sleep duration. To conclude, the pattern of attention vigilance, heightened anxiety, and reduced sleep quality findings point the need for mental intervention aimed at those physicians susceptible to develop post-traumatic stress symptoms, owing to the consequences of fighting at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Exploring the impact of COVID-19 and restrictions to daily living as a result of social distancing within veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties

2020 ◽  
pp. bmjmilitary-2020-001622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dominic Murphy ◽  
C Williamson ◽  
J Baumann ◽  
W Busuttil ◽  
N T Fear
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Post Traumatic ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionData are emerging showing the adverse consequences on mental health of the general public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about the needs of veterans with pre-existing mental health difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsData were collected through a cross-sectional online survey from a randomly selected sample (n=1092) of military veterans who have sought help for mental health difficulties from a veteran-specific UK-based charity. The response rate was 25.2% (n=275). Participants were asked to complete a range of standardised mental health outcomes (post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, common mental health difficulties (CMDs): 12-Item General Health Questionnaire, difficulties with anger: 5-Item Dimensions of Anger Reactions—Revised and alcohol misuse: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and endorse a list of potential stressors related to changes to daily life resulting from COVID-19. Regression analyses were fitted to explore predictors of mental health severity.ResultsIt was observed that symptoms of common mental disorder and PTSD (69.3% and 65.0%, respectively) were the most commonly reported to have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Lack of social support and reporting increasing numbers of stressors related to COVID-19 were consistently associated with increasing severity of a range of mental health difficulties.ConclusionsOur findings suggest veterans who had pre-existing mental health difficulties prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 may be at increased risk of experiencing CMDs as a result of the pandemic. Intervening to improve levels of social support and offering practical guidance to better manage any additional stressors relating to the pandemic may provide strategies to help reduce the burden of mental health symptoms.

scholarly journals Traumatized Syrian Refugees with Ambiguous Loss: Predictors of Mental Distress

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3865
Author(s):  
Anna Renner ◽  
David Jäckle ◽  
Michaela Nagl ◽  
Anna Plexnies ◽  
Susanne Röhr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Ambiguous Loss ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Prolonged Grief ◽  
Boundary Ambiguity ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Post Traumatic

Refugees from war zones often have missing significant others. A loss without confirmation is described as an ambiguous loss. This physical absence with simultaneous mental persistence can be accompanied by economic, social or legal problems, boundary ambiguity (i.e., uncertainty about who belongs to the family system), and can have a negative impact on mental health. The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic and loss-related predictors for prolonged grief, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and somatization in treatment-seeking Syrian refugees with post-traumatic stress symptoms in Germany experiencing ambiguous loss. For the present study, data were based on the treatment-seeking baseline sample of the “Sanadak” randomized-controlled trial, analyzing a subsample of 47 Syrian refugees with post-traumatic stress symptoms in Germany experiencing ambiguous loss. Sociodemographic and loss-related questions were applied, along with standardized instruments for symptoms of prolonged grief (ICG), anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), PTSD (PDS-5) and somatization (PHQ-15). Linear regression models were used to predict mental health outcomes. Having lost a close family member and higher boundary ambiguity showed a statistically significant association with higher severity in prolonged grief. The overall model for somatization reached statistical significance, while no predictor independently did. Boundary ambiguity showed a statistically significant positive association with depression, while the overall model showed no statistically significant associations. Boundary ambiguity and missing family members seemed to be important predictors for prolonged grief. These findings support the importance of reunification programs and suggest an inclusion of the topic into psychosocial support structures, e.g., including psychoeducational elements on boundary ambiguity in support groups for traumatized individuals and families experiencing ambiguous loss. Further research is needed for a more detailed understanding of the impact of ambiguous loss on refugee populations.

scholarly journals Brief materials and programmes for children and families who have experienced conflict and displacement

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
R Calam ◽  
A El-Khani
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Children And Families ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Parenting Skills ◽  
Conflict Zones ◽  
Conflict Zone ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Recovery Techniques ◽  
Post Traumatic

Abstract This presentation will provide an overview of a set of materials and programmes designed for families who are living through or have escaped conflict and displacement. Delivery formats include i) brief leaflets giving parenting advice for caregivers; ii) a more extensive booklet and format for a Conversation Group, and iii) a programme designed to address post-traumatic stress in children, Teaching Recovery Techniques (TRT), to which a caregiver and parenting skills module was added, to form TRT+Parenting. Each intervention has been tested or trialled with families living in challenged contexts. The leaflet was distributed to 3000 families via bakeries in conflict zones in Syria. The Conversation Group was trialled for feasibility in Palestine. TRT+Parenting was piloted with Syrian families living on the Turkey-Syria border, and then trialled with 120 families in Lebanon, with teachers and social care workers trained as facilitators. In Syria, 59.5% of 3000 parents returned questionnaires and reported satisfaction with the leaflet despite the study being conducted in a conflict zone and in the context of humanitarian intervention. The Conversation Group proved feasible and acceptable, and caregivers in Palestine gave positive feedback. Children and caregivers showed significant improvements across measures of trauma and mental health, with higher levels of improvement seen in the TRT+Parenting group compared to TRT alone or waitlist. Caregivers who took part in the Plus Parenting component also reported improvement in their own mental health. The results demonstrated valuable improvements across all interventions, and indicate that brief programs can and should be widely used as components of preventive strategies.

scholarly journals A Nosological Exploration of PTSD and Trauma in Disaster Mental Health and Implications for the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
Carol S. North ◽  
Alina M. Surís ◽  
David E. Pollio
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Diagnostic Criteria ◽  
Traumatic Stress ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes ◽  
Medical Illness ◽  
Health Consequences ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Post Traumatic

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic rapidly spread around the world, resulting in massive medical morbidity and mortality and substantial mental health consequences. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an important psychiatric disorder associated with disasters, and many published scientific articles have reported post-traumatic stress syndromes in populations studied for COVID-19 mental health outcomes. American diagnostic criteria for PTSD have evolved across editions of the manual, and the current definition excludes naturally occurring medical illness (such as viral illness) as a qualifying trauma, ruling out this viral pandemic as the basis for a diagnosis of PTSD. This article provides an in-depth nosological consideration of the diagnosis of PTSD and critically examines three essential elements (trauma, exposure, and symptomatic response) of this diagnosis, specifically applying these concepts to the mental health outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current criteria for PTSD are unsatisfying for guiding the response to mental health consequences associated with this pandemic, and suggestions are made for addressing the conceptual diagnostic problems and designing research to resolve diagnostic uncertainties empirically. Options might be to revise the diagnostic criteria or consider categorization of COVID-19-related psychiatric syndromes as non-traumatic stressor-related syndromes or other psychiatric disorders.

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