Naeem Aslam

Drug Addiction, Criminality and Birth Order

The aim of present study was to see the frequency of crime among individuals with drug addiction with respect to birth order. Data of 332 (73 first born; 188 middle born; and 71 last born) indoor male patients was taken from a tertiary care drug addiction treatment centre and rehabilitation centre Pakistan. The age range of the participants was from 15 to 57 years (M = 29.5, SD = 2.4). Findings showed that the frequency of substance abuse among first born, middle born and last born was 22%, 57% and 21% respectively. And the frequency of crime was 26.03% among first born, 29.79% among middle born and 29.58% among last born. Results showed that there is no difference among the groups across birth order and crime.

Psychological distress among patients with epilepsy

Background: Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by recurrent seizures which are physical reactions to sudden, usually brief, too much electrical discharges in a group of brain cells. Psychological distress often accompanies epilepsy. It badly affects the disease and the treatment outcome. Whereas, familial social support is a positive factor. The objective of the present study was to see the difference of Psychological distress among the patients of Epilepsy; the comparisons on the variables of the study were made between gender, age, marital status, education, socio-economic status and type of Epilepsy. Materials and Methods: Sample comprised of 50 patients with epilepsy. These participants were divided into three subgroups according to their ages that are children, adolescence and adults. Patients were taken from hospitals Islamabad and Muzaffarabad (AJK). Results: The result showed that psychological distress is higher among male patients with generalized epilepsy and among those who are un-married, un-educated, having low socioeconomic status and lower familial social support. Conclusion: It can be concluded that psychological distress is common co morbidity in patients with epilepsy. During treatment, Counseling to the patients and the family can better help in coping with distress during their illness.

Coping Strategies as a Predictors of Psychological Distress and PostTraumatic Growth among Flood Affected Individuals

The aim of the present study was to see the predictive role of coping strategies in psychological distress and Post Traumatic Growth among 1862 individuals exposed to floods 2010 in Pakistan. The age range of the participants was 15 to 66 years (M = 28.25, SD = 9.59), with participation of both men and women. Data was collected during midmarch 2013 to May 2013. Brief Cope inventory, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS) Scale and Post Traumatic Growth Inventory were used to measure the Coping Strategies, Psychological Distress and Post Traumatic Growth (PTG), respectively. Hierarchical multiple regression demonstrated that after controlling the effect of gender, age, education, and marital status; coping strategies such as, self-distraction, denial, substance use coping, behavioural disengagement, venting, humour and self-blame coping accounted for 33 % of the variance in psychological distress. While, active coping, use instrumental support coping, positive reframing, planning, religious coping, and acceptance coping accounted for 31% of the variance in PTG. Moreover, psychological distress and Post Traumatic Growth were marginally correlated. Findings have implications for clinical interventions. Interventions for flood affected individuals ought to be planned while keeping in mind coping strategies. Cross sectional nature of the study, use of self-report measures and non-probability sampling are the limitations of the study.

Horrendous Situation of Substance Abuse in Pakistan: A BirdâÂÂs Eye View onSocio-Demographics

Substance abuse in Pakistan is one of the major causes for concern that affects almost all segments of society. It has not only devastating effects on the physical and psychological wellbeing but also has the adverse effects on manpower and economic growth of the country. It is commonly believed that, in Pakistan, among the major public, social and medical issues of the twentieth century, drug abuse ranks as one of the most devastating and costly [1,2]. Drug abuse, and particularly heroin addiction, has been spreading at a fast rate since the late 70s. Pakistan has extensively been exposed to illegal opium, trafficking and abuse. However, the magnitude, degree and severity of the dilemma vary over time. [3] Pakistan is a country with a large population of youth, drug use has been found more common among those who are under the age group 15-39. Cannabis use seems to be highest among 30 to 34 year old individuals and heroin use seems to be highest among 35 to 39 year olds. Furthermore, average age of initiation of drug use is 18 years and more prevalent among the lower and lower middle classes of the society [4].

Management of Panic Anxiety with Agoraphobia by Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Panic disorder with agoraphobia is a psychological disorder. We are presenting a case report of male client, visted as out door patient in the counseling centre of National Institute of psychology. Client reported the symptoms such as palpitations, pounding heart, accelerated heart rate, sweating, trembling/shaking, feeling of choking, chest pain, discomfort, nausea, abdominal distress, feeling dizzy, lightheadedness, and fear of losing control when he is in the crowd. The signs and symptoms of a panic attack develop abruptly and usually reach their peak within 10 min. Most panic attacks end within 20 to 30 min, and they rarely last more than an hour. The client was diagnosed, Panic Anxiety with Agoraphobia. Cognitive behaviour therapy was used for the treatment. After seven sessions, clients symptoms were diminished.

Psychiatric Morbidity and Work and Social Adjustment among Earthquake Survivors Extricated from under the Rubble

Objectives: This cross-sectional study examined psychiatric co-morbidity and work and social adjustment after a natural disaster among survivors who were extricated from under the rubble. Materials and Methods: Individuals (N=40) belonging to district Muzaffarabad, a severely earthquake affected area on 8th October 2005, were interviewed. The examination included the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders, Work and Social Adjustment Scale, and questions covering background characteristics and disaster exposure. Results: The most prevalent disorders were posttaumatic stress disorder (32.5%), major depressive disorder (17.5%), dysthymia (15.0%), agoraphobia (25.0%), and panic disorder (20.0%). Moreover, 77% of the respondents have been diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder. Work and soical adjustment was found to have an inverse relationship with the psychiatric co-morbidity. Conclusion: Small sample size and lack of comparison group from non-earthquake struck areas may limit the generalizability of the psychatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders other than PTSD, especially depressive and anxiety disorders, are of clinical importance when considering long-term mental health effect of disasters.