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Treatment resistant depression (TRD) is linked to disproportionate unemployment and productivity burden in the US. Little is known about mental-health (MH)-related disability leave and costs of patients with TRD initiated on esketamine (ESK) versus conventional therapies including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or antipsychotic augmentation (AP) in the US.
Methods
Adults with evidence of TRD (≥2 unique antidepressants of adequate dose and duration within the same major depressive episode) were selected from Merative™ MarketScan® Commercial and Medicare Supplemental databases (01/2016-01/2023) and classified in four cohorts (ESK, ECT, TMS, and AP) based on therapy initiated (index date) on/after 03/05/2019 (ESK approval date for TRD). Patients had ≥12 months of health plan eligibility pre-index date and disability information available pre-and post-index in the Merative™ MarketScan® Health and Productivity Management database (01/2016-12/2021). MH-related disability days (i.e., short- or long-term) and associated costs (USD 2022) were reported per-patient-per-month (PPPM) for the 6 months pre- and post-index.
Results
The ESK cohort included 107 patients (mean age=45.5 years; female=54.2%), ECT cohort included 55 patients (mean age=47.6 years; female=41.8%), TMS cohort included 443 patients (mean age=46.1 years; female=57.3%) and AP cohort included 4,374 patients (mean age=44.8 years; female=59.1%). At month 6 pre-index, ESK cohort had a mean of 1.7 MH-related disability days PPPM relative to 1.2 days in the TMS, 1.3 days in the ECT, and 0.8 days in the AP cohort while mean MH-related disability costs were $443 PPPM in the ESK cohort relative to $178 in the ECT, $339 in the TMS, and $143 in the AP cohort.
In all cohorts, mean MH-related disability days and costs peaked at month 1 after therapy initiation followed by a decreasing trend. At month 6 post-index versus month 6 pre-index, the mean number of MH-related disability days decreased by 0.4 days PPPM in the ESK cohort, remained the same in the TMS cohort, and increased by 1.6 and 0.1 days in the ECT and AP cohorts, respectively. In the same timeframe, MH-related disability costs decreased by $312 and $123 PPPM in the ESK and TMS cohorts and increased by $353 and $26 in the ECT and AP cohorts, respectively. MH-related disability days and costs were driven primarily by short-term disability.
Conclusion
In this descriptive analysis, mean MH-related disability days and costs trended higher at month 6 before therapy initiation in ESK relative to TMS, ECT, and AP cohorts. ESK initiation was associated with lower mean MH-related disability days and costs at month 6 after versus before initiation. This trend was either not observed or less pronounced among patients with TRD initiated on conventional therapies. Results suggest potential economic and societal gains associated with ESK treatment for TRD.
Infection control guidelines for cystic fibrosis (CF) stress cleaning of environmental surfaces and patientcare equipment in CF clinics. This multicenter study measured cleanliness of frequently touched surfaces in CF clinics using an ATP bioluminescence assay to assess the effectiveness of cleaning/disinfection and the impact of feedback.
Methods:
Eight surfaces were tested across 19 clinics (10 pediatric, 9 adult) over 5 rounds of testing. Rounds 1 and 2 served as uncleaned baseline, and Round 3 occurring after routine cleaning. Rounds 4 and 5 were performed after feedback provided to staff and measured after cleaning. Pass rates defined as <250 relative light units were the primary outcome.
Results:
Of the 750 tests performed, 72% of surfaces passed at baseline, and 79%, 83%, and 85% of surfaces passed in Rounds 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The overall pass-rate was significantly higher in adult compared to pediatric clinics (86% vs 71%; P < 0.001). In pediatric clinics, blood pressure equipment and computer keyboards in the pulmonary function lab consistently passed, but the exam room patient/visitor chairs consistently failed in all rounds. In adult clinics blood pressure equipment, keyboards in exam rooms and exam tables passed in all rounds and no surface consistently failed.
Conclusion:
We demonstrate the feasibility of an ATP bioluminescence assay to measure cleanliness of patient care equipment and surfaces in CF clinics. Pass rates improved after cleaning and feedback for certain surfaces. We found that surfaces are more challenging to keep clean in clinics taking care of younger patients.
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is common in adolescents and has a high mortality and morbidity rate with a lifetime prevalence of 0.5% to 2%.1,2 We aim to review the neurobiology correlation of Anorexia Nervosa in Autism Spectrum Disorder as they are often associated together.
Objectives
1. Understand the correlation between the neurobiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Anorexia Nervosa.
2. Assess the association and prevalence of Anorexia nervosa in the ASD population.
3. To focus on the implications for the pathogenesis of Anorexia Nervosa and treatment of this disorder in the ASD population.
Methods
We searched PubMed, APA PscyINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Google scholar databases with the keywords Autism Spectrum Disorder AND Anorexia Nervosa and included 6 relevant human studies out of 187 published in English.
Results
Neilson et al. studied the outcome of ASD in teenage onset AN, and a statistically significant negative dose-response relationship is found in all the 3 Morgan-Russell Outcome Assessment Schedule (MROAS) domains in stable ASD over time, and the results on the subscales ‘mental state,’ ‘psychosexual state’ and ‘socio-economic state, “personal contacts,’ ‘social activities’ and ‘employment record.’3 The outcome of AN onset in adolescence is generally favorable regarding mortality and the persistence of eating disorders in adulthood. A study by Pruccoli et al. noted a high prevalence of ASD traits in a group of young AN patients, predominantly seen in 4 specific EDI-3 subscales and independent of BMI.4 Margari et al. found only AN diagnosis had a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04) in females vs. males when comparing sex differences for comorbidities.5
Conclusions
Morphological changes in brain areas are linked to social cognition and increase the risk of eating disorders in ASD. We recommend future studies with robust study design to explore the full spectrum of pathogenesis and association of AN in ASD.
Anxiety disorder affects nearly 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years.1 Virtual Reality (VR) provides an alternative for managing anxiety due to immersive, multisensory, and excellent distraction.
Objectives
The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of VR therapy in managing anxiety in children.
Methods
We searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Biosisdatabases with the keywords “Virtual Reality” in the context of “AnxietyDisorders” and included 8 relevant studies published in English until February 10, 2023, for our qualitative synthesis.
Results
The VR-Guided relaxation (VR-GR) effectively decreased anxiety immediately after administration. In another trial, 4 of the 9 patients completely overcame their fears, and 8 of 9 saw an improvement in target behaviors in the autism population even after six weeks after the therapy, and the effect lasted 1 year post-treatment. In another study, VR-based therapy helped reduce anxiety and behavioral scores significantly in the VR group vs. the control. In another study, they found during pediatric intravenous catheter placement, patients who received VR therapy showed significantly less anxiety and pain compared to those who did not. In another study, they found VR therapy helped reduce anxiety during the induction of pre-operative anesthesia in children undergoing elective surgery.
Conclusions
A study discovered benefits with statistically significant results in reducing anxiety in children immediately after VR-based therapy. To explore the full spectrum of benefits and efficacy of VR-based therapy for anxiety as a standalone or adjunct to pharmacotherapy, we recommend future trials with robust study designs.
The prevalence of metabolic disorders is rising, diabetes prevalence doubled during 1990-2017. In 2020, 7.8% of US pregnancies were complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Our aim is to assess the impact this increase has on childhood developmental disorders and understand the link between maternal metabolic disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders in children with focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD.
Objectives
Our aim is to assess the impact this increase has on childhood developmental disorders and understand the link between maternal metabolic disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders in children with focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using medical subject heading (MeSH) terms in PubMed, database from Jan 1 2014 to Feb 15, 2023. Only large-scale (n>20,000) were reviewed. A total of 3 articles were included in our final qualitative synthesis review.
Results
An increased rate of ASD and ADHD are observed in children of mothers with insulin resistance, demonstrated by Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and GDM (Kuan-Ru Chen, et al.). T2DM had the strongest association with ASA and ADHD when looking at other neurodevelopmental disorders (Chen, et al.). GDM severity correlates to increased risk of ADHD (Xiang, et al.). Maternal obesity as a risk factor for ASA and ADHD has confidence intervals in the same ranges as immune dysregulatory disorders including Asthma and Autoimmune disorders (Woolfenden, et al.).
Conclusions
Pathomechanism of neurodevelopmental disorders involves maternal oxidative stress and inflammation. Maternal T2DM and obesity are pro-inflammatory states that can be targeted as modifiable risk factors of ASD and ADHD in children. Preconception metabolic optimization and tight glycemic control in pregnancy are two ways clinicians can start to address the rates of rising ASD and ADHD.
The prevalence of medical illnesses is high among patients with psychiatric disorders. The current study aimed to investigate multi-comorbidity in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population. Secondary aims were to investigate factors associated with metabolic syndrome and treatment appropriateness of mental disorders.
Methods
The sample included 54,826 subjects (64.73% females; 34.15% males; 1.11% nonbinary gender) from 40 countries (COMET-G study). The analysis was based on the registration of previous history that could serve as a fair approximation for the lifetime prevalence of various medical conditions.
Results
About 24.5% reported a history of somatic and 26.14% of mental disorders. Mental disorders were by far the most prevalent group of medical conditions. Comorbidity of any somatic with any mental disorder was reported by 8.21%. One-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients were also suffering from a mental disorder depending on the severity and multicomorbidity. Bipolar and psychotic patients and to a lesser extent depressives, manifested an earlier (15–20 years) manifestation of somatic multicomorbidity, severe disability, and probably earlier death. The overwhelming majority of patients with mental disorders were not receiving treatment or were being treated in a way that was not recommended. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were not related to the development of metabolic syndrome.
Conclusions
The finding that one-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients also suffered from a mental disorder strongly suggests that psychiatry is the field with the most trans-specialty and interdisciplinary value and application points to the importance of teaching psychiatry and mental health in medical schools and also to the need for more technocratically oriented training of psychiatric residents.
In light of a history of categorical exclusion, it is critical that pregnant people are included in research to help improve the knowledge base and interventions needed to address public health. Yet the volatile legal landscape around reproductive rights in the United States threatens to undue recent progress made toward the greater inclusion of pregnant people in research. We offer ethical and practical guidance for researchers, sponsors, and institutional review boards to take specific steps to minimize legal risks and ensure the ethical conduct of research with pregnant people in an evolving legal environment.
The COVID pandemic caused an unprecedented public health crisis and adversely impacted children’s well-being. It has negatively affected children’s mental health due to social isolation, human losses, and remote learning. Our goal is to learn about the challenges and factors that these children and young adults face upon returning to school and college, which could further decline their mental health. We also need to understand parents’ concerns about this transition to a back-to-school routine.
Objectives
1) To learn about the mental health challenges for children, adolescents, and young adults returning to school after the beginning of the COVID pandemic.
2) To identify the factors and challenges that parents and caregivers face during the COVID regarding the return of their children to school.
Methods
We conducted a literature search using relevant medical subject heading (MeSH) terms in PubMed, PubMed Central, Web of Science, and Medline databases. We identified all published relevant articles until June 4, 2021. After a thorough review of relevant published articles until October 30, 2022, we included 5 articles in our qualitative synthesis.
Results
A cross-sectional study in China measured depression, anxiety, and social support in back-to-school students via PHQ-9, GAD-7, and SSQ, respectively. They found a significant rise in anxiety and depression among these students. This correlation was weak at higher social support. Data collected from 15 children’s hospitals found that students want to participate actively in returning to school and the recovery process as they are concerned about their future, family, and society. Another 2021 cross-sectional study in Texas revealed that parents are concerned about their children’s health and prefer an onsite-virtual hybrid learning setup over in-person learning (Limbers C. A. et al. The Journal of school health 2021; 91(1), 3–8.). Parents in Italy favored school reopening with reduced student numbers (70.1%), social distancing within classes (45.3%), and masks as they were concerned about their children due to COVID (Pierantoni, L et al. 2021; Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992), 110(3), 942–943 ). Fewer White parents were supportive of a mask mandate for students and staff members (62.5%) than parents of ethnicities like Hispanic (79.5%, p= 0.026) and other racial/ethnic groups (66.9%, p = 0.041) (Gilbert, L. K. et al. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report 2020; 69(49), 1848–1852).
Conclusions
The return to school after COVID is challenging for students and parents due to the rise in anxiety and depression in children. Social support has been found to be protective of children’s mental health. Future well-designed studies should identify challenges and factors that can help safeguard children’s mental health and develop appropriate policies.
Methylphenidate (MPH) is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and has shown unique benefits in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition to improving attention, hyperactivity, and repetitive movement, it also improves cognition in ASD. Our focus is to explore the understudied benefits and safety of methylphenidate use for cognition in ASD children.
Objectives
1) To study the response and benefit of methylphenidate in autistic kids to improve cognition and life function.
2) To assess the safety profile and risks of using methylphenidate at different doses in children with autism as a guiding tool for prescribing physicians.
Methods
A literature search was conducted using relevant medical subject headings (MeSH) terms in PubMed, Medline, and PubMed Central. We identified all published articles from inception until September 30, 2022. Initial search results found 41 studies, of which 15 were excluded as they did not meet inclusion and exclusion criteria. After a thorough full-text review, we included 5 studies in our final qualitative synthesis review.
Results
Methylphenidate was found to have the unique benefit of increasing cognitive processing speed, thus improving everyday life function in ASD and ADHD children compared with only ADHD, with a clinical significance of p<0.001. Stimulants may improve the processing of social situations and interactions or social functions due to this unique response (Peled, J et al. Nordic journal of psychiatry 2020; 74(3), 163–167) A clinically significant performance gain on cognitive tasks was identified with a linear dose-response at three different doses (10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg) of methylphenidate. ASD children with ADHD made significantly fewer omission errors, [F(3,69) = 7.21, p < 0.001], and commission errors [F(3,69) = 4.64, p = 0.005] on MPH, compared to placebo. They also showed more response at higher MPH doses, [F(3,69) = 10.45, p < 0.001]. Thus, the children were faster, more accurate, and had fewer errors at higher MPH doses (Pearson, D. A. et al. Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology 2020; 30(7), 414–426). There were no serious side effects or suicidality reported for low dose and a medium dose of MPH in ASD children assessed with Response Impressions and Side Effects Checklist-Kids (RISC-K), A 38-item parent rating scale (Kim, S. J. et al. Journal of autism and developmental disorders 2017; 47(8), 2307–2313).
Conclusions
The findings support the positive response of methylphenidate on cognitive function in ASD children. No serious adverse effects or suicidality were noted. Multi-center well-designed studies are recommended to determine further efficacy and safety of MPH in ASD children for cognition.
Aripiprazole is the third generation Antipsychotic, and Dopamine serotonin system stabiliser.It is partial agonist at D2 and 5 HT1 A and antagonist at 5 HT2.Most commonly seen adverse effects are Akathesia, fatugue,insomnia and headache the major advanatage is less propensity for extrapyramidal side effects and lmetabolic side eefects.
Objectives
To report a case of Schizophrenia treated with Aripiprazole 15mg/day developiing occular gyric crisis which was tratment resistant.
Methods
We administered Electroconvulsvive therapy, bidirectional brief pulse constant current 8 ECTS, under General anesthesia with medical fitness .
Results
Patient Showed complete resolution of Dystonia after second ECTs and Showed improvment in Pyschosis Parameterd. Assessment using Naranjo Protocol made.
Conclusions
Electroconvulsive therapy therapy is viable alternative to manage Dystonia when medical treatment fails
Positive psychiatry is broadly defined as the science of understanding and promoting well-being through interventions that involve positive psychosocial characteristics (PPCs) in people suffering from, or are at high risk of developing mental and physical illnesses (Jeste et al. JCP 2015; 76 675-683). Over the past 3 years, as the pandemic tested the limits of what our minds and bodies can handle, there has been an upward trend in the incidence of mental health conditions, including overdoses, suicide, and substance use (Czeisler et al. MMWR 2020; 69 1049-1057). COVID-19 has highlighted the relationship between the environment and individual mental health, most notably as people have faced increased social isolation, loneliness, and stress (Jeste. SB 2022; 48 533-535). The tools of positive psychiatry can be utilized to further address and target these deteriorations in mental health in hopes of improving outcomes.
Objectives
To educate about the modality of positive psychiatry and how it can be an especially critical tool in treating mental health in the post COVID-19 era. To advocate for the incorporation of positive psychiatry practices into the training curriculum of mental health care providers.
Methods
A literature review was conducted using Google Scholar and Pubmed databases with the term “positive psychiatry” in the title. The search showed 26 results, including 6 systematic reviews and 1 clinical trial. Subsequent searches of “COVID-19” and “mental health” were conducted to create formulations and recommendations for the post COVID-19 era.
Results
Growing evidence shows that PPCs are modifiable constructs that may be associated with improved mental and physical health outcomes. Research during the pandemic has demonstrated that PPCs such as resilience and optimism moderated the trajectory of OCD, depression, and anxiety, and that those with more resilience and optimism displayed lesser decline in their function (Hezel et al. JPR 2022 150 165-172). Beyond mental health, various PPCs, such as social support, have also shown positive outcomes in medical conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and ultimately improved well-being (Jeste et al. JCP 2015; 76 675-683).
Conclusions
Based on our literature review, practices of positive psychiatry in conjunction with traditional psychiatry can serve as an invaluable modality in treating patients with various psychiatric conditions and improve mental health outcomes. These positive factors have historically been under-recognized among individuals with or at-risk for mental illnesses. As social distancing, fear of the “unprecedented” and loss of agency became more prevalent over the past couple years, the need for tools to target these notions increases. Further research into optimal incorporation of positive psychiatry into routine clinical practice can help address the trends in mental health brought on by the pandemic.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects about 9.4% (6.4 million) children in the United States. Pharmacological treatment, including stimulants, is a known therapy for ADHD. However, its possible subtherapeutic effectiveness, residual symptoms, and adverse effects have prompted us to explore the current evidence of Yoga as an add-on therapy that has shown synergistic effects in recent studies.
Objectives
1) We aim to assess Yoga’s efficacy as an add-on treatment for ADHD.
2) Assess the current evidence of Yoga as an add-on therapy for ADHD.
Methods
We searched PubMed, PubMed Central, Medline, Web of Science, and Biosis databases with the keywords “Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity” (MeSH) and “ADHD” in the context of “Yoga” (MeSH). Identified 4 relevant studies that were published until September 30, 2022.
Results
A study by Jensen et al. found improvement in impulsivity, hyperactivity, and restlessness in the ADHD with medications patient group after 20 Yoga sessions. Study utilized Conners’ Parents Rating Scales and found improvement in the Yoga group on Oppositional, Global Index Emotional Lability, Global Index Total, Global Index Restless/Impulsive, and ADHD Index scale, changes associated with the number of sessions (Jensen et al. J Atten Disord 2004; 7 205-216). In another study, children with ADHD showed significant improvement after 8 weeks of 16 Yoga sessions in accuracy rate and reaction time in the Visual Pursuit Test and Determination Test (Chou et al. Peer J 2017; 5 e2883). A nine-year-old male case showed improvement in inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms on Vanderbilt Assessment Scales from parents and teachers after 6 months of Yoga practice (Gunaseelan et al. Cureus 2021; 5, e2883). Another 6-week Yoga intervention randomized trial in pre-school ADHD children showed significant improvement in hyperactivity and inattention with fewer distractibility errors of omission and faster reaction time (Cohen et al. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2018; 39 200).
Conclusions
The results suggest that Yoga has beneficial effects as an adjunct treatment to pharmacotherapy in ADHD for reducing hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Additionally, studies indicate its effectiveness in managing stress, anxiety, energy levels, and impulse control by staying focused with the help of breath and mind control. To explore the full spectrum of benefits and effectiveness of Yoga as an add-on therapy for ADHD patients, we recommend robust well-design future studies.
To compare supraglottoplasty versus non-surgical treatment in children with laryngomalacia and mild, moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnoea.
Methods
Patients were classified based on their obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index on initial polysomnogram, which was compared to their post-treatment polysomnogram.
Results
Eighteen patients underwent supraglottoplasty, and 12 patients had non-surgical treatment. The average obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index after supraglottoplasty fell by 12.68 events per hour (p = 0.0039) in the supraglottoplasty group and 3.3 events per hour (p = 0.3) in the non-surgical treatment group. Comparison of the change in obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index in the surgical versus non-surgical groups did not meet statistical significance (p = 0.09).
Conclusion
All patients with laryngomalacia and obstructive sleep apnoea had a statistically significant improvement in obstructive apnoea hypopnoea index after supraglottoplasty irrespective of obstructive sleep apnoea severity, whereas patients who received non-surgical treatment had more variable and unpredictable results. Direct comparison of the change between the two groups did not find supraglottoplasty to be superior to non-surgical treatment. Larger prospective studies are recommended.
This study aimed to investigate the presence of implicit bias among ENT surgeons and explore the impact of the results of the Implicit Association Test on the surgeons’ behaviour towards patients.
Method
Seven ENT surgeons who were not black, Asian or minority ethnic were asked to complete the Race Implicit Association Test. The surgeons also completed a survey about their perceptions of their implicit biases and the impact of the Race Implicit Association Test results on their behaviour towards patients.
Results
The mean Race Implicit Association Test score for the ENT surgeons suggested a slight bias that favoured white over black people. Furthermore, 42 per cent of the surgeons thought that they had hidden or unconscious racial bias, 42 per cent said they would change their behaviour towards patients after receiving these results and 85 per cent thought that the Race Implicit Association Test was helpful for appraisal purposes.
Conclusion
The results suggest that ENT surgeons who are not black, Asian or minority ethnic may have implicit biases towards black patients. These findings highlight the need for interventions to reduce implicit bias among ENT surgeons and improve healthcare outcomes for marginalised populations.
The stress-vulnerability model has been repeatedly highlighted in relation to the risk, onset and course of psychosis, and has been independently studied in clinical high-risk (CHR) and first-episode psychosis (FEP) populations. Notable in this literature, however, is that there are few studies directly comparing markers of stress response across progressive stages of illness. Here we examined the psychobiological response to the Trier Social Stress Test in 28 CHR (mean age 19.1) and 61 FEP (age 23.0) patients, in order to understand the stage(s) or trajectories in which differences in subjective stress or physiological response occur. The overall clinical sample had greater perceived stress and blunted cortisol (FEP + CHR, n = 89, age 21.7) compared with healthy controls (n = 45, age 22.9). Additional analyses demonstrated elevated heart rate and systolic blood pressure in FEP compared with CHR, but there were no further differences in physiological parameters (cortisol, heart rate, or blood pressure) between stage- or trajectory-based groups. Together, this suggests that individual stress response markers may differentially emerge at particular stages en route to psychosis – and demonstrates how stage-based analyses can shed light on the emergence and evolution of neurobiological changes in mental illness.
We propose that people weight fluent, or easy to process, information more heavily than disfluent information when making judgments. Cue fluency was manipulated independent of objective cue validity in three studies, the findings from which support our hypothesis. In Experiment 1, participants weighted a consumer review more heavily when it was written in a clear font than in a less clear font. In Experiment 2, participants placed more weight on information when it was in focus than when it was blurry. In Experiment 3, participants placed more weight on financial information from brokerage firms with easy to pronounce names than those with hard to pronounce names. These studies demonstrate that fluency affects cue weighting independent of objective cue validity.
This study aimed to audit middle-ear surgical procedures, provide a record of Australian experiences and allow comparisons with other published audits.
Method
A retrospective continuous series audit was conducted on 274 patients who underwent tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy and stapedotomy surgery at Westmead Hospital, Sydney. All consecutive surgical procedures, performed by multiple operators at various stages of training but under the care of a single surgeon, were included.
Results
Graft uptake was 86.9 per cent in tympanoplasty. Well healed cavities were seen in 72 per cent of mastoidectomies. Although 42 per cent of the patients had one or more co-morbidities, this did not influence the outcome. Hearing improvement was dramatic in stapedotomy and minimally changed in mastoidectomy. Post-operative complications were minimal.
Conclusion
All forms of middle-ear surgery were effective in achieving their surgical goals. Aural discharge and inflammatory diseases were well controlled with tympanoplasty and mastoid surgery.
Psilocybin is a psychedelic drug found in mushrooms, often referred to as magic mushrooms due to its visual and auditory hallucinations effects upon ingestion. It is a Schedule I drug per DEA, and the FDA has not approved psilocybin for medicinal purposes. However, recent studies have shown promising therapeutic use to treat depression.
Objectives
To identify current use, prevalence, and its association with depression in adolescents.
Methods
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health survey data from 2008-18 studied adolescent data (12-17 years), who responded, “ever used psilocybin (mushrooms)” and “lifetime major depressive episode (MDE).” The association between the psilocybin use and MDE status was analyzed in SAS 9.4 through multivariate logistic regression for odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).
Results
A total of 172745 adolescents were included in this study, of which 2469 ever used psilocybin in their lifetime, and 170276 responded no lifetime use. The psilocybin ever lifetime users were 17 years old (42%vs.17%,p<0.001), male (60%vs.51%,p<0.001), and non-Hispanic White (71%vs.55%,p<0.001) in comparison to non-users. Among psilocybin user group, 31% of respondents had lifetime MDE, compared to 16% of the lifetime psilocybin non-user group participants (p<0.001). The odds of association of psilocybin use among participants with MDE were 2.17 times compared to those without MDE (CI: 1.93-2.44,p<0.001).
Conclusions
We identified a significant association between psilocybin use and MDE among adolescents, which raises public health concerns about its illegal use, abuse, and toxicity potential. Future clinical studies should assess its clinical safety, efficacy, and addictive properties.
Bullying is a serious problem in schools because of the negative impact on a child’s educational outcomes, especially academic achievement. However, the underlying mechanisms and causes are unknown.
Objectives
To evaluate the educational outcomes, and psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents who are victims of bullying
Methods
We used 2018–2019 Nationwide Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) dataset for the study. The participants were children and adolescents (age: 6-17 years, n = 42,790). Data was stratified into two groups: 1) never bullied 2) bullied more than once. Prevalence of different educational outcomes were compared between the groups.
Results
In the never bullied group 21,015 participants were included, and in the bullied more than once group 21,775 participants were included. More females were in the bullied group compared to never bullied group (50.4% vs 47.5%, p=0.006). More White non- Hispanic individuals were in bullied group in contrast to never bullied group (56.7% vs 43.9%, p< 0.001). Individuals whose health status was fair, or poor were bullied more (2.4% vs 1.4%, p=<0.001). Individuals in bullied group were more likely to be repeating the grades compared to the never bullied group (7.1% vs 5.9%, p:0.039). Individuals who were missing >=11 school days, and sometimes or never engaged in school were observed more in bullied group compared to never bullied group (5.9% vs 3.2% and 20.3% vs 10.6% p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that bullying victimization could be a risk factor and associated with decreased academic outcomes.