Epidemiology of dependence on illicit substances, with a special focus on opioid dependence, in the State of Punjab, India: Results from two different yet complementary survey methods.

Background: We used two different yet complementary methods to capture the 'hidden population' of illicit substance users in the state of Punjab, India: Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) and Punjab Drug Use Monitoring Survey (P-DUMS).

Methodology: For the RAS component, following a pilot study, Respondent Driven Sampling was used to recruit 6600 community-dwelling substance dependent persons aged 11-60 years from all the 22 districts of Punjab. Size was estimated using benchmark-multiplier method, and prevalence was calculated by projecting these data to the source population.

Epidemiology of substance use and dependence in the state of Punjab, India: Results of a household survey on a statewide representative sample.

Background: Despite its political sensitivity, little scientifically valid evidence on the prevalence, pattern and treatment need of substance use in the northern border state of Punjab, India is available till date.

Methodology: The 'universe' for the survey was the entire house-dwelling population of Punjab, of both genders, aged 11-60 years. Stratified multistage sampling technique was used.

Habit reversal training for trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania is characterized by the repeated urge to pull out hair, leading to noticeable hair loss, distress, and social or functional impairment. Most of the cases present initially to dermatologists with complaints of loss of hair and is often confused with other dermatological conditions like alopecia areata, tinea capitis, traction alopecia, and loose anagen syndrome. It is a chronic condition and difficult to treat.

Psychiatric morbidity in prisoners.

Context: The prevalence of psychiatric illness in correctional settings is significantly elevated, with higher than community rates reported for most mental disorders.

Aims: (1) To examine the socio-demographic profile of convicted prisoners. (2) To evaluate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in convicted prisoners.

Psychiatric morbidity in non-psychiatric geriatric inpatients.

Aim: To evaluate the profile of psychiatric disorders in geriatric inpatients.

Methods: A total of 528 patients (age 65 years and above) admitted to various departments of the teaching hospital attached to the Government Medical College, Amritsar from 15 September 2001 to 14 September 2002 were included in the study. Psychiatric assessment of patients was made on the basis of psychogeriatric assessment scales (PAS) and present state examination (PSE-ninth edition, 1974).