Communicating with cancer patients.

In a prospective study, 100 cancer patients and their relatives were separately interviewed using a structured interview to examine whether the diagnosis of cancer should be communicated to patients and relatives; the reasons for doing so or not, the emotional reactions of patients and families; any change in the attitude of relatives; behaviour of patients and patient's expectation, on diagnosis, of the course of their illness. The majority of patients, who knew their diagnosis (71%), wanted to be told the truth. The majority of relatives wanted to know the truth themselves (81%) without the patients being told (77%). Patients did show immediate emotional reactions like anxiety and dejection, however they appeared to accept the diagnosis. Findings suggest that in an Indian setting the attitude of family members is more positive. The role played by sociocultural factors in the acceptance of the truth is discussed.

Standardisation of hindi version of goldbergs general health questionnaire.

Goldberg's GHQ was translated into Hindi. An emphasis was made to have the language of common use. The reliability of GHQ Hindi version (GHQ-H) was tested by translation - retranslation method and split-half method using the scores of 500 patients attending psychiatric out-patient department and 500 normal subjects. The tool was found to be sensitive and reliable. The tool differentiates normal population (mean score 4.9) from the patient population (mean score 30.64) statistically (p < 0.01) indicating a high validity. Details of methodology are described and its subsequent use is advocated.

Burden on families of schizophernic and chronic lung disease patients.

With the aims to find out the comparative burden on families of schizophrenics and patients with chronic lung disease and to study the areas of burden on families of two groups of patients, randomly selected samples of relatives of 25 patients in each group were studied by using a structured interview schedule. Sociodemographic data were recorded and Burden on the family interview schedule was administered. Results revealed more burden on families of schizophrenic patients in the financial area, effects on family leisure, family routine, family interaction and mental health of other family members. Among the schizophrenic's families more financial burden was seen where male member had the illness. The implications of these findings in management and rehabilitation of the patients have been highlighted.

Post partum psychiatric syndromes-an analysis of 100 consecutive cases.

100 consecutive out patients with onset of Psychiatric illness within 40 days of child birth were studied by using Indian Psychiatric Interview Schedule and a specially designed Proforma. It was found that post partum psychiatric syndromes occurred most frequently in patients less than 25 years of age. Stress of Physical illness was present in a considerably high number of patients (74%). In 66% the Psychiatric illness was associated with first child birth and risk of Puerperal Psychosis in subsequent deliveries was found to be 32%.; Onset of illness is seen most frequently (85% cases) within 3 weeks of child birth. The Diagnostic breakup showed Schizophrenic reactions (68%) affective disorders (25%) and neurotic reactions (7%). Findings have been discussed.