Introduction
Matricide is the murder of the mother and it is one the rarest reported homicides with rates varying between 1% and 4% of all murders. In our country, few studies have focused on this ...issue.
Objectives
To precise circumstances of matricide in psychotic patients and the offender and victim’s profiles.
Methods
We report three clinical cases who were hospitalized in the department of Psychiatry “A” at the Hedi Chaker university hospital in Sfax, Tunisia, because of non-judicial proceedings for dementia during the year of 2019.
Results
Among 3 cases, two patients were male and they were aged respectively 26 and 48 years old. The third was female. All of them had very low educational and income levels and they lived with the victim. In 2 cases, the victim-offender relationship was conflictive and there was already exhibited violent behavior towards victim.Two patients had a psychiatric follow-up and many hospitalizations. The diagnoses were schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. However, it was a poor compliance and an interruption of treatment. In the third case, the medicolegal procedure was inaugural. His diagnosis was schizophrenia.All the victims were illiterate and unemployed. Their middle age was 64 years.In all cases, the crime was not premeditated, motivated by persecution delusions including the mother. It was committed in the family house while using a blunt object. The post homicide reaction was marked by coldness.
Conclusions
Matricide has always been considered one of the most abhorrent crimes. Regular evaluation of psychotic patients’ dangerousness signals is needed to reduce the acting out.
Conflict of interest
No significant relationships.
Display omitted
•Ionic liquid/poly(vinylidene fluoride) blends were evaluated as bending actuators.•The bending performance was evaluated as a function of anion and cation type.•The actuator response ...is correlated with the mechanical and electrical properties of the blend.•The best bending response is found for C2mimNTf2/PVDF composites with 40wt% IL content.
Actuators based on polymer blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with 40% of different ionic liquids (IL) are prepared by solvent casting. C2mimCl, C6mimCl, C10mimCl, C2mimNTf2, C6mimNTf2 and C10mimNTf2 were selected in order to evaluate the effect of anion and cation sizes in the bending properties. The microstructure, mechanical and electrical properties of the blend depend on the IL type, which in turn leads to a different bending response. In particular, the mechanical properties are independent on the IL type but the AC conductivity of the composites depend more on the anion type than on the size of the alkyl chain connected to the imidazolium based cation. Thus, the bending response of the IL/PVDF composites is correlated with the anion and cation sizes and a maximum bending response of 0.3% is achieved for a 10V square signal in the IL/PVDF composite with 40wt% content of C2mimNTf2.
Introduction
Spousal abuse (SA) against women, by its frequency and its consequences on the health of the victims, is a public health issue. For this reason, the role of the physician is essential ...not only in the care of victims but also in the screening of psychological repercussions.
Objectives
To study the risk factors associated with the development of post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) in women victims of spousal abuse(SA).
Methods
Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study conducted at the National Health Fund of Sfax(CNSS)on 110 women who consulted during the months of October and November2019.The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the consultants were collected using a pre established form.We used a 10-item scale,the “Women’s Experience with Battering Scale” (WEBS),to screen women for SA.PTSD was assessed using a PCLS scale(17 items).
Results
(SA)was estimated at 57.3% in our population.The average WEBS score among abused women was 30.92.The prevalence of PTSD in abused women was 63.5% and the average PCLS score was 48.8.The somatic(p=0.049)and psychiatric(p=0.005)histories in the women who had experienced(SA) were related to the development of PTSD.The PCLS score was significantly associated with the WEBS score(p<.0001 and r=.76).The type of violence experienced (physical, psychological, sexual and material) was correlated with the development of PTSD;(p were respectively: <.0001; <.001; 0.02; <.0001).Similarly, repeated violence was strongly related to it(p<0.001).
Conclusions
It seems clear that the(SA)experienced by the women had a psychological impact through the development of PTSD.In addition,several other risk factors inherent to women can be incriminated in this disorder for which systematic screening remains a necessity in order to allow an apdate care.
Conflict of interest
No significant relationships.
Psychosis and homicide Kolsi, S.; Hentati, S.; Baati, I. ...
European psychiatry,
04/2021, Letnik:
64, Številka:
S1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Introduction
Violence and crime committed by individuals with mental disorders has been the focus of growing interest among mental health professionals.Added to psychopathological disorders, ...individual, socio familial and therapeutic factors can be involved in the criminogenic risk.
Objectives
To assess the characteristics of homicide in Tunisian patients with psychosis and to establish their sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic characteristics.
Methods
We reported7cases of patients who attended Psychiatric department“A”at the Hedi Chaker university hospital in Sfax,Tunisia,between January2014 and September2019.They were hospitalized for committing homicide and penal irresponsibility was recognized.
Results
The homicide acts were matricide in 3cases, parricide in one case and conjugal homicide in one case.The homicide was not premeditated, committed by using knife weapon in 3cases and a blunt object in 4cases.The crime was done in the family home in the majority of cases(71.42%). The average age of patients was 34years. They were in almost cases(85.71%) male. Six patients (85.71%) had very low educational and income levels. They were mostly unmarried(71.42%)and unemployed(71.42%).Alcohol consumption was observed in3patients.However, we did not found any substance use. According to DSM-5,six patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia and one case with schizoaffective disorder.The majority(85.71%) had previous psychiatric folow-up. Furthermore, interruption of treatment was the rule.Five patients had a previous record of violent behavior towards the victim.Judicial history was notified among one patient.The persecution and influence delusion were found among 6cases.
Conclusions
Homicidal behavior is extremely rare.Evaluation of different variables of homicide’s act and offender is a fundamental issue for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies to deal with such criminal behavior.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
Introduction
Burn-out is quite common in hospitals especially among young doctors. It results from a mismatch between expectation and professional reality.
Objectives
To determine the prevalence of ...sever burnout and to identify its associated socio-demographic and psychological factors among young residents.
Methods
Analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among residents and interns working at the Hedi Chaker and Hbib Bourguiba University hospital in Sfax, Tunisia, during the month of July 2019. The characteristics of the participants were collected using a questionnaire. Burnout was evaluated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory(MBI) differentiating 3 components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and luck of personal achievement.
Results
Out of 85 questionnaires disturbed,60 were selected corresponding to a response rate of 72.94%. The sex ratio (M/F) was 0.87. The middle age was 28.22. Forty three percent of the participants were married. More than half consumed tobacco and 45% of them consumed alcohol. The majority of doctors were residents(81.7%). The average working time was 55 hours per week. Burn-out was severe in 30% of our population. Furthermore, doctors who suffered from physical aggression(p=0.001) were more likely to develop severe burn-out. The dissatisfaction with the internship (p=0.01) and the feeling of do not satisfy seniors(p=0.02) were statistically associated with severe burnout. Severe burn-out was associated with anxiety (p=0.0073), conflictual partnership (p=0.0001),conflicts with colleagues(p=0.001) and the paramedical framework (p=0.0001)
Conclusions
The risk of burn-out is quite high among young doctors. Some factors seem to be associated with this phenomenon. This could affect not only the quality of life, but also the quality of care provided.
Keyword
burnout-young doctors-prevalence-associated factors
Introduction
The 2019 Coronavirus disease epidemic is a public health emergency of international concern and poses a challenge to psychological resilience.
Objectives
To study the psychological ...repercussions in terms of anxiety and depression of the Coronavirus pandemic on the Tunisian population.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. We used an online questionnaire on Facebook, on June 2020. The heteroquestionnaire included epidemiological data and two scales: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI Form Y-1) to evaluate the anxiety level at the time of the study, and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ 9) to detect a characterized depressive episode.
Results
We included 121 participants. They had an average age of 36.52 years with a sex ratio (M/F) of 0.41. The mean STAI score was 43.12 while the PHQ score was 7.46, indicating that 30.8% of the participants suffered from depression. Both scores were correlated to female sex (p=0.01 for STAI and p=0.02 for PHQ), a history of anxiety (p<0.001) and depressive disorders (p<0.001) and to poor sleep quality (p<0.001). The STAI score was also associated with a family history of high blood pressure (p=0.004), while the PHQ score was correlated to a family history of diabetes (p=0.02), a widowed or divorced marital status (p<0.001) and to a single lifestyle (p=0.03). Furthermore, the two scores (STAI-Y and PHQ 9) were also associated (p<0.001; r=0.67).
Conclusions
The psychological impact of Coronavirus epidemic seems not negligible requiring psychological interventions to improve the mental health of vulnerable groups.
Spousal abuse and its determinants Kolsi, S.; Hentati, S.; Baati, I. ...
European psychiatry,
04/2021, Letnik:
64, Številka:
S1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Introduction
Spousal abuse (SA)against women, by its frequency and its consequences on the health of the victims, is a public health issue. For this reason, the role of the physician is essential not ...only in the care of victims but also in the study of the determinants of(SA).
Objectives
To study the profile of women who have experienced(SA), their spouses and to evaluate the factors associated with spousal violence.
Methods
Analytical and descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among married patients who consulted the National Health Fund of Sfax(CNSS) during the months of October and November 2019.The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the victims and their spouses were collected using a pre-established form.
Results
57.3% of the population was affected by(SA). The mean age of female victims was 48.35 years(SD=9.82). 66.7% of women had a primary school level and 69% had a median socioeconomic level. The majority (60.3%) were housewives.78.18% had a somatic history. The average age of spouses was 53.82(SD=10.87).73% had an elementary school education and 49% were workers.The spouse’s somatic history was found in 63.5% and psychiatric history in 11.11%. 39.68% of spouses had addictive behaviours. Factors correlated with (SA) were: low education levels of the wife (p=0.016) and husband (p=0.0057), history of childhood abuse of the victim (p<0.0001), addictive behaviours of the husband (p=0.008).
Conclusions
It seems that the evaluation of the characteristics of women victims of (SA) and their spouses, as well as the identification of factors associated with (SA), are essential in order to cope with this scourge and avoid its repercussions.
Keyword
spousal abuse-victims-determinants-profile
Introduction
Patients with schizophrenia suffer from cognitive difficulties expressed in the form of complaints as well as poor insight. The interaction of these two factors makes the management of ...these patients more difficult.
Objectives
To assess subjective cognitive complaints in a population of schizophrenics and study its relationship to insight.
Methods
Our study was a cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study of 72 stabilized schizophrenics followed up at the outpatient clinic. Subjective cognitive complaints were assessed by the SSTICS, clinical symptoms by the PANSS, and insight by the SAI-E.
Results
The mean age of our population was 46.83± 11.6 years. The patients had a low socio-economic level in 70.1%. They were unemployed in 46.9% , consumed alcohol in 23.6%, and consumed tobacco in 58,6% of the cases. the total score on the PANSS scale was 46. They had an average score of 25 on the total SSTICS score and 20,1 on the SAI-E. Cognitive complaint scores were significantly correlated with improved insight (p=0,00),low socio-economic level (p=0.04),alcoholism (p=0.001) and smoking (p=0.01)
Conclusions
Cognitive complaints in schizophrenia could be influenced by the level of clinical insight and reflect a deep malaise, requiring a more targeted and optimized management
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
Introduction
Intimate partner violence (IPV) and psychological distress are major public health concerns among emerging adult women.
Objectives
To study the self-esteem of women victims of domestic ...violence and to determine its associated factors .
Methods
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study carried out at the National Health Fund of Sfax among women who consulted during the months of October and November 2019. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the consultants were collected using a pre-established form. Women’s Experience with Battering Scale” (WEBS) was used to screen (IPV). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), was used for evaluating individual self-esteem. It uses a scale of 0–4 where a score less than 25 may indicate a problematic very low self esteem.
Results
The sample comprised 110 women. More than half (66.7%) of women had a primary school level and 69% had a median socioeconomic level. (IPV) was estimated at 57.3% in our population. The mean (WEBS) score was 30.92(SD=9.8) and the mean (RSE) score was 31.26 (SD=3.5) among abused women self-esteem was very low in15.5% and low in 42.7% Abused women were more likely to have a low self-esteem (r= -0.528 ;p=0.012) The score of self-esteem decreased with age (r=-0.685 p=0.0001) and previous history of violence(p=0.04).
Conclusions
The findings suggests that Women who experienced (IPV) were more likely to have a low self-esteem. Therefore, the role of the physician is essential not only in the care of the victims but also in the detection of psychological repercussions.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
Introduction
The Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown have profoundly impacted families’ daily life. Children may be among the most exposed to the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic.
...Objectives
To assess the psychological well-being of children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
This was a descriptive study shared on social media during the period from 8 to 20 April 2021, targeting mothers of children aged 2 to 18 years. The first part included socio-demographic data of mothers and children. Then, to assess the behavior and coping skills of children and adolescents, we administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).
Results
Our study included 65 middle-aged moms = 35.28 years. Among mothers, 1.5% reported having at least one child with a psychiatric, medical or genetic illness. The average age of the children was 8.54 years, the sex ratio was 1.03 and they were in primary school in 52.3%. Moms had talked to their child about COVID in 93.8%, using scientific data in 69.4% of cases. The total average SDQ score was 10.82; and overall mental health was at risk in 15.4% of the children. They had risky emotional symptoms in 9.2%, risky aggressive behaviors in 12.3%, risky hyperactivity-inattention symptoms in 16.9%, relationship behaviors with at-risk pairs in 24.6%, and risky prosocial behavior in 9.2% of cases.
Conclusions
Researchers and government officials should be more concerned about the mental health of children who are often neglected as a result of the pandemic due to their comparatively lower mortality than older adults.
Disclosure
No significant relationships.
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