Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) hold the majority of disease burden attributed to major depressive disorder (MDD). Despite this, there remains a substantial gap for access to evidence-based treatments for MDD in LMICs like Pakistan. Measurement-based care (MBC) incorporates systematic administration of validated outcome measures to guide treatment decision making and is considered a low-cost approach to optimise better clinical outcomes for individuals with MDD but there is a paucity of evidence on the efficacy of MBC in LMICs.

This protocol highlights a randomized trial which will include Pakistani outpatients with moderate to severe major depression.

Participants will be randomised to either MBC (guided by schedule), or standard treatment (guided by clinicians’ judgement), and will be prescribed with paroxetine (10–60mg/day) or mirtazapine (7.5–45mg/day) for 24 weeks. Outcomes will be evaluated by raters blind to study protocol and treatment.

National Bioethics Committee (NBC) of Pakistan has given full ethics approval. The trial is being conducted and reported as per recommendation of the CONSORT statement for RCTs.

With increasing evidence from high-income settings supporting the effectiveness of MBC for MDD, it is now necessary to explore its feasibility, utility. and efficacy in low-resource settings. The results of the proposed trial could inform the development of a low-cost and scalable approach to efficiently optimise outcomes for individuals with MDD in Pakistan.

None Declared

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people and most deaths by suicide occur in low and middle-income countries. School is the best place where we can identify and respond to youth suicide risk. School-based interventions for suicide prevention in young people have been successful across US, Europe and Australia, but require adaptations to be acceptable and feasible in Pakistan.

To develop and test culturally adapted preventative interventions for suicidal behaviours among pupils in secondary schools in Pakistan. The qualitative component aimed at exploring the views of students, parents, teachers and general practitioners on cultural adaptation, experience of participation, areas of improvement and suggestions for scale-up of the school-based suicide prevention program (SEPAK).

A clustered randomised controlled trial. The four culturally modified interventions 1) Linking Education and Awareness of Depression and Suicide Awareness (LEADS) Training for pupils (students=260) 2) the Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) for teachers (students=203) 3) QPR for parents (students=445); 4) Screening by Professionals (Profscreen) (students=260) were compared against control intervention (educational posters) (students=227). Structured questionnaires were administered at baseline and 1-month post-intervention to assess suicidal behaviours, psychological well-being and quality of life. A total of 8 focus groups (FGs) were conducted at pre and post intervention stage with each stakeholders.

Patient and public involvement and Engagement (PPIE) was strongly embedded in the project to ensure meaningful benefits for participants. A total of 40 schools were recruited from 8 cities across Pakistan. A total of 243 students attended LEADS intervention, 92 teachers and 304 parents completed QPR training, and 9 general practitioners were trained in ProfScreen. The retention rate at follow-up was 99% that shows feasibility of delivering intervention package in Pakistan. All participants marked SEPAK as effective in identifying risk of and preventing self-harm and suicide in young people and in improving pathways to treatment. Interventions were perceived as helpful in improving knowledge about mental health, impact of mental health difficulties on functioning, reducing stigma, equipping stakeholders to identify and signpost at-risk people. Improvement in clinical and teaching practice as well as understanding others behaviors were also reported.

This study suggest feasibility of integrating a suicide prevention program in existing educational system and highlights positive role of creating awareness about suicide in youth, introduction of school-based mental health programs, parental counseling and strengthening of the health system by training general practitioners in early identification of suicide risk and promoting suicide prevention strategies

None Declared

Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and low and middle-income countries (LMICs) carry over 80% of this disease burden. Attempts have been made to address depression in LMICs, with improvements in the home environment and maternal knowledge. However paternal depression is a neglected and under-researched area. Since maternal depression is associated with depression in fathers there is a need for partner inclusive parenting programs to address parental mental health and improve child outcomes.

To evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of partner inclusive Learning through play plus (LTP+) intervention in reducing depression in fathers and mothers.

To evaluate the effectiveness of LTP + intervention in improving child outcomes.

To conduct process evaluation and identify challenges in transition to scale up of the intervention across Karachi, Pakistan from the perspective of fathers, mothers, and other stakeholders.

This is a cluster randomised controlled (cRCT) trial of partner inclusive group parenting program called (Learning Through Play (LTP+) across 18 towns in the city of Karachi. Over 5000 parents (fathers and partners) will participate in the study with a capacity building component of training 4000 Community Health Workers across Pakistan.

This large cRCT will confirm the clinical and cost-effectiveness of LTP+ in reducing depression in parents and improving child outcomes along with the barriers and facilitators to implement the LTP+ group parenting program and the possibilities to roll out the innovation at national level through engagement with policy makers.

Addressing depression in parents is hugely important because of its adverse effects both for child and parents. This low-cost group parenting program will help in scaling up the innovation across health services in Pakistan and other LMICs.

None Declared

This study aims to assess the stress levels, stress busters (stress relievers), and coping mechanisms among Saudi dental practitioners (SDPs) during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak.

A self-administered questionnaire was sent to SDPs via Google Forms. Cohen’s stress score scale was used for stress evaluation, and the mean scores were compared based on age, gender, qualification, and occupation. In addition, comparisons of the utilization of stress coping mechanisms and stress busters based on gender, age, and occupation were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were carried out using SPSS Version 21.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY).

A total of 206 SDPs (69% males and 31% females) participated in the study. Male SDPs showed a higher score than females (P > 0.05). SDPs around age 50 years and above obtained high stress scores (25 ± 7.4) as compared with other age groups (P < 0.05). The occupational level showed higher stress scores (22.6 ± 4.6 than the other occupation groups (P < 0.05). The majority of the SDPs used watching TV/mobile/computer (80%) as a stress buster, followed by binge eating (64%), exercise (44%), smoking (32%), do-it-yourself (DIY; 23%), and meditation (17%).

SDPs are experiencing stress levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. Male SDPs above age 50 years and private practitioners showed higher levels of stress scores. An overall commonly used stress buster was smoking in males and meditation in females.

Psychiatric disorders are increasingly prevalent and present as a comorbidity in many hospitalized patients. Studies have demonstrated that the presence of comorbid psychiatric conditions (CPC) is associated with worsened inpatient outcomes. Emergency surgical admissions and the impact of CPC on their outcomes has not been studied in Ireland to date. This study aims to provide a comprehensive analyses of the relationship between a wide range of psychiatric comorbidities and surgical presentations.

The Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) and prospectively maintained electronic patient records were used to identify all surgical emergency admissions between 31st August 2019 and 1st September 2020 to Mayo University Hospital, Ireland. Patient demographics, comorbidities, primary diagnoses, length of stay (LoS), discharge destination, and surgical interventions were recorded. Subgroup analyses were performed examining LoS variation in the type of surgical presentation. Physical comorbidities were scored using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Statistical calculations were performed using SPSS.

A total of 995 admissions were recorded. The presence of CPC increased the overall mean LoS by 1.9 days (p = .002). This trend was observed in both operative and conservative management. Significant increase in LoS was noted in patients with a comorbid depression (2.4 days, p = .003), dementia (2.8 days, p = .019), and intellectual disability (6.7 days, p = .007). Subgroup analysis revealed greater LoS in patients with CPC diagnosed with non-specific abdominal pain (1.4 days, p = .019), skin and soft tissue infections (2.5 days, p = .040), bowel obstruction (4.3 days, p = .047), and medical disorders (18.6 days, p = .010). The odds of nursing home or convalescence as a discharge destination was 2.44 (95% CI: 1.37–4.35, p = 0.002) in patients with CPC and the odds of self-discharge against medical advice in this population was 4.89 (95% CI: 1.43–16.70, p = 0.005). No significant difference was observed in mortality and readmission rates.

Psychiatric comorbidities significantly impact length of hospital stay and influence discharge planning in surgical inpatients. Greater vigilance is required in providing care for patients with psychiatric comorbidities, particularly those with depression, dementia and intellectual disability. Better optimisation of facilities and a more personalised approach to patients with CPC are required to improve inpatient outcomes and resource allocation.

Erectile dysfunction is twice common in patient with depression. Testosterone plays vital role in erectile function. Low testosterone level is found in patients of depression. High level of prolactin has depressive effect on libido function. Hypogonadism and hyperprolactinemia can be the causative factor for depression. Hormonal changes can be both cause and effect of depression with ED.

In sample of 76 patients having depression with co morbid ED blood levels of prolactin, and free testosterone were determined.

Half of patients were treated with sex friendly antidepressants while in other half mesterolone and piribedil were used as adjunct medicines.

In 9.2% free testosterone level was below than reference value. In 28.9% prolactin level was high .51 .31% were found having border line free testosterone level.

In younger age group free testosterone level was lower than older age group. There exist inverse relation between prolactin level and free testosterone level. Patients who were given adjunct medication showed rapid improvement both for depression and erectile dysfunction.

Reduced level of free testosterone and high level of prolactin has bilateral relation with depression with co morbid ED. Although prevalence of hypogonadism and hyperprolactinemia is low in the study yet high numbers of borderline cases are of great significance. It is postulated that fall in sexual function is directly proportional to change in levels of these hormones from the base line that are reversed by adjunct medicines.

In patients with concomitant major depression and erectile dysfunction hormonal changes plays important role.

To determine incidence of complicated grief in the families of enforced disappearance in the conflict torn Kashmir valley. Complicated GRIEF is a recently identified symptom complex marked by continued separation distress and bereavement related accompanying traumatic distress.

A total of 100 family members who were recruited from a workshop conducted by department of psychiatry and MEDICENS SAN FRONTIERS with family members of enforced disappearances were screened by psychiatrists.

COMPLICATED GREIF was very prevalent, 79% screened positive for complicated grief, PTSD was present in 30% of screened, 41% met criteria for major depressive disorder, 38% neither met criteria for major depressive disord: er nor PTSD, even though everybody who met criteria for PTSD had major depressive disorder as comorbidity.

COMPLICATED GRIEF is a important diagnosis in this subgroup of population and results into significant distress and dysfunction and hence warrants attention.

Psychological distress and suicide are known to be associated with exposure to traumatic life events. No literature is available on prevalence of suicidal ideation in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

To study suicidal ideation and desire for death in trauma exposed population in Pakistan.

To estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation and desire for death one year after exposure to extreme trauma in a well-defined and accessible group in Pakistan.

Subjects were examined 1 year after exposure to a bomb blast in Islamabad, Pakistan. A semi-structured interview schedule and Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation were used to assess a group of female University students. Assessment record of 50 consecutive study participants were evaluated to estimate point prevalence of suicidal ideation and desire for death in the study population.

All subjects were enroled in full time university education at the time of assessment. 17 subjects (34%) presented with weak desire for death whilst 5 subjects (10%) presented with moderate to severe desire for death. 15 Subjects (30%) presented with active suicidal ideation at the time of assessment. However, ony 3 subjects (6%) presented with moderate to severe suicidal ideation. The subjects presenting with suicidal ideation described family ties, religious beliefs, fear of irreversible injury as protective factors against their suicidal thoughts. Only 2 subjects (4%) had engaged in some degree of planning towards committing suicide.

This study provides the first structured estimate of prevalence of suicidal ideation in trauma exposed population of Pakistan.

Severe stress or exposure to life threatening trauma is known to affect social functioning and quality of life.

To study well-being and anger arousal as markers of social functioning and quality of life in a group of University students exposed to a suicide bomb attack on a University in Pakistan.

To examine indicators of social functioning in order to higlight them as targets for therapeutic interventions.

Subjects were assessed after one year of exposure to a life threatening incident on University campus. Subjects completed an assessment schedule incorporating World Health Organization's Well-Being Index and Novarco Anger Inventory (25 items).

54 students completed the assessment. The mean age of the group was 24 years. All subjects had completed 14–16 years of education and were in full time education at the time of assessment. The Well Being Index Score range was 1–24 with 26 sujects scoring 13 or lower scores indicating poor quality of life. 29 subjects scored higer levels of anger arousal on 10 or more items of Novarco Anger Inventory indicating difficulties in social functioning. The overall group showed a statistically significant negative correlation between the Well-Being Index Scores and the number of Novarco Anger Inventory items scored in the two highest categories of anger arousal.

The results of the study highlight anger arousal and well-being as important markers of functioning in the aftermath of a stressful life event. The study confirms their usefulness as legitimate therapeutic targets for pharmacotherapy, psychotherapeutic, and social interventions.

Early psychosis is not a discrete disorder; rather it is mixed-up state .Different states like depression, anxiety, psychosis, obsession manifest during this period. 20% to 40% of BLIPS positive subjects eventually make transition to psychosis. Large proportion of remaining patients develops anxiety or mood disorders. During early psychosis unitary psychosis, manifest itself in forms of different psychiatric disorders.

An electronic search was made at data based websites including pub med and Blackwell synergy using key words, unitary psychosis, prodrom, early psychosis .This was followed by manual and internet study of relevant articles .

Cognitive deficits and defects of facial recognition were present in both schizophrenic and bipolar prodrom .In 24.2% schizo-obsessive patients reduced size of the left hippocampus was found. 84% subjects reported depressive symptoms before transition to psychosis, 73% of patient of schizophrenia starts with non-specific affective and negative symptoms. In presence of depression, probability of transition to psychosis increased from 4% to 21.7%. In 47.3% of patients, OCD occur before onset of frank psychosis.

High prevalence of comorbidities during prodromal phase indicates that shared common factor is involved. Anxiety, depression and attenuated psychosis are integral components of early psychosis. Overlapping of bipolar and schizophrenic prodrms depicts commonality of origin of two disorders.OCD is associated with schizo-obsessive subgroup. Strong interactive relationship among different disorders could be explained on basis of unitary psychosis.

Presence of unitary psychosis is realized in the studies of early psychosis.

In psychiatry there exist, parallel trends of splitting and clumping of disorders. Former represents dichotomous Kraepelinian trend and latter stands for integrated approach of unitary psychosis .Advancement of biochemical studies and genetics have provided some evidences in favor of unitary psychosis.

Authors made an internet search at various databases websites including pub med, and Blackwell synergy using, early psychosis, prodrom, neuroprotection, apoptosis as key words. It was followed by manual and internet study of authentic psychiatric journals.

Anatomical, functional and neurochemical studies of brain reveal structural changes in early psychosis.

In schizophrenia, pathological process is progressive. Brain volume loss continues even after onset of overt symptoms.

Study of subjects in prodromal phase shows 15-point drop in GAD. Significant proportion also met criterion of anxiety 86% depression 76% low energy 62% and, social with drawl 71%.

Unitary psychosis symbolizes concept of unity in diversity. Neurodevelopmental apoptotic process has its own direction that manifests in form of affective symptoms, anxiety symptoms, obsessive symptoms cognitive deficits, positive psychotic symptoms and ends with negative symptoms. It is assumed that neurodevelopmental process move from lower to higher centers of brain. Neuroprotection during emerging phase of psychotic disorder can delay the onset. Neurochemical studies shows that SSRIs atypical antipsychotic, anticonvulsants, and lithium has antiapototic properties which modulate the progression This suggests that apoptotic process is the thread that connects apparently different disorder is unitary psychosis.

Neurobiological model can account for unitary psychosis.

Attention to caregiving consequences has been mainly restricted to bipolar disorder, although studies suggest that relatives of bipolar patients also experience considerable distress.

The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences from family member caregiver with bipolar disorder patient.

In a qualitative research of phenomenological methodology, the family member's caregivers of bipolar disorder in farshian psychiatric hospital in Hamedan (Iran) were selected by purposive sampling in the year 2010. By reaching data saturation the number of participant was 12. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed by “Van manen” method.

Analysis of the interviews revealed six major themes: emotional impact, physical impact, social impact, Financial Impact, Disruption of family functioning and social support needs.

Highlight the need for family-oriented mental health services to be developed and for further research to identify the specific nursing interventions that are effective in helping to sustain family caregiving.

Many time people get addicted to a drug like opiods when prescribed for some medical purpose. Neurobiological models of addiction has proposed cellular adaptation as mechanism of drug addiction. Excessive release of dopamine in NA due to drug intake produces euphoric sensation leading to pathological learning. Repeated use of drug increase glutametergic drive from prefrontal to NA cause compulsive seeking of drug in drug addicts. Is it possible to prevent medically induced addiction.

Pub med search was made by using key words, addiction model, dopamine, glutamate, anticraving medicine, oxidative stress.

Different antiglutametergic medication like ketamine, mementine, accomprosate modulate glutamatic excitation to prevent addiction. Natural medicine like N acetyle cystine and oxytocin have protective role . Typical antipsychotic can block surge of dopamine in NA.

When addictive drug has to be used inevitably for medical purpose it should be combined with other drugs to prevent development of addiction. First euphoria related to dopamine release in NA can be blocked by use of low dose typical antipsychotic or dopamine partial antagonist . NMDA is molecular target of various addictive drugs. Memtentine, ketamine or accomprosate can minimize effects of glutametergic plasticity. N accetyle cystine can restore glutamatergic pathway by its system of cystine- glutamate antiporter. It is source of glutathione largest anti oxidant system of body. Intranasal oxytocin can prevent addiction through its action on stress, learning, memory and intimacy. Intranasal oxytocin can be delivered directly to the brain.

Different strategies can be used to prevent medically induced addiction.