Depression and anxiety among traumatic brain injury patients in Malaysia.

Background: Depression and anxiety are common psychiatric sequelae of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, there is lack of data on comorbid depression and anxiety, and depression and anxiety in TBI patients were often evaluated using non-validated diagnostic tools. This study aims to determine the rates, their comorbidity, and factors associated with depressive and anxiety disorders in TBI patients.

Determining the effectiveness of a video-based contact intervention in improving attitudes of Penang primary care nurses towards people with mental illness.

Background: Mental illness-related stigma is common, and is associated with poorer outcomes in people with mental illness. This study evaluated the attitudes of primary care nurses towards people with mental illness and its associated factors; and the effectiveness of a short video-based contact intervention (VBCI) in improving these attitudes using a Malay version of the 15-item Opening Minds Stigma Scale for Healthcare Providers (OMS-HC-15-M).

Methods: A 5-minute VBCI was developed comprising elements of psychoeducation and interviews of people with mental illness and the people they interact with, relating to experience of mental illness and recovery.

Managing depression in primary care.

Major depression is common in the primary care setting. In the final article of this series, we illustrate the approach to the management of depression in primary care. Psychotherapy has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate major depression.

Major depression in primary care: making the diagnosis.

Major depression is a common condition seen in the primary care setting, often presenting with somatic symptoms. It is potentially a chronic illness with considerable morbidity, and a high rate of relapse and recurrence. Major depression has a bidirectional relationship with chronic diseases, and a strong association with increased age and coexisting mental illnesses (e.