Use of Family CAGE-AID questionnaire to screen the family members for diagnosis of substance dependence.

Background & Objectives: CAGE-AID questionnaire is a short, useful screening tool for substance dependence. Assessment of one family member for the screening of substance dependence in the family could be useful in clinical practice and research. In this study, we aimed to assess the validity of the Family CAGE-AID questionnaire for the diagnosis of substance dependence.

How Do Indian Substance Users Perceive Stigma Towards Substance Use Vis-A-Vis Their Family Members?

Perceived stigma towards substance use may determine family members' willingness to help in the treatment process of a substance user. This study aimed to compare the perceived stigma towards substance use among Indian substance users and their family members. Fifty dyads each of alcohol- and opioid-dependent men and their family members were recruited through purposive sampling.

The catatonia conundrum: controversies and contradictions.

Although catatonia is known to psychiatrists for more than a century, it is still poorly understood, often under recognized, have inspired debate and criticism about nosological status of the catatonic syndrome in recent times without reaching its conclusion. It can present with a number of psychiatric and medical illnesses and is easily treatable, though treatment response varies depending upon the underlying condition and can lead on to a multitude of complications, if not treated. Some issues are more than forty catatonic signs are available to scientific audience for diagnosis; threshold number for labelling varies according to the nosological system followed and the underlying condition; and mood stabilizers like carbamazepine and lithium are helpful in some cases of idiopathic periodic catatonia.

Cannabis and psychosis: have we found the missing links?

Background: The association between cannabis and psychosis has long been a matter of debate, with cannabis widely perceived as a harmless recreational drug.

Methods: Electronic bibliographic databases like PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using the format "(psychosis or schizophrenia or synonyms) and (cannabis or synonyms)". Cross-linked searches were made taking the lead from key articles.

Brief report: childhood disintegrative disorder as a likely manifestation of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare disorder, characterized by regression of acquired skills after a period of normal development. The case of childhood disintegrative disorder presented here was found to have vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia on extensive evaluation to find a probable cause for regression. This case illustrates the need for a thorough evaluation of all cases of childhood disintegrative disorder so that treatable causes of regression, like vitamin B12 deficiency, are not missed.

Metabolic syndrome in antipsychotic naïve patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Aim: The article aims to study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and subthreshold MS in antipsychotic naïve patients with schizophrenia.

Materials And Methods: Forty-six antipsychotic naïve patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were evaluated for the presence of metabolic abnormalities using International Diabetes Federation and modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Third Adult Treatment Panel criteria.

Results: Five patients (10.

Gender issues in life event research in India: A critical appraisal of the presumptive stressful life events scale.

Women are known to have an increased risk of common mental disorders. Much of this vulnerability has been attributed to psychosocial factors. Life event research is one of the ways in which the role of psychosocial factors in causing stress and illness can be assessed.

The many faces of trichotillomania.

Trichotillomania is a poorly understood complex disorder of multifaceted pathology which often requires an interdisciplinary approach for management. While sharing similarities with obsessive-compulsive disorder, compelling differences between these have also been noted. We present three cases of trichotillomania highlighting the remarkable variability seen in the presentation of this disorder.

Predictors and prevalence of nicotine use in females: A village-based community study.

Background: Nicotine use and abuse is gaining increasing attention due to its negative and serious medical consequences. Multiple morbidities occur due to the intake of nicotine in various forms.

Aims: To find the prevalence and type of nicotine use/abuse in females.