Suicidal symptoms in depressed Pakistani patients

Depressive patients are at a high risk for suicide. The data on the frequency of suicidal symptoms in depressed patients, however, varies widely. This paper describes the extent of these symptoms in a group of Pakistani patients. Contrary to the findings of other Muslim countries, forty five percent of our patients showed suicidal psychopathology. Female patients showed more suicidal ideation and significant association was found between severity and duration of depressive illness with these symptoms. These findings are also discussed in terms of their importance in early recognition of these symptoms.

Interaction of chlorpromazine with tricyclic anti-depressants in schizophrenic patients

Interaction of Chlorpromazine with tricyclic antidepressants was investigated in twenty schizophrenic patients after their concurrent administration. A significant increase in serum chlorpromazine concentration was observed when administered in combination with both amitriptyline and imipramine with chlorpromazine. If combined therapy is indicated, the dose of chlorpromazine should be reduced or the time of administration of other two drugs should be adjusted to maintain therapeutic levels of chlorpromazine.

Psychiatric morbidity among male students

An epidemiological study was conducted to assess the mental health problems of first year male students studying in two educational institutions. Based on the findings of general health questionnaire and hospital anxiety and depression scale, the estimated prevalence of psychological disturbance was found to be 33% for the whole sample. Present findings are discussed in terms of early identification and provision of better health facilities for the students population.

Agrotherapy--new concept of rehabilitation for chronic schizophrenics in Pakistan

The provision of comprehensive programme for mental health in the community setting has achieved an important place in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation. The concept of agrotherapy which is based on the philosophy of keeping patients occupied in a rural and agricultural setting with more structured activities has been found to be a promising innovation for the rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenics in this regard. This paper describes the results of a three years follow-up study conducted at Fountain House Farm, Farooqabad to evaluate the effectiveness of agrotherapy. The findings are discussed in terms of practical implications of this innovative approach in the rehabilitation of chronic schizophrenic patients.

Emotional and behavioural problems among school children in Pakistan

The prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems in school children using Rutters children behavioural questionnaire was 9.3% with antisocial disorders being the commonest one. These disorders are not only present in this culture but also differ in terms of psychopathology with different levels of schooling. The findings are discussed in terms of their relevance to mental health of children with comparison of results from other countries.

Risk factors for depression

The role of social factors in the causation of depression based on the aetiological model proposed by Brown and Harris was examined in a sample of 50 depressed female patients. Loss of mother before age 11 years and lack of confiding relationship was found to act as a vulnerability factor whereas employment status and having three or more children aged 14 or under were not found to have an increased vulnerability in these patients. These results which provide general support for Brown and Harris's causal model are discussed with their possible implications in our socio-cultural settings.