scholarly journals Dreaming during COVID-19: the effects of a world trauma

Author(s):  
Cristina Marogna ◽  
Emanuele Montanari ◽  
Silvio Contiero ◽  
Klodjana Lleshi

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a state of health emergency affecting the entire world population. Given the serious practical and psychological difficulties and complications that have been experienced during this period, many scholars have created hypothesis, as a consequence, an increased possibility of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the general population with significant implications for one’s dream activity. Participants in the study were recruited via the instant messaging application ‘WhatsApp’ for a period of 14 days. The study consisted of three phases: the first phase provided information on the purpose of the research and how to carry it out; in the second phase, each participant, using the Bionian model of dream experience as a focus, was asked to write down dreams, emotions and free connections/associations related to the dream. At the end of the collection, the texts obtained were analysed by means of a qualitative analysis performed with the aid of the MAXQDA software. The study confirms the computational and exploratory analysis of the text carried out in the research of Pesonen et al. (2020), finding also in our sample the presence of the hypothesized clusters going to explain the manifestation of imagery related to COVID-19 also within the dream activity. To confirm this, the nightmare of participant number 6 of the study is reported. The following qualitative research has offered an insight into the traumatic nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing how many unmetabolized ‘daytime elements’ have been reproposed in the dream scenario, recalling the symptomatology of PTSD through the presence of distressing content that affect the quality of sleep and the daily life of the individual.

Author(s):  
Andreas Maercker

Abstract Background The diagnosis of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) was proposed several decades ago by scientist-practitioners, almost parallel to the first description of the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the previous International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD-10) issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), this symptom constellation was termed ‘enduring personality change after catastrophic experience’. This diagnosis has not been clinically influential, nor has it been subjected to much research. Thus, in a multi-stage process of ICD-11 development, the diagnosis of CPTSD was developed. Methods This paper provides a review of the historical lines of development that led to the CPTSD diagnosis, as well as the results since the ICD-11 publication in 2018. Results The CPTSD diagnosis comprises the core symptoms of the – newly, narrowly defined – PTSD diagnosis, the three symptom groups of affective, relationship, and self-concept changes. The diagnosis is clinically easy to use in accordance with the WHO development goals for the ICD-11 and has shown good psychodiagnostic properties in various studies, including good discrimination from personality disorder with borderline pattern. Conclusion The scholarly use of the new diagnosis has resulted in an increasing number of published studies on this topic in the diagnostic and therapeutic fields.


2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline McGraw ◽  
Vari Drennan

The issue of not taking medicines as prescribed by medical practitioners has a history as long as the medical profession itself. The World Health Organization recently described the problem of patients diagnosed with chronic illnesses not taking their medication as prescribed as ‘a worldwide problem of striking magnitude’. Not taking medicines as prescribed has consequences not only for the individual in terms of therapeutic failure, but also for the wider society. For the individual, failure to take medication as prescribed may result in ill health, poorer quality of life, and reduced life expectancy. For the wider society, consequences include avoidable health care expenditure and the development of drug resistance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1001-1011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandrine Roussel ◽  
Mariane Frenay

Background. Two decades after “patient education” was defined by the World Health Organization, its integration in health care practices remains a challenge. Perceptions might shed light on these implementation difficulties. This systematic review aims to investigate links between perceptions and patient education practices among health care professionals, paying particular attention to the quality of practices in order to highlight any associated perception. Method. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched using the following search terms: “perceptions,” “patient education,” “health care professionals,” and “professional practices.” PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were used. Results. Twenty studies were included. Overall findings supported the existence of links between some perceptions and practices. Links were either correlational or “causal” (generally in a single direction: perceptions affecting practices). Four types of perceptions (perceptions of the task including patient education, perceptions about the patient, perceptions of oneself as a health care professional, and perceptions of the context) were identified as being linked with educational practices. Links can although be mediated by other factors. Results concerning links should, however, be considered with caution as practices were mostly assessed by prevalence measurements, were self-reported and concerned exclusively individual education. When analyzing the quality of practices, the two retained studies highlighted their changing nature and the central role of perceptions with respect to the individual patient. Conclusions. This literature review led us to specify the quality criteria for further research: covering the entire spectrum of patient education, operationalizing variables, exploring specific practices, measuring the quality of practices, developing designs that facilitate causation findings, and considering a bidirectional perspective.


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karolina Gerreth ◽  
Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk ◽  
Maria Borysewicz-Lewicka

The problem of treatment of patients with special health needs resulting from the presence of deficits in intellectual, motor or sensory functions, also in dentistry, has not been comprehensively solved. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15% of the world population has some form of disability. Patients with disabilities are considered to have greater dental treatment needs in comparison to healthy individuals. High incidence and intensity of dental caries as well as frequent gum diseases are observed in this environment. Often the situation is related, among other, to the presence of systemic diseases and the treatment used, limitations in shaping proper dental health behaviors, insufficient knowledge of parents about oral health or barriers in access to dental care. The development of recommendations for parents/caregivers as well as medical staff is required to improve the health of these patients and quality of their life. The document contains information on the etiology and epidemiology of dental caries in patients with disabilities but also prophylactic recommendations for this population of patients and their parents/caregivers and dentists.


Author(s):  
Imelda Rahmayunia Kartika ◽  
Lisavina Juwita

Introduction: Patients with Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) cannot survive if they do not do hemodialysis. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the experience, the hope of patients with CRF who undergo hemodialysis in order to continue hemodialysis routinely and can improve the quality of their lives even though their lives depend on hemodialysis. The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of life of patients with CRF in undergoing hemodialysis as an effort to improve the quality of life. Methods: This study was a quantitave study using analytic descriptive approach. There were 66 patients as sample. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic using World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQoL-Bref) as a quality of life questionnare. Results: This study shows the highest quality of life of research respondents undergoing hemodialysis in the high category (68.2%). This means the quality of life of patients undergoing hemodialysis is good enough. Conclusions: A good quality of life means that the respondent feels satisfied and most of his daily needs can be met, which includes physical, psychological, patient social relations, and the patient's environment. Quality of life is influenced by the physical condition of the individual psychologically, the level of independence, and the relationship of the individual with the environment. Nurses are expected to be able to motivate patients undergoing hemodialysis in improving their quality of life. 


Author(s):  
Wilson Lenin Andrade Chauvin

This work describes the relationship between stress and alcohol consumption during the period of social confinement established because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It starts from the premise that there is an increase in stress that encourages alcohol consumption among the18 to 55-year-old population. Social confinement constitutes an environment that contributes to raising stress levels, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder. This measure was applied to prevent the massive spread of the new virus, after the World Health Organization issued biosafety and disease control guidelines. A compilation of 47 academic articles published between March 2020 and November 2020 was carried out. The results show that from March to April there was an increase in alcohol consumption as a measure of self-medication to relax and calm down during this stressful situation, and that this was more prevalent among women and health personnel, whereas for the following months - May to June - alcohol consumption decreased. Keywords: covid-19/ stress/ alcohol consumption/ social confinement/ mental health.


Author(s):  
Kalyani Mandke ◽  
Rashmi Deshpande

Hearing impairment is common throughout the world, and it is estimated that 50% of all deafness and hearing impairment is preventable. The World Health Organization (WHO, 1999) estimates that there are 255 million people worldwide with a hearing impairment; of those, two-thirds live in the developing countries. Although hearing loss is not a death causing disease, the implication of hearing impairment for the individual, family, and community is tremendous. The far-reaching implications of hearing loss, both in terms of development of communication skills as well as social, economic, and quality of life issues, warrant highlighting the magnitude and severity of the problem. This disability cannot be “seen” and, therefore, has been low-profile. At the same time, hearing loss programs in India are less developed than programs for individuals diagnosed with blindness. It is well documented that hearing loss and deafness is preventable, provided it is detected early and managed properly through appropriate health education and program development.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan-Jie Zhao ◽  
Shu-Fang Zhang ◽  
Wen Li ◽  
Ling Zhang ◽  
Teris Cheung ◽  
...  

AbstractClose contacts of those with COVID-19 (CC) may experience distress and long-lasting mental health effects. However, the mental health status and quality of life (QOL) in CC have not been adequately examined. This study examined the mental health status and QOL in CC during the post-COVID-19 period. This cross-sectional study comprised 1169 CC and 1290 who were non-close contacts (non-CC). Demographic data were collected; depression, fatigue, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and QOL were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 items (PHQ-9), fatigue numeric rating scale, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist - 17 items (PCL-17), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire - brief version (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. Analysis of covariance was used to compare depressive symptoms, QOL, fatigue, and PTSS between the CC and non-CC groups. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent correlates for depression, fatigue, PTSS, and QOL in the CC group. Compared to the non-CC group, the CC group reported significantly more severe depression (F(1, 2458) = 5.58, p = 0.018) and fatigue (F(1, 2458) = 9.22, p = 0.002) in the post-COVID-19 period. No significant differences in PTSS and QOL between the CC and non-CC groups were found (F(1, 2458) = 2.93, p = 0.087 for PTSS; F(1, 2458) = 3.45, p = 0.064 for QOL). In the CC group, younger age, financial loss due to COVID-19, and perception of poor or fair health status were significantly associated with depression and fatigue, while frequent use of mass media was significantly associated with fatigue. In conclusion, close contacts of COVID-19 patients experienced high levels of depression and fatigue in the post-COVID-19 period. Due to the negative effects of depression and fatigue on daily functioning, early detection and timely interventions should be provided to this neglected population.


Author(s):  
Dr.Rohini Dukare Prakash ◽  
Archana Belge

INTRODUCTION: World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) as a ‘Public Health Emergency of the International Concern’ (PHEIC). At present, there is no confirmatory treatment for COVID-19 by Preventive and Curative aspects with no side effects. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To have a critical review of Ayurveda and Yoga in the prevention of COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The newly emerged diseases can be studied with help of the basic principles of Ayurveda. Such diseases can be termed as ‘Anukta Vyadhi’. COVID-19 is such Anukta Vyadhi can be categorized under the ‘Janapadodhwamsa’. Hence, the Ayurvedic, as well as Yogic principles, can be implemented to manage the spread of COVID-19. The relevant Ayurvedic and Yogic texts are critically reviewed to study the principles mentioned in these ancient texts. DISCUSSION: Outbreak of COVID-19 has lead to high levels of Physiological illnesses like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD), specific symptoms of Gastrointestinal System, Neurological manifestation like Cerebrovascular Lesions, Encephalitis and Psychological distress such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Acute Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The ancient treasure of Ayurveda and Yoga can be helpful in managing Physiological and Psychological disturbances. These principles can offer Sharira (Physical) and Manasa (Mental) Swasthya (Health), thereby helping to contain the spread of this pandemic.CONCLUSION: The Ayurvedic principles and Upakramas like Dinacharya- Ritucharya, Trayopstambha, Rasayana, Achara Rasayana and the Yogic principles of Ashtanga Yoga and Netikarma can have a promising role in managing the morbidity caused by COVID -19 pandemic.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saraswati Dhungana ◽  
Rishav Koirala ◽  
Saroj Prasad Ojha ◽  
Suraj Bahadur Thapa

Abstract Background Quality of life is an important indicator of health and has multiple dimensions. It is adversely affected in patients with trauma history, and psychiatric disorders play an important role therein. Studies in trauma-affected populations focus mainly on the development of psychiatric disorders. Our study explored various aspects of quality of life in trauma patients in a clinical setting, mainly focusing on the association of psychiatric disorders on various domains of quality of life. Methods One hundred patients seeking help at the psychiatry outpatient of a tertiary hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, and with history of trauma were interviewed using the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 2.1 for trauma categorization. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were assessed using the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version; while the level of anxiety and depression symptoms was assessed using the 25-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25. Quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality Of Life-Brief Version measure. Information on sociodemographic and trauma-related variables was collected using a semi-structured interview schedule. The associations between psychiatric disorders and quality of life domains were explored using bivariate analyses followed by multiple regressions. Results The mean scores (standard deviations) for overall quality of life and health status perception were 2.79 (.87) and 2.35 (1.11), respectively. The mean scores for the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains were 12.31 (2.96), 11.46 (2.84), 12.79 (2.89), and 13.36 (1.79), respectively. Natural disaster was the only trauma variable significantly associated with overall quality of life, but not with other domains. Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder were all significantly associated with various quality of life domains, where anxiety had the greatest number of associations. Conclusion Quality of life, overall and across domains, was affected in various ways based on the presence of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in patients with trauma. Our findings therefore emphasize the need to address these disorders in a systematic way to improve the patients’ quality of life.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document