Shanti Mohan Kethawath

Abstract

Depersonalization-derealization syndrome is an under researched clinical phenomenon and is often under diagnosed. We present a case of 42 years old female, who presented with complaining of feeling that her stomach is always empty in spite of adequate food and water intake for the past 7 months. She also reported that all the emotions, bodily movements appeared as if they are not her own. However, reality testing was intact. Phenomenon of primary depersonalization derealization syndrome is relatively rare. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be considered as a pharmacological treatment option for the treatment of the condition. Keywords: Depersonalization, Derealization, SSRIs.

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Abstract

Background: Prevalence of tobacco use is variable among psychiatric illness across the world. Tobacco consumption may predispose or worsen the psychiatric illnesses. Aims: To study the prevalence of tobacco use among psychiatric in-patients and to study the association between various sociodemographic variables and clinical variables with tobacco use. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among psychiatric in -patients (n=200) at a tertiary care psychiatric hospital. Consecutive sampling technique was applied. A semi-structured proforma was applied to capture the socio-demographic and clinical details of the participants. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was applied to assess for the tobacco dependence. Results: Prevalence of current tobacco use among the study population was 39.5%. Among the psychiatric illness, prevalence of tobacco use is significantly higher in substance use disorders when compared with mood disorders (?2=7.757, p=0.005) and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders (?2=24.093, p20.820, p), employment (?2=7.860, p= 0.005) and marital status (?2=7.930, p= 0.019) among psychiatric patients. Conclusion: Prevalence of tobacco use was found to be high among psychiatric population. There is a need to focus on the adequate management of tobacco use along with primary psychiatric conditions. Keywords: Nicotine, Psychiatric in-patients, Smoking, Tobacco.

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