A survey of psychiatrically ill Asian children

Article Abstract:

There has long been interest in the effects of immigration on mental health. An excess of psychiatric disorders has been found in both immigrant children and adults. Factors such as malnutrition early in life, large family size, poverty and crowded housing conditions, racial discrimination, and stress related to migration have been blamed. Although Asian children are a major part of the immigrant population in Britain, research has not focused on them. Forty-five Asian children who were referred for psychiatric care from 1981 to 1985 were compared with a control group of 72 Caucasian children matched on all factors. The Asian group consisted of 23 boys and 12 girls. The control group consisted of 46 boys and 26 girls. Demographic and diagnostic information was gathered. Conduct disorders were more common in the control group and somatoform disorders (in which psychological disturbances produce bodily symptoms) were more common in Asian children. The differences were attributed to differences between Asian and control boys, which it is speculated may be due to the lower rate of Asian children from broken homes and the tendency for children from broken homes to live with the mother. The literature suggests that the absence of father as a role model for boys may be linked to higher rates of behavior disorders. Data from the girls showed little effect in this regard. With respect to the overall number of referrals to the clinic (978) during the study period, Asian children were underrepresented. It is not known if this reflected a lower rate of psychiatric disturbance in Asian children or parental attitudes about treatment of mental disorders. Evidence was more in support of the former hypothesis. The higher rate of somatoform disorders among Asian children may be a result of their parents being more willing to detect physical symptoms and seek treatment than psychiatric symptoms. It could also mean that psychological conflict in Asians tends to manifest in physical symptoms rather than neuroses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Somatoform disorders, Childhood mental disorders, Asians in foreign countries, Asians, Somatoform disorders in children, Asian students

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A longitudinal study of psychological and social factors affecting recovery from psychiatric breakdowns

Article Abstract:

While it is known that there are social and psychological factors precipitating depression, it is not known what factors may contribute to the chronic nature of psychiatric symptoms that some people develop. One view of the factors that contribute to the development of depression maintains that depression occurs after a major life event, which in all cases alters a person's ability to achieve his or her ideal future, such that the person is unable to maintain a consistent sense of self. If the person cannot integrate the life event into a new plan for the future, conflict arises and produces psychiatric symptoms. Thirty-five outpatients (23 women and 12 men) were studied who had a recent onset of symptoms of depression or anxiety. In the first of two interviews, which took place immediately after being seen by a clinician, severity of symptoms was assessed. The second interview was conducted six months later and assessed the same information. There were five areas of focus: plans and their outcomes, life events and non-health difficulties, social support, coping, and attribution. It was found that whether plans discussed in the first interview were working or not significantly predicted the existence of chronic symptoms six months later. Attribution of blame for the life event was the most significant predictor of chronicity. Persons who blamed themselves for the life-event were much more likely to display chronic symptoms that those who at least partially blamed factors beyond their control. Major non-health difficulties of any kind proved to be the second most powerful predictor of chronicity. Due to the statistical nature of the study, there is a need for replication with a much larger sample before generalization of results is possible. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prognosis, Depression, Mental, Depression (Mood disorder), Anxiety

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Behaviour therapy and benzodiazepines: allies or antagonists?

Article Abstract:

Behavior therapy and antidepressants, in combination, have been shown to be effective in the treatment and management of agoraphobia and panic. However, there is little data available on the efficacy of behavior therapy combined with benzodiazepines. A majority of patients referred for behavior therapy for panic or agoraphobia are already taking benzodiazepines. In a review of six studies that have looked at such a relationship, it was found that there is some evidence that behavioral therapy can lower levels of anxiety in patients taking benzodiazepines; that drug treatment is generally favored; and that there is no evidence of immediate relapse after withdrawal from medication. Longer-term results are sparse and mixed. It is recommended that treatment with behavior therapy and benzodiazepines be combined and studied further in humans, as most research, to date, has been carried out with animal models. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Usage, Panic disorders, Behavior therapy, Panic disorder, Benzodiazepines

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