Abstract Background: Suicide is an important psychological issue worldwide with increasing trends. This study aimed to investigate the suicide attempt trend and related factors in Esfarayen County in Iran. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included all suicide attempts ( n = 1262) recorded in the health centers of Esfarayen County, northeastern Iran, from 2017 to 2023 using a census method. Logistic regression was used for factors related to suicidal deaths with Stata software, and the Cochran–Armitage test was used to examine the trend of suicide attempts. Results: The average age of participants was 25.14 ± 9.19 years, 753 (59.7%) lived in the city, and 703 (55.7%) had a university degree. Furthermore, season, job, and method of suicide became meaningful in the logistic regression model ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Due to the low average age of suicide attempts and its increasing trend in our study, which indicates an alarming sign, preventive and therapeutic interventions are strongly recommended for families and policymakers.
Abstract Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition affecting young adults, marked by emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It is significantly affecting the lives of women, whether they are adults or teenagers. It impacts women’s well-being and functioning. The aim of this review is to explore the psychosocial determinants of PMS which contribute to the PMS and its severity. A search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, DOAJ, JSTOR, and ScienceDirect for peer-reviewed articles published from 2015 to 2025. The findings from the studies were analyzed to identify the important psychosocial factors influencing PMS. Existing research suggests that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), stress, personality traits, and coping behavior can influence PMS symptoms. On the other hand, a healthy lifestyle including certain physical exercises, good social support, and intrapersonal strengths can work as protective factors for PMS. However, the research on these psychosocial determinants is very limited. This review offers a thorough and cohesive synthesis of existing and emerging psychosocial determinants of PMS (e.g., ACEs, personality traits, cognitive or attributional style, coping or health behavior, resilience, body-image issues, parenting influences, and social support), providing a more comprehensive understanding of their impact on young women’s mental health. It also identifies the critical gap that can be filled to develop targeted interventions for improving women’s well-being and reducing stigma associated with menstrual health issues.
Abstract Background: The gender sensitization program helps in developing egalitarian gender attitudes. Gender sensitization program is the process of changing the stereotypical mindset that perpetuates gender inequality. Gender sensitization not only changes stereotypical behaviors and attitudes, but it also helps in generating empathy toward all genders. Objective: This study developed and pilot-tested a brief gender sensitization program for school-going adolescents. Methods: A pre–post-follow-up design was adopted with module development through literature review, needs assessment with nonbinary adolescents, peer review, expert validation, stakeholder feedback, and pilot testing with 66 ninth-grade adolescents (ages 12–15 years). The Gender Equitable Measurement Scale, Checklist for Third Gender Sensitivity, and Informal Five Point Feedback Form assessed gender sensitivity at preintervention, postintervention, and 1-month follow-up. Statistical analysis was conducted with analysis of variance and the Friedman test. Results: Repeated measures analysis showed significant and sustained improvements in both cisgender and noncisgender sensitivity over time, with large effect sizes. Participants also reported increased empathy and a need for emotional expression among men. Conclusion: The brief intervention was feasible and effective in enhancing gender sensitivity among adolescents.
Background and Aims: Adherence to prescribed medications is an important determinant of efficacy. Treatment of patients with alcohol dependence sometimes becomes a challenge for the family members due to poor adherence to disulfiram. The present study aimed to understand the adherence to disulfiram and its supervision-related aspects in patients with alcohol dependence. Methods: This was an embedded concurrent mixed methods study conducted in India. The quantitative exploratory aspect of the study included 50 patients with alcohol dependence. Their adherence to treatment, readiness to change, and family functioning were assessed. The qualitative aspect of the study included 34 family members of patients with alcohol dependence who had been prescribed disulfiram, and thematic analysis was done. Results: Among the patients, an overwhelming majority reported that disulfiram was effective. Many had experienced disulfiram-ethanol reactions in the past. Medication adherence was generally quite good. Exploratory analysis found poorer adherence to be associated with a higher number of drinking days (Spearman rho = −0.36, P = 0.01) and heavy drinking days (Spearman rho = −0.55, P < 0.01). Inductive thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews revealed three major themes: administration of disulfiram, problems faced by family members during supervision of disulfiram, and ways by which family members handle these problems. Conclusion: Poor adherence to disulfiram portends to alcohol consumption. Family members face certain challenges to disulfiram supervision and devise strategies to ensure supervision in their own context.
Pregabalin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid-analog compound, is widely used for its anticonvulsant, analgesic, anxiolytic, and euphoric effects. Globally growing evidence suggests that pregabalin misuse is an emerging public health concern. Regulatory measures are being implemented in several Western countries in response to these concerns. In India, although large-scale data remain limited, a cross-sectional study from an academic addiction treatment center reported pregabalin dependence in 135 out of 3766 registered patients (prevalence: 3.58%), highlighting its emerging misuse potential. The recent rise in case reports and series also indicates a compelling need to investigate the extent and pattern of pregabalin misuse in India. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should be vigilant while prescribing pregabalin, particularly to patients with substance use disorders. Pregabalin dispensing at the pharmacy level must be strictly regulated and monitored to mitigate potential harms.
Background: A limited number of retrospective studies evaluated the factors associated with prosthesis fitting. No study has explored the relationship between psychological disorders and phantom limb pain with prosthesis fitting in lower limb amputees. Methodology: This longitudinal study recruited 100 eligible patients (out of 138) with lower limb amputation in an emergency trauma clinic. At the baseline, patients were evaluated for psychological disorders on the Hamilton Anxiety Depression scale, substance use, and cognitive impairment criteria as per DSM-5 and phantom limb pain as per the criteria given by Pare. At the 6-month follow-up, 100 patients completed the follow-up with or without successful prosthesis fitting. Results: The mean age of patients was 37.7 years (14.6), with a mean number of years of education of 8.1 (standard deviation = 4.3). Majority were males (87.0%), married (70%), of middle socioeconomic status (83%), and were on paid employment (95.0%). Half of them were from rural areas (53%) and from nonnuclear families (61%). Most of them presented with roadside traffic injury (86%) and with Grade 3c wounds (73%). 60% had below-knee amputation (60%). Presence of anxiety (P = 0.013) and depression (P = 0.032), presence of phantom limb pain (P = 0.022), and presence of substance use disorder (P = 0.011) were found to be significant predictors of not being able to get the prosthesis at 6 months. Conclusion: Presence of depression, anxiety, phantom limb pain, and substance use at the baseline had a negative impact on prosthesis fitting at 6 months. Emphasis should be placed on more supportive sessions, including evidence-based treatment for patients with the presence of psychological disorders, phantom limb pain, and substance use.
Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is influenced by gender roles across different cultures. This study compared sociodemographic factors, depression, suicidal intent, and stressful events between men and women from rural India who attempted DSH. Methodology: A cross-sectional study recruited 136 adults from rural background (88 men and 48 women) with DSH from a rural tertiary center in India, between January 2023 and December 2024, using convenience sampling. Data included sociodemographic factors, Beck’s Suicidal Intent Scale (SIS), Beck Depression Inventory, and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale scores. Gender differences were statistically analyzed. Results: Women attempting DSH were significantly younger with a mean age of 28.3 (standard deviation [SD] =11.61) years compared to men with a mean age of 31.3 years (SD = 10.9) (P = 0.033). Occupations differed significantly (P < 0.01), with women predominantly homemakers (48%) and men primarily as farmers (30%). Single marital status was higher in men (76%) than in women (24%) (P = 0.017). Men were more frequently diagnosed with depressive disorders (56%) and psychotic disorders (37%), while women commonly presented with adjustment disorders (50%) (P < 0.01). Alcohol dependence (25%) and alcohol use (50%) were common comorbidities in men. Males had higher suicidal intent (P < 0.01) as compared to females. Insecticide poisoning was observed as the most common self-harm method, with no gender difference. Stressful events like ‘marital conflict’ (P = 0.004), ‘conflict with in-laws’ (P < 0.001) are more prevalent in women whereas ‘financial issues’ (P = 0.023) and ‘large loans’ (P < 0.001) are more common in males. Conclusion: Rural Women who attempted DSH were generally younger, more often homemakers and commonly presented with adjustment disorders. In contrast, men attempting DSH were typically older, more often farmers, presented with depressive or psychotic disorders and commonly had comorbid alcohol dependence. Men had higher suicidal intent.
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is prevalent worldwide, causing suffering to many afflicted. Persons with AUD often face stigma and experience psychological distress. Gratitude is a positive psychological factor that is increasingly being recommended for the promotion of well-being. However, its use in the recovery of persons with AUD, particularly with respect to reducing psychological distress and perceived stigma, has not been researched. Aims: The study examines the effect that a gratitude intervention has on psychological distress and perceived stigma in persons with AUD. Design: A randomized controlled intervention study design was used. Subjects and Methods: Study participants were recruited from five rehabilitation centres. There were 54 participants at baseline randomly assigned to the experimental condition (n = 27) and control condition (n = 27). Participants in the experimental group were given the gratitude intervention, in which the participants made diary listings expressing gratitude three times in a week. Participants in the control group were not given any intervention. The intervention period was for 3 months. Descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANCOVA were used for data analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 21( IBM Corp,Armonk, N.Y., USA). Results: Altogether, 37 participants completed the study. The scores of the 37 participants only were considered for the pretest-posttest analysis. The majority of the participants were found to have high psychological distress and perceived stigma. Analysis of pretest-posttest scores using ANCOVA showed a significant reduction in psychological distress, F (1/34) = 9.442, P < 0.01, post the gratitude intervention. For perceived stigma, no significant pretest–posttest changes were observed. Conclusions: Gratitude intervention is easy to administer and is cost-effective. The study provides important information about the effects of gratitude intervention on psychological distress and perceived stigma that can be incorporated in the treatment plan of persons with AUD.
Stress and burnout among doctors are a concern in the Indian healthcare system, as high patient loads, resource constraints, and system-related issues may lead to reduced quality of patient care. Although international studies explore healthcare worker stress and burnout, the unique challenges faced by doctors in India are underrepresented in the literature. This scoping review on stress and burnout among doctors in India aims to synthesize research findings on prevalence, contributors, coping mechanisms, and effects. A comprehensive literature search was done across the PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, covering studies from 2000 to 2024. Data extraction included sample size, population characteristics, mental health issues investigated, study focus, and key findings. A descriptive synthesis and a thematic analysis were done. There was a high prevalence of stress and burnout, particularly among residents and specific specialties, such as anesthesiology and critical care, where prevalence rates exceeded 80%. Common contributors were long working hours, workload, lack of resources, and inadequate support systems. Psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and depression occur frequently, particularly among doctors of younger age and female gender. Common coping strategies used by doctors were exercise, social support, and substance use. Gender disparities suggest that females report higher frequency and severity of stress, attributed to additional societal expectations and work–life imbalance. Stress and burnout are prevalent and severe among doctors in India, with significant implications for healthcare outcomes. To address these issues, there is a need for more institutional support, mental health resources, policies promoting work–life balance, and resilience training.
Dhat syndrome, a culture-bound disorder prevalent among South Asian populations, is characterized by excessive concern over semen loss, which leads to distress and somatic symptoms. While typical presentations include perceived semen loss through urine, nocturnal emissions, or masturbation, atypical cases may involve more unconventional routes. We present the rare case of a 42-year-old man who misattributed his sputum to semen loss, resulting in psychosomatic distress. Management included psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation techniques.
Introduction: Suicide is the most prevalent and second-leading cause of death among adolescents. With every fifth Indian being an adolescent, the cost of an adolescent dying by suicide is enormous. Early recognition and treatment of suicidal ideation may prevent suicide among adolescents. This necessitates understanding the potential risk factors of suicidal ideation among adolescents. Aim: The study aims to explore suicidal ideation and its clinical and psychosocial correlates among adolescents, which may influence suicidal ideation in adolescents. Setting and Design: The study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital, both in the outpatient and inpatient departments in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, NIMHANS, Bengaluru. The convergence–concurrent (parallel) design was employed for the study using a mixed-method approach. Subjects and Methods: A total of n = 81 adolescents were selected using convenience sampling for the quantitative approach, and among them, those who have suicidal ideation were selected for qualitative data collection using purposive sampling during quantitative data collection. Data collection was done for the qualitative approach from 30 adolescents. The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is used for the data collection on suicidal ideation for both approaches. Statistical Analysis: The association between clinical and psychosocial variables with suicidal ideation were analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and linear-by-linear association test. Qualitative data were collected, organized, and analyzed with thematic analysis using ATLAS Ti software. Results: Quantitative data (n = 81) revealed a significant association at p < 0.05 between suicidal ideation and clinical variables, type of illness, the severity of disease, and past suicidal attempts and also between psychosocial variables including abuse experienced; hence, the null hypotheses were rejected. The qualitative analysis identified three major themes and 5 subthemes of suicidal ideation – Intent, method and plan, and five themes of clinical and psychosocial factors that may influence suicidal ideation. The salient findings of quantitative and qualitative data were integrated. Conclusion: The significant factors found in the present study, severity of illness, past suicidal attempts, and experience of abuse, are essential in identifying suicidal ideation among adolescents. To prevent suicidal attempts among adolescents or any age group, it is vital to understand the associated factors of suicide.
Context: While premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has long been recognized, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) only recently gained acknowledgment in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Both conditions significantly impact women’s functioning and quality of life. Research on the psychological aspects of PMS and PMDD is limited. This study investigates the relationship between emotional regulation, trait affect, and the severity of PMS/PMDD symptoms, aiming to identify psychological factors that could predict these conditions. Aim and Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the relationship between trait affect, emotional regulation, and premenstrual symptoms (PMS)/PMDD in a sample of young adult Indian women. Materials and Methods: This correlational study was conducted on 223 women in the age range of 18–25 years. The study variables were assessed using self-administered rating scales. Participants were screened for PMS and PMDD using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool. The other tools included the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-18. The data was analyzed using Jamovi (2.3.28 solid), an open-source software. Independent samples t-test and point-biserial correlation were used to evaluate differences and relationships between the variables, followed by a regression model to identify predictors of PMS/PMDD. Results: Based on the self-reported symptoms, 128 participants were screened positive for PMS, whereas 43 were screened positive for PMDD. Point-biserial correlation revealed that the diagnosis of PMS and PMDD is significantly related to trait negative affect and two aspects of emotional dysregulation, i.e., impulsivity and non-acceptance of emotions. Binomial logistic regressions identified negative trait affect and positive trait affect as the predictors of PMS and nonacceptance and negative trait affect as the predictors of PMDD. Conclusions: The present study establishes that negative trait affect is a significant risk factor for both PMS and PMDD. Despite PMS’s physiological basis, the findings highlight the importance of developing interventions to address trait negative affect for mitigating PMS and PMDD.
Background: Schizophrenia causes disability warranting care and rehabilitation in a proportion of those affected. The Government of India introduced the schemes for the benefit of those with disability. Poor knowledge about these schemes among caregivers limits access to them. Aim: This study estimated disability among persons with schizophrenia and knowledge, attitude, and practice related to the government initiatives to assist those with the disability among their caregivers. Setting and Design: The study was done among outpatients on treatment for schizophrenia attending the department of psychiatry of a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed persons with schizophrenia for their socio-demographic details, disability scores using Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale, and their caregivers for knowledge, attitude, and practice about disability schemes. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SPSS) for Windows. Results: One hundred and four caregiver-patient pairs were studied. Only 24% of the caregivers were aware of the disability schemes. Among 104 patients with schizophrenia, four were receiving benefits. Conclusion: Disability scores among the majority of patients with schizophrenia were of the moderate category. The gap in the caregiver’s knowledge regarding disability schemes and practice needs improvement at various levels, from the clinical bench to government policies. The study’s strength is that it is one of the very few studies among caregivers and the limitations are of a cross-sectional design. The knowledge scales are adapted from a review article.
College students face multiple stressors that increase vulnerability to emotional dysregulation, substance use, and other health-risk behaviours. Emerging adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be particularly vulnerable due to persistent difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) and distress tolerance (DT). This systematic narrative review, adhering to the PRISMA framework, examined the relationship between ER, DT, and health-risk behaviours among college students with ADHD. Findings from 21 peer-reviewed studies indicate that students with ADHD demonstrate maladaptive ER strategies and lower DT compared to their peers. Emotional dysregulation was associated with increased substance use, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviours. Low DT further intensified the impact of negative emotional states on maladaptive coping. Impaired problem-solving and heightened emotional reactivity contributed to adverse functional outcomes. Findings underscore the need for developmentally targeted prevention and intervention efforts addressing ER and DT deficits in college students with ADHD. Integrating mindfulness-based, dialectical behavioural, and cognitive-behavioural strategies into campus mental health services may reduce long-term impairment and promote resilience.
Background: This study assessed feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction with a training program for caregivers of children in government-run childcare institutions in Delhi. The program aimed to equip caregivers with knowledge and skills for managing children’s mental health and developmental needs, alongside promoting caregiver self-care. Methods: Sixty-two caregivers from institutions across seven districts of New Delhi participated in a five-session training program. The study involved three phases: (a) a needs assessment using a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire and focus group discussions at baseline; (b) the development of a tailored training module; and (c) an assessment of feasibility, acceptability, and feedback using Bowen criteria and pre-/post-KAP questionnaire evaluations. Results: Experts unanimously agreed on the module’s robustness (content validity index > 0.80). Pre- and posttest assessments showed a significant increase in caregivers’ knowledge and attitude scores (P ≤ 0.05). Feedback indicated the training was highly useful, with participants keen on future skill enhancement initiatives. The positive changes in caregivers’ knowledge and attitudes confirm the training approach’s feasibility. It was highly accepted, with caregivers reporting it as well-implemented and beneficial. Conclusion: These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers to introduce regular educational interventions for caregivers in institutional care, ultimately benefiting the well-being of the children.
Concerns regarding children's mental health in India are increasing as the country's population grows. Bullying and cyberbullying among students is a prevalent issue that educational institutions are struggling to mitigate. Children and adolescents are especially affected by the negative impacts of cyberbullying. Numerous and continually evolving new technologies are used to harass people online. This study aims to explore the characteristics of cyberbullying, different laws of cyberbullying in India and abroad, and various interventions for cyberbullying. Therefore, this study creates awareness of cyberbullying among school counselors, teachers, school administrators, and researchers.
