RFP Indian Journal of Medical Psychiatry

Background: Empty Sella Syndrome (ESS) is a condition where the Sella Turcica, containing  pituitary gland, appears empty or partially empty on imaging studies. Secondary ESS can result  from various underlying conditions, one of them being Sheehan’s Syndrome. It is characterised  by the presence of a hypophyseal necrosis due to severe postpartum haemorrhage and  hypovolemic shock which rarely presents with psychotic disorders.  

Case Description: Here, we present a case of 60-year-old female presented with history of  second- and third-person auditory hallucination, delusions of reference and persecution of 25  years duration with post-partum onset secondary to Empty Sella Syndrome.  Discussion: Our case supports the role of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis  involvementand hormonal dysfunction hypothesis in manifestation of psychosis.  Conclusion: Our case is an unusual presentation of Schizophrenia secondary to Sheehan’s  syndrome. This case brings awareness of neuropsychiatric manifestations of Empty Sella  Syndrome.

‘Psychometry’ the science of measuring human intelligence has evolved slowly over the last  century. Today we have several theories for measuring this socially vital attribute of human  beings at various stages of development. Many of these theories are often contradictory and  the results are not conclusive. The measurement is done by administering mental ability tests  However, the search for a theory that yields good correlation is still ongoing.  Digital mental health by using a suite of digital technologies ranging from digital  interventions to the application of artificial intelligence is a logical next step in this progress.  Telepsychiatry and virtual reality in psychiatric treatment and rehabilitation are showing  considerable progress.  This paper reports the research of the author using three of the six major theories of  intelligence. The computational methodologies are generic and can be extended to any facet  of human potential measurement and development. It is reliant on advances in computer and  communication technologies such as high speed networking, multimedia and virtual reality.  If future generations are to remember us more with gratitude than sorrow, we must achieve  more than just the miracles of technology. We must also leave them a glimpse of the world as  it was created, not just as it looked when we got through with it.  - Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th president of the United States of America

Background: Tobacco smoking is one of the major avoidable causes of disease and mortality  among adult smokers globally. India has 200 million estimated smokers. Every year in our  country, smoking causes the deaths of almost 600,000 males between the ages of 25 and 69. The  most common reason for smoking is the physical nicotine dependence. Varenicline is a novel  class of drugs for the cessation of smoking that reduces the rewarding effects of nicotine and  also reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting nicotine. The present  study was undertaken to study the efficacy of Varenicline in nicotine de-addiction.

Materials and Methods: 50 healthy and well-motivated Security Forces Personnel, ages  ranging from 20-58 years, who self-reported nicotine deaddiction constituted the sample for  the present study and were administered the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire for Nicotine  dependence.  

Results: There was a significant difference existing between the pre and post-values on the  Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire after six months of review. Subjects who had responded  well to deaddiction with Varenicline remained in remission even after six months.

 Conclusion: Varenicline is a first-line smoking cessation therapy option, as a possible  substitute for bupropion SR or NRT.

Background: Alcohol dependence has adverse social and health impacts. Alcohol related  issues mostly affect families, with spouses feeling the maximum effects mostly because of the  closeness of their bond. In alcohol treatment programs, spouses are key participants. Therefore,  in order to comprehend and manage such concerns, it is necessary to examine psychiatric  morbidity and coping mechanisms in partners of alcohol dependent individuals.

Aim: To compare the pattern of coping strategies and psychiatric morbidity in spouses of  men with alcohol dependence syndrome and controls.

Materials and Methods:Using the MINI Questionnaire, 60 controls and 30 spouses of men  with alcohol dependence syndrome were compared for psychiatric morbidity. Using the  General Health Questionnaire, psychological distress was evaluated. The Coping Strategies  Inventory was used to evaluate coping mechanisms. Severity of alcohol dependence was  assessed using Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire and consequences of drinking  was assessed by Drinkers Inventory of Consequences.

Results: 33.3% of spouses suffered from a mental illness. Mood and anxiety disorders  predominated. Major depressive disorder was present in 13.3% of cases, as were dysthymia  in 10%, generalised anxiety disorder in 6.7%, and suicidality in 6.7%. The two main coping  techniques used were problem focused engagement and emotion focused engagement. The  degree of alcohol dependence severity or its effects in any particular area were not substantially  correlated with any psychiatric disease and did not affect the coping strategy used.

Discussion: In wives of alcohol dependent men, psychological distress and psychiatric  morbidity are common. As spouses are known to play a significant role in the treatment of alcohol dependence syndrome, addressing these issues will be beneficial.