Search

Backgrounds: The COVID-19 epidemic has affected people's mental health around the world. According to previous epidemics, an increase in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been seen until one year later. Objectives: Due to the importance of psychological issues secondary to COVID-19, in this study, the frequency of PTSD symptoms in the follow-up of patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in Sari was evaluated. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 199 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were hospitalized in Sari were identified, and patients’ records were recorded. PTSD criteria were assessed based on the PTSD Checklist for DSM 5 (PCL-5). Data were analyzed using SPSS 16. Results: In the present study, the overall prevalence of PTSD was 19.1% (38 patients). The frequency of PTSD was higher in women, married people, people with children, and those aged 20-44 years. The prevalence of PTSD was higher in 29 patients (38.2%) with higher education. Conclusions: This study showed that PTSD has a high prevalence in people with a history of COVID-19, and it is necessary for these patients to undergo psychiatric evaluations.

Background: During coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, frontline medical staff were exposed to numerous psychological problems due to unpredictable conditions. A psychological intervention for medical staff is the provision of a group where emotions and feelings are shared. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experiences of front-line medical staff about virtual Balint group. Methods: Eight sessions of virtual Balint group were held through Skype. Participants were the frontline medical staff involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. The group leader was a psychiatrist and an analytical psychotherapist. The group had two co-leaders, a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist. They were both experienced conductors who had a background of participation in Balint groups. Finally, eight in-depth semi-structured interviews were performed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was carried out to analyze the obtained data. Results: Three themes were extracted, including the effects of Balint group, Balint group structure, and virtuality of Balint group. Each theme included several categories, and each category had some codes. Conclusions: Leaders in the Balint group were active and had a supportive role. Some participants did not share their faces, and this made others feel insecure. Body language is an important issue in empathy and understanding of others that is overlooked in virtual Balint groups.

The article's abstract is not available.

Context: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been introduced as a rare but lethal and idiosyncratic reaction to neuroleptics/antipsychotics. The most obvious risk of this syndrome is the use of neuroleptics, especially high-potency ones. Metoclopramide is also known as an anti-nausea medication administered before surgery to manage digestive problems. Evidence Acquisition: Formerly, it had been assumed that metoclopramide was a type of chlorobenzamide that was not in the phenothiazine group but free of extrapyramidal side effects (EPSs). The sequential reports of complications indicate that metoclopramide can cause EPSs and drug-induced motor side effects. A total number of 5044 articles were obtained after the initial search. Then, two researchers independently screened out their titles, and abstracts and 20 articles were finally selected based on the inclusion criteria. Results: Of the 20 articles reporting metoclopramide-induced NMS, treatments had been successful in 16 (80%) cases, but it had led to death in four (20%) patients. There were 11 and 8 male and female patients, respectively, and gender was not mentioned for a patient in one article. The age range of the patients was from six months to 84 years, and the mean age was 50.92 years. Conclusions: Although NMS following metoclopramide intake is reported very rarely, it should be considered for any psychiatric symptoms with unexpected mental changes, muscle rigidity, and fever after being treated with metoclopramide. The neuroleptic malignant syndrome can occur following multiple doses or just one dose of metoclopramide. Also, metoclopramide use in patients affected with kidney failure is accompanied by a higher risk of NMS. A previous history of NMS, a recent episode of catatonia, and severe agitation are all taken into account as risk factors in this domain.