Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
Year:2008 | Volume:14 | Issue:2 (53)|Papers Count:21

Objectives: This study was carried out with the aim of collecting and comparing domestic researches on suicide and suicide attempt in Iran.Method: Using information presented in the internet and information system of the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education, articles published on the topics of suicide and suicide attempt were examined.Results: 3477 subjects had been examined in the reviewed articles. The age range for men and women was 30-39 and below 30 respectively. 71.8% and 53.5% had a history of mood disorder and drug abuse with the aim of suicide respectively. The prevalence of suicide was calculated to be 9.4 in 100000.Conclusion: The prevalence of suicide in Iran is lower than its relative global prevalence and the principal method of suicide is poisoning with drugs. Women attempt suicide twice as much as men. The most prevalent methods of suicide in men and women are hanging and burning respectively.

Objectives: In this study the effect of topiramate as adjunctive therapy to lithium on mood disorder in adolescents is compared to that of sodium valproate.Method: In a randomized clinical trial, 30 adolescents with bipolar mood disorder in the manic or mixed phase were treated with either topiramate or sodium valproate. All participants had either not responded adequately to a 4 to 6 week period of treatment with lithium carbonate, or had relapsed after a period of remission and needed additional mood stabilizing drug. Responses were evaluated using Young Mania Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression Scale and Children Global Assessment Scale.Results: Many of the demographic properties of both groups were similar. In each group the mean of the decrease in symptoms and degree of remission were significant (p<0.001), but the comparison between the two groups did not yield a statistically significant difference.Conclusion: Both topiramate and sodium valproate can be effective in the treatment of adolescent bipolar mood disorder and there is probably no difference in their efficacy.

Objectives: This research was carried out with the aim of examining the effects of selegiline, a monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor with dopaminergic features, on the treatment of patients with schizophrenia with prominent negative symptoms.Method: In a clinical trial, 80 inpatients at the Hejazi Hospital in Meshed, who were diagnosed with schizophrenia based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fourth edition-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria, and had prominent negative symptoms (a score of over 15 in Positive and Negative Symptom Scale [PANSS]) entered the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: Patients receiving 5mg selegiline, patients receiving 10mg selegiline, and those receiving placebo along with an antipsychotic drug. The patients were then followed-up for six weeks using PANSS and Drug Side Effects Test. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and t-test.Results: Eight patients were excluded from the study due to an increase in psychotic symptoms and four were excluded because of drug side effects. Mean age of patients was 47.6 and the mean duration of hospitalization was 8.9 years. Even though there was an improvement in negative symptoms in both groups receiving selegiline, the difference between the groups receiving selegiline and the group receiving placebo was not significant.Conclusion: Selegiline is not superior to placebo in reducing negative symptoms in hospitalized patients.

Objectives: Considering the important effects of increase in free radicals such as superoxidase and nitric oxide on deficiency in antioxidant defense and the harm done to brain, this research was carried out with the aim of comparing oxidative stress in patients with schizophrenia and normal individuals.Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 60 patients who were diagnosed with schizophrenia based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-fourth edition-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria by a psychiatrist, and 180 normal subjects who were matched based on age, sex, smoking and income. Patients were selected using convenience sampling in Amir Kabir Hospital. After filling consent forms, five ml of venous blood sample was drawn from the subjects for measuring stress oxidative indexes. Satho and thiobarbitoric acid (TBA) methods were used to measure lipid peroxidation, Hu and Dithionitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) were used to measure thiol groups, and Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP) which evaluates plasma ability in ferric ion reduction was used to measure total serum antioxidative activity. Data were analyzed using Spearman correlation coefficient, t-test, and logistic regression pattern.Results: The mean age of subjects was 32.13 (±9.46). Seven and 53 patients had acute and chronic schizophrenia respectively. The mean difference of thiol index between the subject and control groups was significant (p<0.001). Mean of FRAP index was also significantly different between the two groups (p<0.005). The mean for TBA index was higher in the subject group but the difference was not significant.Conclusion: A decrease in thiol and FRAP leads to a decrease in antioxidant defense in patients with schizophrenia.

Objectives: Considering the importance of assessing aspects of wellbeing in individuals and its role in physical and psychological health, this study was carried out to examine the reliability and validity of Ryff’s Psychological Well-being Scales (RPWBS).Method: In a descriptive cross-sectional study 145 students of Islamic Azad University, Azadshahr Branch (96 women and 49 men) who were selected using random stratified method, completed RPWBS, Self-acceptance subscales, Oxford Happiness Scale, and Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistic methods and correlation coefficient.Results: The test-retest reliability coefficient of RPWBS was 0.82. The subscales of Self-acceptance, Positive Relation with Others, Autonomy, Environmental Mastery, Purpose in Life, and Personal Growth were found to be 0.71, 0.77, 0.78, 0.77, 0.70, and 0.78 respectively, which were statistically significant (p<0.001). The correlation coefficient of RPWBS with Satisfaction with Life, Happiness, and Self-esteem were also found to be: 0.47, 0.58, and 0.46 respectively which were also significant (P<0.001).Conclusion: The RPWBS are valid and reliable and are suitable for use in assessing the psychological well-being of Iranian students.

Objectives: The aim of the research was to examine the factor structure of 3, 9 and 14-item Persian versions of Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB) that encompasses six domains: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth.Method: A 14-item version of RSPWB was administered to a sample of 374 university students (158 male and 216 female) who were selected using multi-stage cluster sampling. Three competing models for each of 3, 9 and 14-item versions were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Data were analyzed using affirmative factor analysis, and multivariate analysis of variance.Results: CFA revealed that while the multidimensional Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-being model in the 3, 9 and 14-item versions had an acceptable fit to the data, the hierarchical RSPWB model demonstrated a superior fit in mentioned versions. Also, the unidimensional scales of RSPWB were shown to be an unacceptable measurement model in this sample in the 3, 9 and 14-item versions. Conclusion: Obtained results replicated some of the previous findings and supported the RSPWB’s multidimensionality and supported the super-order factor model in which RSPWB is composed of six relatively distinct dimensions.

Objectives: Considering the importance of diagnostic processes and the necessity of developing valid and reliable instruments, this research was carried out with the aim of developing a reliable and valid scale to evaluate the function of Iranian families.Method: This study was of instrument development type and was carried out in two phases: pilot (225 couples) and main (1100 married men and women). The subjects in the pilot and main studies were selected using purposive and random cluster sampling respectively. Based on the pilot study a 55-item scale was developed and in the main study, the primary scale form [Family Process Scale (FPS)] was completed. Factor analysis, correlation coefficient, and sample t-test were used to analyze the data.Results: The results of factor analysis revealed five factors in the FPS (family cohesion, family communication, family coping strategies, family problem skills, and family religious beliefs). To evaluate the validity and reliability of this scale, test-retest reliability, alpha coefficient, divergent validity, and convergent validity of the FPS were calculated, which indicated its sufficiency.Conclusion: The FPS is valid and reliable for use in Iran.

Objectives: Considering the relation of emotional quotient (EQ) with problem solving and choosing suicide as a method of solving problems, this study was carried out with the aim of evaluating emotional quotient in women who had attempted suicide using poisoning.Method: In a retrospective (causal-comparative), semi-experimental study, 80 women who had attempted suicide by poisoning were selected using convenience sampling from among patients presenting to the emergency department of Noor Hospital in Isfahan (Iran), as the experimental group. Also, 80 normal women were randomly selected from among the visitors of the Internal Medicine Ward of same Hospital. Both groups were examined using Bar-on Emotional Quotient Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance and analysis of differences.Results: Results of multivariate data analysis showed that total EQ score and its sub-scales were significantly lower in the suicidal group in comparison with the control group (p<0.001). Also, according to the results of analysis of difference, along with the cut-off point of 253.86, for separating the normal and suicidal groups, both the specificity and sensitivity of Bar-on Emotional Quotient Questionnaire were calculated to be 100%.Conclusion: EQ is lower in women attempting suicide than normal women. Low EQ can be considered as a risk factor for suicide.

Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship between coping styles and emotional intelligence in guidance school students in the city of Tehran.Method: 420 students (195 boys and 225 girls) who were selected randomly using multi-stage cluster sampling from three areas in Tehran (areas one, six and 16) from all grades of guidance school, completed the Adolescent Coping Scale and Schutte Self-report Inventory. Data were analyzed using correlation coefficient and regression analysis.Results: There was a positive relationship between emotional quotient and each of the three coping styles (efficient, non-efficient, and referto-others) (p<0.001). In addition, emotional intelligence could significantly predict each of these three coping styles (p<0.001).Conclusion: The results of the present study approve the theories that aim to conceptualize emotional intelligence and coping in an integrated unit. These results are also useful for specialists who are pursuing patterns based on the prevention and treatment of behavioral and psychiatric disorders.

Objectives: The aim of the present research was studying the relationship between "parent’s education, father's job and the number of siblings" and the perceived self-efficacy in social interactions with peers in junior high school students. The relation between academic achievement and social self-efficacy was also studied.Method: In a descriptive cross-sectional study 398 junior high school students (204 girls and 194 boys) who were selected using random cluster sampling completed the Scale for Perceived Self-efficacy in Social Interactions with Peers. Data were analyzed using t statistical test, one way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: Findings revealed that the psychometric properties of the mentioned scale are appropriate for use in Iranian population. Also, this study did not show a significant relationship between perceived self-efficacy in the interaction with peers and academic achievement. Girls were not significantly different from boys with regard to selfefficacy. Father’s job had a significant relationship with perceived selfefficacy in social interaction with peers (p<0.01). Parent’s education did not have a significant relationship with self-efficacy. There was a significant relationship between the number of siblings and self-efficacy (p<0.05).Conclusion: Father’s job and the number of siblings have a direct relationship with perceived self-efficacy in social interaction with peers; but academic achievements, parent’s education, and sex are not related to perceived self-efficacy in social interaction with peers.

Objectives: Due to the important roles of social, familial, and economic factors in behavior patterns in individuals, this study aims to determine high risk behavior in adolescent students in the city of Tehran.Method: In this descriptive cross-sectional study 700 guidance school and high school students (326 girls and 374 boys) were examined using a demographic questionnaire containing questions about cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and mental health status and so on. Data were analyzed using c2 test.Results: Mean age of subjects was 14.8(±1.4) years. 629 subjects (88.7%) believed that cigarette smoking is detrimental to health. 84 subjects (12.0%) were cigarette smokers. 210 subjects (30.6%) had experienced smoking hookah. 70 (10.0%) and 14 (2%) of them had consumed alcohol and abused heroin respectively in the previous month.Conclusion: High risk behaviors such as using cigarettes, alcohol and other substances are prevalent among adolescent students and indicate the necessity for applying appropriate interventions aimed at decreasing their abuse.

Objectives: The aim of this research was to examine the relationship of family cohesion and flexibility with dimension of perfectionism in guidance school students.Method: In a correlational study 313 guidance school students (164 boys and 149 girls) in the city of Shiraz who were selected using multistage randomized cluster sampling, completed the Perfectionism Questionnaire, Family Cohesion Questionnaire and Family Flexibility Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using simultaneous multiple regression.Results: Simultaneous regression analysis showed that only family cohesion predicted the increase in positive dimensions of perfectionism and its three aspects (aiming at perfection, target orientation, and organization) (p<0.001). Family flexibility predicted the increase in positive (p<0.001) and negative (p<0.001) aspects of perfectionism.Conclusion: In line with prior research, family cohesion predicted only positive outcomes. However, family flexibility showed a dual function by increasing both the negative and positive dimensions of perfectionism. The relationship of flexibility with negative dimensions of perfectionism might be due to the lack of frank emphasis of flexible parents on the wishes and desires of their children.

Objectives: The aim of this research was the comparative study of pregnancy anxiety in its different periods and its related demographic factors.Method: In a descriptive cross-sectional study 286 pregnant women in the city of Rasht, Iran who were selected using convenience sampling, were evaluated using Pregnancy Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ), Golombok-Rust Inventory of Marital Status (GRIMS), and Demographic Information Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, and stepwise regression analysis.Results: The rate of pregnancy anxiety was high in the first and third trimester and low in the second trimester. However, after entering stepwise regression analysis, the data lost their significance. Stepwise regression of analysis showed that pregnancy anxiety has significant association with sexual satisfaction (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), and education (p<0.001). Having a lower age during pregnancy and high education and sexual satisfaction have a more significant role in accounting for differences in pregnancy anxiety than being in a particular trimester.Conclusion: Planning preventive and supportive programs for pregnant women is necessary.

Objectives: This study was carried out with the aim of studying the features of the Young Schema Questionnaire in nonclinical population.Method: In a descriptive cross-sectional study 37 postgraduate male students of Shahed and Shahid Beheshti universities in Tehran who were selected using stratified random method completed the Young Schema Questionnaire-Short Form (YSQ-SF). Data were analyzed using correlation coefficient and analysis of variance.Results: The results of the factor analysis revealed 17 factors as follows: Seven intact scales (five out of five items), three scales with four items, two with three items, and one with two items. Also, the two YSQ-SF original scales merged into one factor. The results yielded interpretable scales for all 15 schema subscales proposed by Young. These 15 subscales demonstrated good internal consistency. Higher-order principal component analysis yielded three higher order factors in line with previous findings.Conclusion: These results are consistent with previous results based on the English, French and Dutch versions of the YSQ-SF and provided support for the cross-cultural validity of the YSQ-SF.