leila kashani

In the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, messages and video calls with loved ones, family, and friends have brought individuals closer together and made social isolation more bearable. Although the utilization of these tools has numerous positive aspects, there are also negative ones. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students at Golestan University of Medical Sciences and its association with psychiatric disorders.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 189 medical students (73 males and 116 females; mean age=23.35±3.03 years) at Golestan University of Medical Sciences in 2021. A convenience sampling method was used, and all students were taken into account as the statistical population. Data collection tools included Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) short form, which were completed by the students.

Fifty (26.45%) medical students were identified as being at risk of Internet addiction, and 3 (1.58%) students were classified as having Internet addiction. Less than 4% of the students had severe psychiatric disorders, while 9.5% to 19.6% exhibited various psychiatric disorders of moderate severity. Beyond the area of hypochondriasis symptoms, significant positive correlations were found between Internet addiction and increased psychiatric disorders in other areas, including depression (r=0.285, P<0.001), hysteria (r=0.170, P<0.019), psychopathy (r=0.338, P<0.001), paranoia (r=0.384, P<0.001), mania (r=0.336, P<0.001), psychasthenia (r=0.432, P<0.001), and schizophrenia (r=0.415, P<0.001). With increasing Internet addiction, the severity of psychiatric disorders also increased.

The prevalence of Internet addiction among medical students was shown to be at a low level, but the severity of psychiatric disorders increased with higher levels of Internet addiction.

Caregivers of cancer patients play an important role in the admission and treatment process. Sometimes caregivers suffer from mental and physical problems that can have a negative impact on the treatment and recovery process of cancer patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the rate of major depression in caregivers of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy referred to 5 Azar Hospital in 2021.

In this cross-sectional study, caregivers of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy referred to the clinic and oncology department of 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan in 2021 were examined. A number of 127 caregivers were selected based on the inclusion criteria. after obtaining a written consent form from the caregivers, the Beck depression questionnaire (BDI-II) and the demographic information checklist were completed. Data were measured with SPSS23 statistical software and frequency tests (number-percentage), chi-score and Fisher's exact test. The significance level was 0.05.

61.4% of caregivers were female and 56.7% of them were over 35 years old (middle age). 69.3% were married, 81.1% were from Fars, and 56.7% had university education. 16.5% mothers, 52.8% children and 30.7% husbands were sick. Out of 46.5% caregivers, 9.4% had mild depression, 25.2% had moderate depression, and 11.8% had severe depression. There was no significant relationship between depression and age, gender, and education level.

The level of depression among the studied subjects was significant, but the level of depression of the patients' caregivers had no significant relationship with their gender, age, education and ethnicity.

Factors involved in the formation of thoughts and suicide attempts with the complexity of social interactions and increasing the likelihood of its occurrence in different societies have led to a global effort to control and improve this social problem. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the role of personality traits in suicide attempts among patients referred to the emergency departments in Gorgan, Iran.

This case-control study was carried out on 80 individuals who attempted suicide and 80 healthy people who had been referred to emergency departments in Gorgan (Iran) in 2020. Demographic information was recorded and personality type was determined based on the NEO Personality Inventory.

The prevalence of neurological disorders and previous history of suicide in the person and family of the patients who attempted suicide was significantly higher than that in the control subjects (P<0.05). Neuroticism was significantly more prevalent in patients who attempted suicide (P<0.05), but the tendency to extroversion, conscientiousness, openness and agreeableness in patients who attempted suicide was significantly lower compared with the control group.

Given the role of personality traits, especially neuroticism, in suicide attempts, attention to personality traits on suicidal behavior provides important data for improving the treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common gastrointestinal disease which is associated with psychosocial factors. IBD is a gastrointestinal disease with chronic recurrence and with an uncontrolled immune response. There is no definitive treatment for IBD and treatment is based on management of inflammatory response during relapse and maintain of recovery. This study was conducted for evaluation of anxiety and depression disorders in patients with IBD in Golestan province, north of Iran during 2017.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 117 patients (67 women and 50 men) aged 17-75 years with IBD registered in IBD bank in Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology& Hepatology (GRCGH), north of Iran during 2017. Diagnosis was made by conventional endoscopy, radiology and histological criteria. Demographic information including age, sex, race and marital status, time of diagnosis until now and duration of treatment are recorded. Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were used for determine depression and anxiety in these patients.

80.3% ulcerative colitis and 19.7% Crohn's disease was observed in patients. The mean of total anxiety score in the group with Crohn's disease was higher than ulcerative colitis but there was no significant difference. Total score of depression was similar and not significant in both groups. There was a significant statistical relationship between marital status and anxiety in patients with ulcerative colitis only (P<0.05). As borderline and suspicious status of the patient in married patients is 42.4% and in single patients is 33.3%. Abnormal anxiety state was 31.8% in married patients and not seen in single patients. A positive and significant correlation was seen between total anxiety scale and total depression scale in patients with ulcerative colitis (correlation index: 0.657, P<0.0001) and in patients with Crohn's disease (correlation index: 0.644, P<0.001). Therefore in these patients, if depression increases, anxiety was also increasd. Anxiety observed in 29.8% and 26.1% of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, respectively. Depression disorders observed in 18.1% and 8.7% of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, respectively.

This study showed that the level of anxiety and depression in patients with inflammatory disease is very high.

Near to 30% of women experience some type of anxiety disorder in their life, which this anxiety occurs more often in pregnancy and after delivery. Maternal anxiety reduces secretion of oxytocin and lactation. On the other side, the level of maternal stress and anxiety increasingly increases the incidence of postpartum. This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of postpartum anxiety in Gorgan north of Iran during 2018.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 154 women between 15-45 years old and it has passed at least one week to maximum six weeks since their delivery whom referred to obstetrics clinic of Shahid Sayyad Shirazi hospital in Gorgan, North of Iran during 2018. Demographic check list was used to collect the demographic. Data and Spielberg anxiety scale was used to measure anxiety.

Anxiety disorders after childbirth was 41.99%. The overt anxiety score of postpartum women in severe, moderate, mild and little or none level was 8.4%, 44.2%, 27.9%, 19.5%, respectively. The hidden anxiety score of postpartum women in severe, moderate, mild and little or none level was 9.7%, 48.1%, 24.7%, 17.5%, respectively. The overt anxiety score in employee mothers was significantly higher than housewive mothers (P<0.05). The overt anxiety score in women with marital discord was significantly higher than in women without marital discord (P<0.05). Ther was not significant relationship beween overt and hidden anxiety score with the type of delivery, mother's education, mother's residency and familial income.

The prevalency of postpartum anxiety disorders was high in this region and it was related to job and marital discord.

Psoriasis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases. About 37 to 50% of patients report exacerbation of symptoms following psychological stress. This study we done to determine the frequency of personality disorders in psoriatic patients in north of Iran.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 128 psoriatic patients referred to the dermatology clinic of Sayyad Shirazi Hospital and private clinics in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2019. Firstly severity of psoriasis was determined based on the PASI score (PASI: Psoriasis Area and Severity Index). Then, personality disorders were assessed using the Millon MCMI-III multivariate questionnaire.

The mean age of psoriasis patients was 40.84±12.91 years and the duration of the disease was 8.87±y7.62 ears.72.7% of patients were females. The prevalence of most personality disorders was histrionic (22.7%), depressive (6.3%) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (3.1%), respectively. There was a significant relationship between histrionic personality disorder, which was the most common personality disorder, with disease severity, education level and type of treatment (P<0.05). There was significant relationship between depressive personality disorder and level of education, gender, occupation and ethnicity (P<0.05).

The most common personality disorder in psoriatic patients was histrionic personality disorder.

Chronic hypertrophy of tonsils and adenoids is the most prevalent cause of sleep apnea in children, leading to multiple behavioral disorders. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder caused by adverse biological, social and psychological conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adenotonsillectomy on ADHD symptoms in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy before and six months after the surgery.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 37 children with adenoid hypertrophy in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2018. The data gathering tool was a two-part questionnaire; the first part contained personal data (age, gender), and the second part included the strengths and difficulties checklist. Patients were placed in three groups of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity based on 18 criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental disorders. The questionnaires were completed directly by the project performers. Information was collected from the parents. The strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess children before and six months after the adenotonsillectomy surgery.

The average and standard deviation of scores in subscales of emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity-inattention, peer relationship problems and prosocial behavior were improved, also a significant difference was observed between SDQ scores before and after adenotonsillectomy (P<0.05).

Adenotonsillectomy can significantly reduce the SDQ score. Therefore, in children with hyperactivity, a medical disorder such as adenoid hypertrophy can cause the onset, exacerbation and persistence of the disease. Proper treatment can be a major factor in controlling the severity of symptoms and even in improving the patient’s recovery.

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders in childhood. Some studies have identified the household dimension as an important factor in causing these disorders. However, no convincing results have been achieved. The aim of this study was done to determine the frequency of anxiety disorders among of 8-12 years old children in families with single and multiple children.

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 732 children (343 boys and 389 girl) referred to Taleghani hospital (except than psychiatric clinic) and offices of pediatricians in Gorgan, north of Iran during 2017. Subjects were recruited using available sampling method. Demographic questionnaire and Spence Anxiety Scale (SCAS) were completed. Variables including separation anxiety, social anxiety, general anxiety, panic attack, agoraphobia, obsession and compulsion, fear of physical damage were evaluated.

In all anxiety subgroups except general anxiety, mean scores were significantly higher in children with multiple children than single children (P<0.05).

This study showed a high prevalence of anxiety disorders in multi-child families compared to single-child families.

Mental disorders during pregnancy and postpartum period can affect the quality of life of mother, baby and the whole family. Psychoeducation can be offered to those at risk to prevent or reduce the incidence of these disorders, but the most appropriate time for such intervention is not determined yet. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducation intervention 48 hours before delivery on postpartum general health and to identify the potential role of family in reducing the incidence and severity of these disorders.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 80 pregnant mothers admitted to maternity ward of Shahid Sayyad Shirazi Hospital in Gorgan, Iran. Subjects were randomly divided into an intervention (n=40) and a control (n=40) group. Subjects in the intervention group and their spouses received education on postpartum mental health 48 hours before the estimated delivery date. The control group received no education. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the general health questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) at baseline and at 2nd and 4th week postpartum. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 18) at significance level of 0.05.

The mean age was 26.3±5.6 years in the intervention group and 27.9 ± 5.1 years in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, pregnancy order, number of abortions, type of delivery and history of addiction at baseline. The total GHQ-28 score significantly decreased from baseline to the fourth week postpartum in both groups (P=0.001). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of total GHQ-28 score reduction (P>0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of change in GHQ-28 subscale scores over time.

The findings of this study indicate that short-term educational intervention, 24-48 hours before delivery, is not effective in improving mental health in the postpartum period. Therefore, educational interventions should be conducted either weeks before or after delivery.

Behavioral disorders among children and adolescents are common and incapacitating which cause many problems for the families and the patient themselves and associated with high prevalence of negative social consequences. This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents in Gorgon, north of Iran (2019).

This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 1025 children and adolescents aged 6-18 years in Gorgan, north of Iran (2019). Subjects were selected by Multistage Cluster Sampling. Digital version of K-SADS test was studied for 24 types of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. Sampling was done by trained psychologists, among general population and by referring to the house of people. Psychiatric disorders included mood disorders, behavioral disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, substance abuse disorders, and elimination disorders.

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents was 13.2%. This prevalence was 14.3 % and 12.1% in males and females, respectively. According to age groups, The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was common in 6 to 9 years olds with 17.8% which in comparison with other age groups was significant (P<0.05). Eliminatory disorder with 6.1% was the most common illness followed by behavior (6%), tension disorders (4.8%) and neurodevelopmental disorders (3.3%).

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents in this area is in a median range compared to other domestic and overseas.

Breastfeeding and mother-infant physical contact play an essential role in the mother's emotional recovery and readjustment. The present study aimed to investigate the association between attitude toward breastfeeding and postpartum depression. The present descriptive cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted on 200 females with postpartum depression referred to rural and urban health centers, Kerman, Iran. The selection was carried out using the convenience sampling method. The mothers who met the inclusion criteria and had the willingness to participate were included in the study. They were called, and if they had inclusion criteria, they were asked to refer to health centers. Data were collected using a questionnaire about baseline characteristics and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). This study showed that there was no special baseline effect on total attitude and aspect of depression. The results showed a significant negative relationship of total attitude with anxiety (r=-0.213, p=0.003), depression (r=-0.163, p=0.022), and anhedonia (r=-0.213, p=0.003). There were the strongest and the weakest relationship between anhedonia and depression (r=0.567, p<0.001), and between total attitude and depression (r=-0.163, p=0.022), respectively. According to the results of the independent t-test, a significant relationship was observed between scores of depression and total attitude, which means that females with depression had a more negative attitude (p<0.001). The results of this study documented the relationship between the attitude towards breastfeeding with postpartum depression and anxiety.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion or action. One of the consequences of diabetes is depression, which itself is related to complication of diabetes. Given the lack of enough studies on the relationship between psychological variables of parents and level of HbA1C in children with type 1 diabetes in Iran, we examined the relationship between psychosocial factors and glycemic control in children aged 7-16 years with type 1 diabetes.

This is a cross-sectional study conducted on all children with type 1 diabetes who were referred to Taleghani children's hospital in Gorgan, Iran. Data were collected using the General Health Questionnaire, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and a parenting style questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 17).

Overall, 64 diabetic children aged 7 -16 years who had a record file at the hospital were enrolled in the study. Children of homemakers and highly educated mothers had better glycemic control. In addition, the General Health Questionnaire test score of mothers had an inverse relationship with glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes. Moreover, daring parenting style seemed to have a more positive impact on glycemic control of diabetic children compared to permissive and authoritarian parenting styles.

Our findings demonstrate that various parental variables may affect glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes. Children with poor glycemic control have more personality and psychosocial problems. We suggest endocrinologists to refer children with type 1 diabetes and their parents to psychiatrists for psychological assessment and psychoeducation.

Considering the increasing rate of single-child families, this study aimed to compare social skills between children of single-child families with multiple-children families.

This descriptive-analytical study conducted in 2016 among primary schools in Gorgan. The participants included 336 children aged 9-12 years. They were selected through cluster sampling method. Gersham and Elliott's social skills questionnaire was completed by parents and teachers. The data analyzed by SPSS software, t-test, and ANOVA statistics.

In this study, 366 children aged 9 to 12 years (150 girls and 216 boys) were entered. Among these children, 163 were single-child, and 203 of them had at least one sibling. Social skills in the teacher's special form showed a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01). The mean score of behavioral problems and academic adequacy in both parent and teacher forms did not differ significantly between the two groups. Children who had parents with higher educational degrees and employed mothers received higher scores in educational adequacy.

Based on the findings, that scores of social skills are higher in children of multi-children families than single children. Children who had high-educated parents have higher educational adequacy and less behavioral problems than their peers with low-educated parents.