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Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in severe physical impairments and significant lifestyle disruptions, including paralysis, increased dependence on caregivers, and a tendency toward social isolation. These challenges deeply affect the psychological health and overall quality of life (QOL) of those impacted, especially in younger patients. Investigating the psychological and QOL outcomes in individuals with stable SCIs is crucial for developing tailored rehabilitation strategies. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the psychological health and QOL in patients with stable SCIs. Materials and Methods: This observational cross-sectional study involved patients with stable traumatic SCIs recruited through WhatsApp support groups from two major centers in India. Eligible participants were adults who were at least 1-year postinjury. Those with severe head injuries or nontraumatic spinal injuries were excluded. Participants provided sociodemographic information and injury history and completed assessments evaluating psychological health and QOL. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software, and statistical significance was determined through Chi-square tests. Results: Psychological distress was identified in 26.2% of the participants. Younger participants exhibited significantly poorer QOL in the psychological domain (P = 0.02). Employment status showed a significant association with the physical domain (P = 0.037) and overall QOL scores (P = 0.046). Socioeconomic status was significantly correlated with both the psychological (P = 0.004) and social domains (P = 0.009). Conclusions: The study underscores the considerable impact of SCI on psychological health and overall QOL, with younger individuals disproportionately affected. Healthcare providers should prioritize the integration of psychological support and counseling in SCI rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in India, highlighting the risks associated with excessive gaming, such as cyber-victimization, cyber-bullying, and medico-legal issues. The study presents four cases of individuals with IGD, detailing their socio-demographic, clinical, and psychosocial profiles, as well as their treatment outcomes. The findings suggest that early interventions and comprehensive management are crucial in addressing the complex psychosocial background of IGD, which can lead to serious consequences like violence, suicide, and cyber-crime. The article emphasizes the need for further research to better understand and manage IGD in vulnerable individuals. [Extracted from the article]

Human brain cholesterol acts as structural components of cellular membrane, synapse and dendrite formation. Researchers have found a possible association between low serum cholesterol levels and mood disorders though the literature from India in this regard is limited. To estimate serum levels of total cholesterol in patients with major depressive disorder. 75 patients of MDD were compared with equal number of age and sex matched controls. 5 ml of fasting sample of blood was obtained in a plain vacutainer to analyse total cholesterol level by Cholesterol oxidase-peroxidase method. Statistical analysis: The obtained results were tabulated and analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis, independent t-test, Chi-square test and area under the curve. The mean level of cholesterol in cases (158.85±61.22 mg/dL) which was significantly lower compared to the controls (182.71±40.98 mg/dL) with P <0.01. The symptoms of MDD negatively correlated with lower serum cholesterol level with odds ratio of 0.99. There was statistically significant lower level of cholesterol in the MDD group below 140 mg/dL compared to the control group with P <0.001. As the measurement of total serum cholesterol is simple and cost effective, it can be used as an important biochemical marker for MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Autism is one of the most complex, heterogeneous neurological disorders. It is characterized mainly by abnormal communication, impaired social interaction, and restricted behaviors. Prevalence of autism is not clear in Indian population. Aim The present study hypothesized that Y chromosome plays role in sex bias of autism in Indian autistic population. To investigate our hypothesis, we underwent genetic analysis of neuroligin 4Y [NLGN4Y] gene by sequencing 85 male autistic children after screening large population of 1,870 mentally ill children from North Karnataka region of India. Result Detailed sequencing of the single targeted gene revealed nine variants including, one novel missense mutation and eight synonymous variants; this accounts for 88.9% of synonymous variants. A single novel missense mutation is predicted to be nonpathogenic on the functions of neuroligin4Y protein but it slightly affects the local configuration by altering the original structure of a protein by changing charge and size of amino acid. Conclusion Probably NLGN4Y gene may not be the risk factor for autism in male children in Indian autistic population. Functional analysis was an important limitation of our study. Therefore, detailed functional analysis is necessary to determine the exact role of novel missense mutation of neuroligin 4Y [NLGN4Y] gene especially in the male predominance of autism in Indian autistic population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 psychosis: A potential new neuropsychiatric condition triggered by novel coronavirus infection and the inflammatory response? COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A case of acute-onset post-covid delusional parasitosis: A manifestation of a possible neuro-COVID or of COVID Infodemic? COVID-diagnosis HCL study group: Systematic SARS-CoV-2 screening in cerebrospinal fluid during the COVID-19 pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

Context: Psychiatric patients have been identified as a population at risk for cardiovascular problems. Mortality rates are higher among psychiatric patients than in the general population and pharmacological treatment may produce side-effects that affect morbidity and mortality. Most of the previous studies are cross-sectional and are done without taking the base line values and they do not mention clearly the effects of antipsychotic drugs when used for a short period. Aims: To compare the effects of Olanzapine (OLZ), Risperidone (RSP), Trifluperazine (TFP) and Haloperidol (HPL) antipsychotic drugs on various ECG Parameters. Settings and Design: Short term prospective study. Materials and Methods: All the consecutive patients attending the hospital, who mandated the use of antipsychotic drugs, were recruited. A baseline electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded on Day 0, before starting the antipsychotic drug. ECGs were repeated on Days 1, 5 and 10 after starting the drug. A total of 71 patients were included (N = 71), of which 33 were in OLZ group (N = 33), 14 in the RSP group (N = 14), 13 in the TFP group (N = 13) and 11 in HPL group (N = 11). Statistical analysis used: The data was analysed using SPSS Ver. 14 software. Results: No statistically significant differences were found in the ECG parameters in patients on OLZ, RSP, TFP and HPL. Conclusions: Our study shows that there are no significant changes in ECG parameters after administration of OLZ, RSP, TFP and HPL. Thus all the four drugs are equally safe in healthy adults for short-term use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Masturbation (gratification behavior) is rarely seen in young children. It occurs in children between the age of 3 months and 3 years with a second peak incidence at about the adolescent age. A 26-month-old child presented to us with gratification behavior. On evaluation, she did not have any physical illness mimicking gratification behavior. The parents were counseled, and 6 sessions of behavior therapy were carried out. Gratification behavior in young children is not pathological. Waxing and waning of the symptoms may be present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]