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Background: Burn injuries are defined as injuries caused by applying heat, chemicals, electrical current, or radiation to the external or internal surface of the body, which destroys the tissue. Studying psychological outcomes of burns as depression, anxiety, PTSD and disturbed self-image is crucial for a better understanding of the symptoms of existing psychological problems and prediction of their upcoming, therefore better management, which in turn improves the quality of life of these patients. Aim: To assess (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress) symptoms, disturbed self-image, and the role of social support in burn patients for better management to improve the quality of life in those patients. Objectives: The current study is designed to detect the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, disturbed self-image, and clinical correlates of these disorders and to assess the role and degree of social support among burn patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 burn patients admitted at Burn Centers in Hehia General Hospital from August 2023 to Mars 2024. All enrolled participants were subjected to a semi-structured interview, Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders (SCID-I), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Self-image Assessment Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and The Impact of Event Scale-Revised. Informed written consent was obtained from the patients after a full explanation of the procedure in the study. Sociodemographic data, Burn-related features, and psychiatric assessment based on the above-mentioned scales were taken from all patients. Results: The study found a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, disturbed selfimage, and post-traumatic stress symptoms among burn patients. The severity of psychological impacts was associated with factors like being female, single marital status, living in urban areas, and higher total body surface area burned. Social support was generally high, especially among rural residents and those with higher-degree burns. Conclusion: One of the most horrific experiences a person may have is a burn injury, which has long-lasting effects on a person's physical and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was an ongoing global stress encountered by individuals with preexisting chronic illnesses. This study aimed to evaluate the perceived fears of contracting COVID-19 virus (FCV) infection and to address the associated correlates among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the pandemic. Patients and Methods A cross-sectional study included a total of 120 Egyptian patients with MS who were followed up at the Zagazig University Neurology Outpatient Clinics during the COVID-19 outbreak between May 1 and October 31, 2020. The participants, consecutively selected by the convenience sampling method, were interviewed using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Expanded Disability Status Scale, and Five-item Modified Fatigue Impact Scale for the assessment of FCV, comorbid anxiety, and depressive symptoms, associated fatigability, and levels of disability, respectively. Results Around 58% of patients with MS (n= 69) experienced intensified FCV. Those who were unmarried, reporting higher levels of anxiety and depression, diagnosed with primary or secondary progressive MS subtypes, with a longer course of illness, and associated fatigability and disability, were more likely to experience FCV. Comorbid anxiety symptoms were positively correlated with illness duration (r= 0.19, P= 0.039), increased fatigue (r= 0.47, P <0.001), and disability (r= 0.36, P <0.001), while depressive symptoms were positively correlated with increased fatigue (r= 0.37, P <0.001) and disability (r= 0.30, P <0.001). Conclusions FCV was prevalent among patients with MS. Being unmarried, heightened anxiety, longer duration of illness, and associated fatigability would predict FCV. Both psychological and physical assessment measures of patients with MS should be regularly implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with substance use disorders are at high risk for suicidal ideas and behaviors. Prevention of suicide among these patients should be a public health priority. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideas and suicide risk among patients with substance use disorders. This study included 100 patients with substance use disorders who sought treatment at Zagazig University hospital, Egypt. All participants were interviewed using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-Text-Revised and rated by Beck Suicide Scale. Drug-related problems were assessed using the Arabic version of Addiction Severity Index. Urine screen for drugs was done for all patients participated in the study. Twenty-seven percent of the patients with substance use disorders had suicidal ideas, 22% had suicide risk, and 9% had history of suicidal attempts. Females were 5 times more likely to have suicide risk than males. Unemployed patients were three times more likely to have suicide risk than employed or skilled workers. There was an association between suicide risk and heroin use and alcohol dependence and patients with positive family history of suicide.. Suicidal ideas and suicide risk were common among patients with substance use disorders. Female gender, unemployment, heroin use, and alcohol dependence and positive family history of suicide were predictors of suicide ideation and risk in patients with substance use disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]