Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
Year:2008 | Volume:13 | Issue:4 (51)|Papers Count:17

Objectives: This research was carried out to investigate the relationship between depression and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after Myocardial Infarction (MI(.Method: In a prospective study 176 patients aged between 32 and 84 with a mean age of 56 years (SD 10.05) who were admitted with a diagnosis of MI to coronary care unit (CCU) in the city of Isfahan during the first five months of 2006, were selected using convenience sampling.  Demographic and medical information were collected and LVEF after MI was measured by either echocardiography or angiography. The patients were then evaluated using Beck Depression Inventory for Primary Care (BDI­PC) three months after MI. Data collected during hospitalization and follow-up phase were analyzed using logistic regression.Results: The results showed that left ventricular dysfunction, which is indicated by LVEF is significantly associated with depression three months after MI (p<0.01). This predictive model (which only includes LVEF) also yielded 64.8% maximum predictive efficiency with 55.7% sensitivity and 72.1% specificity.Conclusion: Left ventricular dysfunction is associated with the risk of post-MI depression.

Objectives: The effects of typical and atypical antipsychotics on inducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia were compared in this study. Method: In a comparative-descriptive study 64 patients with schizophrenia (32 patients in typical antipsychotic group and 32 patients in atypical antipsychotic group) were investigated. All patients with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia based on Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), underwent Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) at the beginning, as well as three and six weeks after treatment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance, and t-test. Results: In the group receiving typical antipsychotics, mean Y-BOCS scores were 2.40, 2.30, and 2.18 at the beginning, at three weeks and at six weeks after treatment respectively. Also, in the group receiving atypical antipsychotics Y-BOCS scores were 4.12, 4.46, and 4.53 at the beginning, at three weeks and at six weeks after treatment respectively. The difference of Y-BOCS scores in the two groups receiving typical and atypical antipsychotics was close to significance before treatment, and significant at three and six weeks after treatment (p<0.05). In the typical group one patient with positive family history showed a decrease in obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and in the atypical group one patient with positive family history showed an increase in obsessive-compulsive symptoms.  Conclusion: Atypical antipsychotics can induce obsessive-compulsive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Despite the importance of family history in the clinical manifestations of obsession in atypical antipsychotic users, the role of this factor in the increase or decrease in obsessive-compulsive symptoms was minimal.

Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of drug use among university students in Tehran. Method: 2997 students studying in 2005-2006 the academic year who were randomly selected from six universities in Tehran were evaluated. All students responded to a questionnaire which was designed to measure the prevalence of drug use. Arrangement was made with the instructor of each selected class and questionnaires were administered by a trained drug prevention liaison in classes.Results: The study showed a relatively high prevalence of soft drugs [water pipe (34%), cigarette (24%) and alcohol (17%)], and a low prevalence of hard drugs [opium (2.3%), hashish (2.2%), and ecstasy (0.7%)]. Female students had lower rates of drug use in comparison to male students for all drugs and the long life, last year and last month drug use rate of non-dormitory students was significantly higher than dormitory resident students for most drugs (p<0.05).Conclusion: Although the prevalence of drug use among Tehran university students is low in comparison with American or European students, due to the high prevalence of tobacco use with water pipes and the lack of preventive interventions, policy makers should pay higher attention and support to this matter.

Objectives: The aim of this study was investigation the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), associated factors and pathways to care among patients with first episode psychosis admitted to Roozbeh Hospital. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 91 patients with the diagnosis of first episode psychosis admitted to Roozbeh Hospital in Tehran, were assessed regarding the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP, defined as the duration between the appearance of first symptoms of psychosis and the time of the first adequate treatment or admission to the hospital), pathways to care and mode of illness onset. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test, Kruskall Wallis test, and Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient.Results: In 35.2% of the subjects, the illness had an acute mode of onset (less than two weeks). Regarding the type of disorders, bipolar disorder (29.7%) and schizophrenia (19.8) constituted the most prevalent diagnoses. Mean DUP was 52.03 weeks (with a standard deviation of 114.7 weeks). Most patients were seen by psychiatrists; and the second most people referred to were traditional healers. Referrals to Roozbeh Hospital were mostly by family and friends.  In this study DUP was longer in patients living in urban areas (p<0.01), the unemployed (p<0.01), the ones with schizophrenia (p<0.05), and those with a gradual onset of illness (i.e. more than two weeks) (p<0.00l). Conclusion: DUP and its relation with different factors were to an extent similar to other studies. However, in Iran a higher number of patients with first episode psychosis see traditional healers.

Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate psychometric characteristics of Quay-Peterson Revised Behavior Problem Checklist. Method: The core of this study was scale development and 458 schoolchildren (255 boys and 203 girls) from elementary schools, of four educational districts in the city of Shiraz (Iran) were recruited using cluster random sampling method. The subjects were then assessed using Quay-Peterson Revised Behavior Problem Checklist. Results: The validity of the checklist was obtained using item-total correlations, factor analysis and the correlation between the checklist scores and Rutter Children Behavior Questionnaire total score (0.88). Factor analysis using principle component analysis followed by varimax rotation led to the extraction of four factors with eigenvalues of greater than one which included: conduct disorder, attention problems-immaturity, social aggression and anxiety-withdrawal. The reliability of the scale using test-retest was as follows: 0.88 for total score, 0.90 for conduct disorders, 0.85 for attention problems- immaturity, 0.79 for social aggression, and 0.78 for anxiety-withdrawal. Cronbach alpha coefficients were 0.98, 0.97, 0.97, 0.82, and 0.85 for the total score, conduct disorder, attention problems-immaturity, social aggression and anxiety-withdrawal respectively. Conclusion: Quay-Peterson Revised Behavior Problem Checklist is a valid and reliable instrument for use in Iran.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to measure the reliability and validity of the Buss and Perry's Aggression Questionnaire. This ques-tionnaire includes 29 questions which was used by psychologists after being translated to Farsi.Method: In a cross-sectional study 492 18-22 years old students (248 male, 244 female) from Shiraz University, who were selected using the random-cluster sampling method, were evaluated using the Buss and Perry's Aggression Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using correlation coefficient, factor analysis and t-test.Results: Using factor analysis, the four factors of anger, physical and verbal aggression, resentment and suspicion were extracted. The test-retest reliability of this questionnaire was 0.78. Also, the comparison of these factors between males and females revealed that males scored significantly higher at anger (p<0.001), aggression (p<0.001) and suspicion (p<0.01). In addition, the high correlation of the factors with the total score of the questionnaire, the weak correlation of factors with each other and alpha coefficient scores is an indication of the adequacy and the practicality of this questionnaire for being used by researchers, professionals and psychologists in Iran. Conclusion: Buss and Perry’s Aggression Questionnaire has appropriate validity and reliability for being used by researchers and professionals.

Objectives: The main aim of this project was to evaluate the effect of group cognitive therapy based on mindfulness and spiritual schema activation on reducing relapse in opioid abuse. Method: In an experimental study, 90 patients with the diagnosis of opioid dependence based on DSM-IV criteria were randomly assigned to two experimental and one control groups. The experimental groups took 12 two-hour sessions of group therapy. The subjects were evaluated using the Opiate Treatment Index (OPI), General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and the Questionnaire of the Effect of Spirituality on Behavior, before the beginning of treatment, at the twelfth session and follow-up, four months after treatment. The control group did not take group therapy and was merely treated with naltrexone. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and  c2 test. Results: The data showed that both group cognitive therapy based on mindfulness and spiritual schema activation and cognitive behavior therapy were more effective than naltrexone in relapse prevention (p<0.01), compliance, treatment retention (p<0.0001), decreasing the amount of drug abuse, somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction, and health improvement (p<0.01). Conclusion: It seems that cognitive therapy based on mindfulness and spiritual schema activation has a significant additive effect on therapeutic treatment and CBT in opioid abuse relapse.

Objectives: Happiness is one of the most basic concepts in positive psychology. The goal of the present study was to examine the effect of family communication patterns, including consensual, pluralistic, protective and laissez-faire, on happiness. Method: This was a cross-sectional study. Participants were 200 high school students (100 females, 100 males) in the city of Shiraz who were selected through clustered-multistage-randomized method. The revised version of Oxford Happiness Questionnaire was used to evaluate happiness and the revised version of Family Communication Patterns Questionnaire was used to assess relationship patterns. Cronbach alpha coefficient and factor analysis were used to determine the reliability and validity of the questionnaires respectively. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance. Results: Data showed a significant difference regarding the level of happiness among communication patterns (p<0.001). Scheffe’s test showed that the happiness score was higher in consensual and pluralistic patterns and lower in protective and laissez-faire patterns (p<0.05). Also, in consensual and pluralistic patterns the level of happiness was higher in males than in females. Conclusion: The conversation aspect of the family, in comparison with conformity, especially in boys, is the main factor determining familial relationships, which leads to a higher level of happiness.

Objectives: Since epistemological beliefs can be the basis for description of important educational issues such as goals of educational improvement, this research examined the effect of epistemological beliefs on goal achievement. Method: In a prospective study, epistemological beliefs and improvement goals were evaluated based on Schommer’s theory and Elliot and McGregor’s pattern of achievement goals respectively. Subjects consisted of 387 students (234 female, 153 male) from different fields of study in the University of Shiraz, who were selected using randomized cluster sampling and then evaluated with Epistemological Beliefs Questionnaire and Achievement Goal Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using simultaneous multiple regression method. Results: Belief in quick learning (p<0.001) was negatively associated with mastery-approach, mastery-avoidance and performance-approach goals. Belief in certain knowledge was positively associated with mastery-avoidance goal (p<0.05). Also, belief in fixed ability was positively associated with performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals (p<0.05). Finally, belief in simple knowledge was positively associated with performance-avoidance (p<0.01).  Conclusion: The epistemological beliefs of students have significant effects on their improvement goals.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between sex and social intimacy with an emphasis on the mediating role of identity styles in high school students. Method: In a descriptive cross-sectional study 2099 students (1008 males and 1091 females) who were selected using random cluster sampling from high schools in the city of Tehran completed The Identity Styles Inventory and The Miller Social Intimacy Scale (MSIS). Data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression. Results: The results of MANOVA showed that in general there is a significant difference between the two sexes and different educational levels with regard to the three levels of identity styles. Results of correlation matrix showed a positive and significant correlation between social intimacy (p<0.01) and informational (p<0.01), normative styles and commitment (p<0.01) in boys and girls; and a negative and nonsignificant correlation between social intimacy and diffuse/ avoidant style in girls, and a significant negative correlation between social intimacy and diffuse/avoidant style in boys (p<0.05). The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicated that sex (p<0.001), educational grade (p<0.01), informational style (p<0.001), normative style (p<0.001), and commitment (p<0.05) are significant predictors of social intimacy.conclusion: Despite a significant correlation between informational, normative styles with social intimacy in the evaluation of the correlation between demographic variables such as sex and age with social intimacy, the role of identity style is not very important.  

Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and coping strategies in stressful situations. Method: This study was conducted using survey and cross-sectional method. Data were collected from 373 students of seven educational groups of Yazd University, between 22 June and 22 July 2006. The subjects were selected through cluster-randomized sampling method. The instruments for gathering data were Coping Strategies Scale-Revised (CSS-R), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS), Undergraduate Students Scale (USS), and Multidimensional Assessment of Stressful Life Events Scale (MASLES).  Results: The results showed significant difference among students with different levels of perceived self-efficacy, with regard to coping strategies in general (P<0.001), and with regard to components of coping strategies: seeking social support (p<0.01), avoidance coping (P<0.001), emotion-focused coping (p<0.01), active coping (p<0.01), and self-control (p<0.01) in particular. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that the perceived self-efficacy variable accounted for 20.3% of the variance in coping strategies. Conclusion: The results of the current study casts doubt on the premises of social-cognitive theory about the higher use of problem-focused coping by persons with high perceived self-efficacy, and the higher use of emotion-focused coping, such as avoidance coping and self-control by persons with lower perceived self-efficacy.

Objectives: Since quality of life, happiness and life satisfaction are regarded as indices of general and mental health, this research evaluates the correlation between quality of life and self-esteem among students. Method: The present study was a survey research in which 200 Isfahan University Students (100 females and 100 males) were evaluated. To measure quality of life and self esteem, Missoula-Vitas Quality of Life Index (MVQOLI) and Rabson’s Self-esteem Questionnaire were used respectively. Data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. Results: Results indicate a significant relationship between self-esteem and quality of life (r=0.48), but there was no significant difference between the quality of life of male and female students of Isfahan University. Also, even though there was a significant statistical relationship between each of the five factors of quality of life and self-esteem, regression analysis showed that the factors of interpersonal relationship, transcendence and function had the highest predictive power of self-esteem from among the five factors. Conclusion: There is a correlation between students’ evaluation of their quality of life and their self-esteem.

Objectives: Since quality of life, happiness and life satisfaction are regarded as indices of general and mental health, this research evaluates the correlation between quality of life and self-esteem among students. Method: The present study was a survey research in which 200 Isfahan University Students (100 females and 100 males) were evaluated. To measure quality of life and self esteem, Missoula-Vitas Quality of Life Index (MVQOLI) and Rabson's Self-esteem Questionnaire were used respectively. Data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and regression analysis. Results: Results indicate a significant relationship between self-esteem and quality of life (r=0.48), but there was no significant difference between the quality of life of male and female students of Isfahan University. Also, even though there was a significant statistical relationship between each of the five factors of quality of life and self-esteem, regression analysis showed that the factors of interpersonal relationship, transcendence and function had the highest predictive power of self-esteem from among the five factors. Conclusion: There is a correlation between students' evaluation of their quality of life and their self-esteem.