The effect of child-abuse on the behavioral problems in the children of the parents with substance use disorder: Presenting a model of structural equations.

Child abuse may potentially create the behavioral problems particularly in the children of parents with substance use disorder. Thus, the current study was conducted to investigate the effects of child abuse on the behavioral problems in the children of parents with substance use disorder using the emotional regulation and social skills as mediators. In this paper, the method of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied. The study population included 358 children of parents with substance use disorder whose parents had referred to the addiction treatment center in Kermanshah province, Iran (2017-2018). Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scales (CBRS), Emotion Regulation Checklist (ERC), Social Skills Rating Scale (SSRS) Questionnaire, and Child Abuse Questionnaire were also used for data collection. IBM SPSS Amos 22 software was utilized for statistical analysis of the obtained data. The SEM was also analyzed to confirm fit of the model. The results showed a direct relationship between the child abuse and behavioral problems so that, the boys outperformed the girls in this regard. The findings also suggested a significant relationship between the family characteristics and behavioral problems. On the other hand, family characteristics and emotional regulation had direct and significant effects on improvement of the social skills (P < 0.001). The results revealed a direct effect of child abuse on the behavioral problems in the children of parents with substance use disorder. Thus, it is suggested to take a preventive approach toward child abuse in the children of parents with substance use disorder by employing a comprehensive program and intervention methods.

Comparison of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy and theory of mind on increasing social competence among abused children.

BACKGROUND: In recent decades, the use of psychological methods has been considered to improve the barriers and challenges of abuse adolescent females. This study focuses on comparing the efficacy of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) and theory of mind (ToM) on social competence among abused children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical trial was performed with 39 abused children as the subjects of the study. Participants are residents in Ahvaz (Iran) host-family centers and were randomly divided into two groups of experimental subjects and control subjects. The data collection method utilized the Social Competence Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, covariance analysis, and Tukey's post hoc test were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: Comparison of the groups showed that the average behavioral and cognitive competence increased in both TF-CBT and ToM groups, but the average emotional, social competence is significantly higher in the ToM group. It is also found that the average social motivational competence is significantly higher in the TF-CBT group than in the ToM group. CONCLUSION: TF-CBT and ToM can be effectively used to improve the social competence of abused adolescent females.

The prevalence of panic disorder and its related factor in hospitalized patients with chest pain and normal angiography.

BACKGROUND: Chest pain is one of the common causes for referrals to cardiologists, 50% of which have no-cardiac origin. The occurrence of chest pains is among the most important factors responsible for psychological disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of panic disorder and its related factor in hospitalized patients with chest pain and normal angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 144 patients who referred to Emam Ali Cardiac Hospital of Kermanshah because of chest pain in 2013 and had a normal angiography during admission were selected using census sampling method. The statistical indicators of Chi-square and logistic regression were applied. RESULTS: From 144 patients with atypical chest pain, 95 were male (66%) and 49 were female (34%). Overall, 41 patients met the criteria for panic diagnosis and thus, the prevalence of panic attacks among patients with atypical chest pain was calculated as 28.5%. The results of multiple logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, early age, and the being single were among the predictive factors for the existence of panic disorder in patients with atypical chest pain and normal angiography (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Given the high prevalence of panic disorder in patients hospitalized for chest pain with normal angiography, it is recommended to consider the importance of paying attention to this disorder and identifying patients and referring them to professional psychiatrists.

Efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive gabapentin and memantine in obsessive compulsive disorder: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In the search for additional pharmacologic treatments of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD), the glutamatergic system is attracting growing interest. While adjuvant memantine to a standard medication with a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) appears to reduce OCD symptoms, the adjuvant effect of gabapentin is less certain. The aim of the present randomized, double-blind and three-arm clinical trial was therefore to assess whether, compared to placebo, gabapentin (GAB) or memantine (MEM) adjuvant to a standard medication with an SSRI (fluoxetine; FLU) might lead to further improvements. METHODS: A total of 99 outpatients (mean age: 29.59 years; 49.5% females) diagnosed with OCD were randomly assigned to one of the following three conditions: FLU + gabapentin (FLU + GAB); FLU + memantine (FLU + MEM); FLU + placebo (FLU + PLA). Experts rated patients' symptoms of OCD with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) at baseline, and 4 and 8 weeks later. RESULTS: YBOCS scores did not decrease over time. No group differences were observed. However, the significant Time by Group interaction showed that Y-BOCS scores decreased significantly over time in the FLU + PLA group. Response rates did not differ between the three study conditions. Typical side-effects were rash (FLU + MEM), drowsiness (FLU + GAB), anxiety (FLU + GAB; FLU + PLA), and drowsiness plus anxiety (FLU + GAB). CONCLUSIONS: The present pattern of results suggests that glutamatergic medications such as gabapentin and memantine adjuvant to a standard treatment with an SSRI have no additional positive impact on patients with OCD, as measured with the Y-BOCS. Additionally, side-effects were reported. Future studies should use more fine-grained tools to assess, for example, patients' sleep and cognitive functioning, and patients' view of symptoms.

Rosa Damascena oil improved methadone-related sexual dysfunction in females with opioid use disorder under methadone maintenance therapy - results from a double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is provided to patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). However, as with all opioids, methadone impacts negatively on sexual function. To counter this, Rosa Damascena oil (RDO) has been used successfully for opioid-dependent male patients under MMT and with methadone-related sexual dysfunction (MRSD). In the present study, we tested the possible influence of RDO on sexual function and sex hormones of opioid-dependent female patients undergoing MMT and with MRSD. METHODS: Fifty female patients (mean age: 38.8 years) diagnosed with OUD, undergoing MMT and with MRSD were randomly assigned either to the RDO or the placebo condition. At baseline, patients completed questionnaires covering socio-demographic and OUD-related information. At baseline, and four and eight weeks later they additionally completed questionnaires on sexual function and happiness. Blood samples to assess thyroid hormones, prolactin, progesterone, and estradiol levels were taken at baseline and eight weeks later (end of the study). RESULTS: Over time sexual function and happiness increased, but more so in the RDO condition than in the placebo condition. Over time, prolactin decreased, and progesterone, and estradiol increased, but again more so in the RDO condition. Sex hormone levels and sexual function were statistically unrelated. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that opioid-dependent females undergoing MMT and with MRDS did benefit from RDO administration, as sexual function and happiness increased, and female sexual hormone levels changed in positive directions.

Rosa Damascena oil improved sexual function and testosterone in male patients with opium use disorder under methadone maintenance therapy-results from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Some patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are treated with methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). However, as with opioids, methadone has major side-effects; sexual dysfunction is a particularly distressing such effect. Rosa Damascena oil has been shown to reduce subjective sexual dysfunction in patients with major depressive disorders, but its influence on testosterone has not so far been tested. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of Rosa Damascena oil on sexual dysfunction and testosterone levels among male patients with OUD and undergoing MMT. METHODS: A total of 50 male patients (mean age: 40 years) diagnosed with OUD and receiving MMT were randomly assigned either to the Rosa Damascena oil (drops) or a placebo condition. At baseline, and four and eight weeks later, patients completed questionnaires covering sexual and erectile function. Blood samples to assess testosterone levels were taken at baseline and eight weeks later on completion of the study. RESULTS: Over time sexual dysfunction decreased, and testosterone increased in the Rosa Damascena oil, but not in the placebo condition. Sexual dysfunction scores and testosterone levels were not consistently related. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled clinical trial showed that Rosa Damascena oil improved sexual function and testosterone levels among males with OUD and undergoing MMT.

Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Life Expectancy of Female Cancer Patients at Tehran's Dehshpour Institute in 2015.

BACKGROUND: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) increases the psychological exibility of people afflicted with cancer, and consequently improves their adaptability. The present research was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of ACT for people afflicted with cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present research was of semi-pilot type with a pre-test and post-test plan for the proof group. The demographics of the community were composed of all the women with cancer who were under treatment in Tehran's Dehshpour therapeutic center in 2015. The sample was composed of 24 people who were selected as available and chosen randomly in two groups of test and proof. All the participants responded to Snyder questionnaire in two pre-test and post-test stages, and the test group participated in treatment sessions after conducting the pre-test. RESULTS: After collecting the information, data analysis was conducted in two description and inferential levels. The test results of covariance analysis showed that the two groups' hope was meaningfully different. Hope in the test group, compared to the proof group, increased meaningfully. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the ACT is effective in increasing hope of patients with cancer.

Effects of Omega-3 Supplement in the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar I Disorder.

BACKGROUND: Fatty acids play various physiological roles in the organism; they are crucial for the structure of cell membranes, metabolic processes, transmission of nerve impulses and brain functions. In recent years, particular attention has been paid to the rich sources of omega-3 for the treatment of many diseases, especially mental illnesses. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 supplement in the treatment of patients with bipolar I disorder (BID). METHODS: In this double-blind clinical trial, 100 patients suffering from BIDs were randomly divided into two, i.e. control (n = 50) and experimental (n = 50) groups. In addition to the other standard treatments, 1000 mg of omega-3 supplement was given to the experimental group on daily basis for 3 months and placebo was given to the control group. The Young Mania Rating Scale was completed for both groups before and after the intervention. Afterward, data were analyzed using paired t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Before intervention, mean severity of mania in the experimental group (23.50 ± 7.02) and control group (23.70 ± 8.09) was not significant (P ≤ 0.89). The difference after the intervention in the experimental group (10.64 ± 3.3) and control group (20.12 ± 6.78) was significant (P < 0.01). The mean intensity of mania before (23.50 ± 7.02) and after (10.64 ± 3.3) intervention reported to be significant at P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Since omega-3 supplement was effective for the treatment of BID, it is suggested to use omega-3 supplements as an adjuvant therapy along with the other pharmacotherapies.

The prevalence and clinical features of amphetamine-induced obsessive compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Amphetamine abuse is increasing worldwide, and the occurrence of amphetamine-induced (AI) psychiatric issues further complicates treatment. In response, the DSM 5 has introduced the classification of amphetamine-induced obsessive-compulsive disorders (AI-OCD), though little has been published on either its prevalence rates or its clinical features. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the prevalence of AI-OCD, to describe patients' clinical features, and to compare the prevalence rate among such patients with those for OCD in the general population in Western countries and Iran. METHODS: A total of 547 patients with amphetamine abuse or dependency and with a positive urine test (mean age: 31.64 years; 75.5% males) took part in the study. A psychiatric interview was carried out, covering both socio-demographic and illness-related information. RESULTS: 18 (3.3%) patients suffered from OCD prior to amphetamine abuse, 491 (89.8%) had no OCD, and 38 (6.9%) suffered from AI-OCD. Neither socio-demographic nor illness-related dimensions predicted patients with diagnosed AI-OCD. The prevalence of AI-OCD was significantly higher than that for OCD in the general population (2.3% in Western countries, 1.8% in Iran). CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that prevalence rate of AI-OCD is about 7%. Neither socio-demographic nor illness-related dimensions predicted the occurrence of AI-OCD. Thus, it remains unclear why some amphetamine abusers develop AI-OCD while others do not.

Treatment of depression in type 2 diabetes with Fluoxetine or Citalopram?

OBJECTIVE: Comparing the antidepressant effects of Citalopram with Fluoxetine and their effect on glycemic control in diabetic patients. METHODS: Forty patients attending the Diabetes Research Center in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran from September 2006 to October 2007 with type II diabetes and suffering from major depression were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n=20 per group) in a randomized controlled trial method. They received up to 40 mg/d of Fluoxetine or Citalopram. Twelve weeks after treatment, patients were reassessed in terms of severity of depression and diabetic status. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and psychiatric interview were used to measure the severity of depression and follow up the patients. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and fasting blood sugar (FBS) was obtained to monitor glycemic control. RESULTS: After the 12-week treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in severity of depression, FBS, and HbA1c. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of improvement in depression and diabetic status. CONCLUSION: Fluoxetine and Citalopram can effectively reduce the severity of depression in diabetic patients without an adverse effect on glycemic control.