Methylphenidate improves executive functions in patients with traumatic brain injuries: a feasibility trial via the idiographic approach.

Background: Road traffic accidents are known to be the main cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is also a leading cause of death and disability. This study, by means of the idiographic approach (single-case experimental designs using multiple-baseline designs), has examined whether methylphenidate (MPH - trade name Ritalin) had a differential effect on cognitive measures among patients with TBI with the sequel of acute and chronic post-concussion syndromes.

Culture-Specific Pathogenicity of Dhat (Semen Loss) Syndrome in an Arab/Islamic Society, Oman.

A number of reports from different parts of the world have challenged the assumption that Dhat syndrome is confined to populations in and around the Indian subcontinent. This single case study reports an Omani with features typical of Dhat syndrome. Psychometric measures showed elevated scores on indices of hypochondriasis, psychasthenia, and gender role development as defined in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory.

The ineffectiveness of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for diagnosis in an Omani traumatic brain injured population.

Background: The rehabilitation of the traumatic brain injury (TBI) patient is especially challenging in non-western populations as the phenotypic indicators as well as the neurobehavioral assessments for the survivors of brain injury are limited.

Objective: The study screened for the prevalence of anxiety and depressive states among patients with TBI and examined the validity of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to identify TBI patients with comorbid affective dysfunctions, specifically anxiety and depressive disorders, in an Omani population.

Methods: Sixty-eight survivors of TBI were screened with the semi-structured, Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) and the HADS.

Patient's perspective on epilepsy: self-knowledge among Omanis.

Improving patients' knowledge has been suggested to improve their symptoms and prognosis. Very little is known about epileptic patient's knowledge of their illness in cross-cultural settings. This pilot study investigated what Omani patients know about their disorder.

Deliberate self-poisoning in Oman.

Objective: To describe the demographics, precipitating factors, substances and methods used for deliberate self-harm in Oman.

Methods: Data were extracted from the Accident and Emergency (A & E) records of patients treated at the A & E units in Muscat from 1993 to 1998. Data were obtained form the history, and clinical findings resulting form deliberate self-harm.