Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology
Year:2023 | Volume:29 | Issue:2|Papers Count:8

Objectives Problematic pornography use (PPU) is one of the emerging clinical concerns that can negative affect individual performance. Therefore, it is necessary to use emerging behavioral and technological treatments. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in reducing craving and PPU in young men. Methods This is a clinical trial with a pre-test/post-test/follow-up design. The study population consists of all men aged 18-24 years referred to the counseling clinic of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran in 2022 with diagnosed PPU. Of these, 9 were selected purposefully based on the entry criteria. They were placed in three groups of ACT, tDCS, and ACT±tDCS, using the computerized random number generator in SAS software, version 9. 4 and the sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes (SNOSE) to preserve random allocation concealment. The data were analyzed based on visual analysis, percentage of non-overlapping data index, and mean percentage reduction (MPR). Results The ACT led to a decrease in craving (MPR=26. 2% with an effect size of 0. 63) and PPU (MPR=27. 05% with an effect size of 0. 62). Also, tDCS led to a decrease in craving (MPR=22. 7% with an effect size of 0. 56) and PPU (MPR=21. 2% with an effect size of 0. 53). The combined treatment (ACT±tDCS) led to a decrease in craving (MPR=33. 4% with an effect size of 0. 72) and PPU (MPR=29. 3% with an effect size of 0. 67). The effects in all groups were significant (P<0. 05). Conclusion The combination of ACT and tDCS can lead to a more significant reduction in craving and PPU in young men than ACT and tDCS alone. ACT is more effective than tDCS in reducing craving and PPU.

Objectives Cancer is a chronic and life-threatening disease. More than 50% of patients with cancer suffer from some psychological disorders. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) is a new approach in psychology. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CFT on some Pychological Sympthoms and quality of life of cancer patients. Methods This is a randomized clinical trial with a pre-test-post-test design. Thirty cancer patients referred to the chemotherapy ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran, Iran, were selected by a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received CFT for 8 weeks. All participants were assessed by self-compassion scale (SCS), depression anxiety stress (DASS), and EORTC QLQ-C30 before, immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed by Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) and univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)with SPSS software, version 23. Results Anxiety, depression, and stress were significantly reduced in the intervention group in the post-test and follow-up phases (P<0. 01). the quality of life significantly increased after treatment compared to the control group. Conclusion CFT can be an effective treatment for reducing depression, anxiety, and stress and improving the QoL of patients with cancer.

Objectives This study aims to assess the effects of cognitive-behavioral psychodrama group therapy (CBPGT) on self-focused attention and social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adolescent girls. Methods This is a randomized controlled clinical trial with a pre-test, post-test/follow-up design. The study population includes all 9th-grade girls referred to health centers in Sirjan, Iran, in 2022. After screening using Puklek’s social anxiety scale for adolescents, Woody and Chambless’ focus of attention questionnaire, and a clinical interview based on the DSM-5 criteria, 24 girls were selected and randomly divided into two intervention (n=12) and control (n=12) groups. After the pre-test assessments, the intervention group received CBPGT at nine sessions of 120 minutes. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis of covariance in SPSS software, version 24. Results CBPGT significantly reduced self-focused attention and SAD in adolescent girls at the post-test and one-month follow-up phases (P<0. 05). Conclusion CBPGT is effective in the treatment of SAD and self-focused attention in female adolescents in Iran. Its effectiveness can be maintained for one month. It is recommended that CBPGT be used in the treatment of SAD due to its focus on both the theatrical and cognitive aspects of this disorder.

Objectives Identifying suicidal ideation in adolescents can help timely intervention for those at risk. The present study aims to assess the mediating role of depression and hopelessness in the relationship of psychological strain, rejection sensitivity, and defeat with suicide ideation in adolescents in Iran. Methods This is a cross-sectional correlational study using the path analysis method. The study population consists of all high school students aged 14-19 years in Lorestan Province in 2021. Of these, 623 were selected using the multi-stage cluster sampling method. To collect data, the suicide probability scale (Cull & Gill, 1988), hospital anxiety and depression scale (Zigmond & Snaith, 1983), psychological strain scale (Zhang et al, 2022), Beck hopelessness scale (Beck et al, 1974), defeat scale (Gilbert & Allan, 1998) and rejection sensitivity questionnaire (Downey & Feldman, 1996) were used. Research hypotheses were tested using Pearson’s correlation test in SPSS software, version 26 and path analysis in AMOS software, version 24. Results The results of the correlation test showed a positive and significant relationship between psychological strain, rejection sensitivity, and defeat with depression, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation (P<0. 05). Defeat was both directly and indirectly related to suicidal ideation. However, the relationship of psychological strain and rejection sensitivity with suicidal ideation was through hopelessness and depression. Conclusion There is a need for further elucidating the mechanisms of suicidal ideation and behaviors in the study area. This study supports the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicidal behavior.

Objectives Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the treatment methods for neuropsychiatric patients. Midazolam is a relatively short-acting benzodiazepine drug used as a pre-anesthetic drug and has sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant effects. This study aims to investigate the effect of midazolam on agitation in patients undergoing ECT. Methods This double-blinded clinical trial was conducted on 80 patients (aged 18-75 years) diagnosed with psychotic disorders indicating the need for ECT. The patients were selected by a convenience sampling method and allocated to two placebo and intervention groups by the envelope method. In the control group, the patients were injected with 2cc of distilled water, 2 mg/kg nesdonal, 0. 5 mg/kg atropine, and 0. 5 mg/kg succinylcholine. In the intervention group, in addition to these drugs, 0. 2 mg/kg midazolam was injected at 4 sessions. The Richmond agitation sedation scale (RASS) was used to assess agitation immediately and one hour after ECT. Data were analyzed in SPSS software, version using independent t-test, Man-Whitney U test, and chi square test. The significance level was set at 0. 05. Results The data of 42 patients in the intervention group and 38 in the control group were analyzed. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly lower in the intervention group. Immediately after ECT, 68% and 44% of patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, were alert and calm. The patients in the midazolam group had a better condition based on the RASS score one hour after ECT (P=0. 04). Conclusion Midazolam is able to reduce agitation in patients receiving ECT and can control the changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures in the long term.

Objectives Psychological support is one of the basic aspects of care for patients with cancer. It has been emphasized in literature and clinical practice for many years. This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of healthcare providers in Ardabil, Iran, about psychological support to patients with cancer. Methods The research was conducted using conventional qualitative content analysis in cancer treatment centers in Ardabil, Iran, in 2021. Participants were 19 healthcare providers who were purposefully selected and interviewed to explore their experiences. After transcribing the recorded data, analysis was carried out based on Graneheim and Lundman’s content analysis method. Results Based on the content analysis results, four main themes, including “highlighting positive mental connection with oneself and others”, “positive awareness”, “positive change in the patient’s point of view, ” and “strengthening the perceived value” were extracted. These categories reflected the healthcare providers’ efforts to “strengthen the positive mindsets” of patients and showed the formation of psychological support for patients with cancer. Conclusion Strengthening of the positive mentality in patients with cancer is needed for their psychological support, and should be used as a strategic plan in the development of training programs for healthcare providers. It can be an indicator for evaluating psychological support to these patients and be a step towards providing quality care to them. The findings can be useful for designing a tool to measure the status of psychological support for patients with cancer in Iran or assess the care quality and performance of healthcare providers in giving psychological support to these patients.

Objectives Empathy, coping strategies, and professional quality of life (ProQoL) play a significant role in an individual’s professional life. Several studies have indicated that the unfavorable consequences of compassion and empathy lead to compassion fatigue and burnout. The present study aims to examine the correlation among empathy, coping strategies, and ProQoL, and assess the moderating role of work experience among young clinical psychologists in Lahore, Pakistan. Methods This is a descriptive-correlational survey. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants aged 23-37 years with 1-10 years of work experience. Data was collected using standard questionnaires including the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire, the Brief COPE Inventory, and the ProQoL Scale. Their internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s alpha. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlational test, categorical regression analysis, and moderation analysis. Results There was a strong correlation between empathy, adaptive coping strategies, and compassion satisfaction. Moderation analysis showed that empathy and years of work experience significantly predicted the ProQoL. Conclusion Clinical psychologists in Lahore need to be educated to stimulate and further use problem-focused and adaptive coping skills to cope with their challenging jobs.

Objectives The present study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Types of pornography scale (TPS) for the Iranian population. Methods This is a descriptive psychometrics study. Participants were 318 males and 182 females (mean age: 23. 55±5. 07 years) who were selected using a convenience sampling method. They responded to the Persian versions of the TPS and the problematic pornography use scale (PPUS). Data were analyzed in SPSS v. 23 and LISREL v. 8. 8 application using Lawshe’s method, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlation test, Cronbach’s α, and Omega. Results The questionnaire had good content validity. The original 3-factor model of the tool was not confirmed by the CFA. However, the EFA results led to a revised model with 7 factors. Cronbach’s α and Omega values for the whole scale were 0. 87 and 0. 86, respectively. The results showed the positive correlation of TPS with the subscales of PPUS, which confirmed the convergent validity. Conclusion The Persian version of the TPS has acceptable reliability and validity to measure the use of different types of pornography in the Iranian population and can be used in studies related to pornography in Iran.