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Nilamadhab Kar

Publications and source records attributed to Nilamadhab Kar.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Lethality of suicidal organophosphorus poisoning in an Indian population: exploring preventability.

BACKGROUND: Suicide by organophosphorus poisoning is common in India. Study of factors associated with lethality may suggest methods for prevention. METHODS: Severity of symptoms, biochemical manifestation of poisoning, degree of lethality and the outcome were studied with an aim to explore the modifiable factors associated with lethality and to discuss preventability. Clinical variables were collected; symptoms were rated by the physicians using global impression of severity; and the lethality was assessed by scale for assessment of lethality of suicide attempt (SALSA), in 100 consecutive patients with suicidal organophosphorus poisoning attending a medical college hospital in South India. RESULTS: Fatal outcome (n = 26) was significantly associated with higher mean age, lower mean pseudocholinesterase level, longer duration between organophosphorus compound ingestion and specific intervention. All those who died had respiratory failure. Physicians' assessment of symptom severity and lethality as assessed by the SALSA could differentiate those succumbed and survived in a significant proportion. CONCLUSION: Majority of cases of organophosphorus poisoning were associated with severe symptoms and higher lethality. Intervention facilities decreasing the period between the ingestion of poison and initiation of treatment might prevent many deaths. Measures like restricting availability and banning more toxic organophosphorus compounds may help.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2006

Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and generalised anxiety disorder in adolescents after a natural disaster: a study of comorbidity.

BACKGROUND: Information on mental health sequel in adolescents following natural disasters from developing countries is scant. METHOD: Around one year after a super-cyclone, proportion of adolescents exhibiting post-traumatic psychiatric symptoms, prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, comorbidity and impairment of performance in school were studied in Orissa, India. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for children and adolescents was used for evaluation and diagnosis. The criteria for diagnoses were based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV. RESULTS: Post-disaster psychiatric presentation in adolescents was a conglomeration of PTSD, depression and anxiety symptoms. The prevalences of PTSD, major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder were 26.9%, 17.6% and 12.0% respectively. Proportion of adolescents with any diagnosis was 37.9%. Comorbidity was found in 39.0% of adolescents with a psychiatric diagnosis. Adolescents from middle socioeconomic status were more affected. There were gender differences in the presentation of the symptoms rather than on the prevalence of diagnoses. Prolonged periods of helplessness and lack of adequate post-disaster psychological support were perceived as probable influencing factors, as well as the severity of the disaster. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study highlight the continuing need for identification and intervention for post-disaster psychiatric morbidities in adolescent victims in developing countries.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Effectiveness of sertraline in treatment of depression in a consecutive sample of patients with acute myocardial infarction: six month prospective study on outcome.

BACKGROUND: A considerable proportion of patients suffer from depression following acute myocardial infarction. Information regarding this prevalence in Indian patients and response to treatment is lacking. METHOD: Prevalence of major depression was studied in 50 consecutive in-patients with acute myocardial infarction following DSM-IV criteria. In a comparative study outcome of treatment with sertraline in terms of recovery from depression, change in Hamilton Depression Rating scale score and occurrence of cardiac events were ascertained for a 6-month period, which were compared with a group of patients who did not receive sertraline. RESULTS: Major depression was diagnosed in 34% of patients. Female patients were more affected than the males. Hamilton Depression Rating scale scores gradually decreased in both the groups over the study period; however it became significantly less for patients treated with sertraline. Significantly more number of patients who received sertraline recovered from depression. There were no dropouts due to non-response or side effects. Cardiac events were reported less in this group than those who continued only cardiac treatment as usual. CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of acute myocardial infarction patients have major depression. Sertraline is efficacious and safe in these patients. Antidepressant treatment might be associated with reduction of cardiac events.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

Chronic koro-like symptoms - two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Koro is a culture bound syndrome, which has been reported usually from Asian countries. It has been described as an acute, brief lasting illness, which often occurs in epidemics. There is no description in literature of a chronic form of this syndrome. CASE PRESENTATION: Two sporadic cases with koro-like symptoms from East India are presented where the illness had a chronic course with durations spanning more than ten years. In contrast to acute, good prognosis, psycho-education responsive form that is usually seen in epidemics; the chronic form, appeared to be associated with greater morbidity and poorer response to interventions. CONCLUSION: There is a possibility of a chronic form of koro syndrome.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Toxoplasma seropositivity and depression: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The association between toxoplasmosis and psychiatric disorders has been reported in a few anecdotal reports. CASE PRESENTATION: A case of depression with toxoplasma seropositivity is presented. The patient with depression showed poor response to antidepressants, for which he was investigated and was found positive on the serological test for the toxoplasma. The response to antidepressant treatment improved only after adequate treatment for toxoplasma. CONCLUSIONS: The case suggests a probable association between toxoplasmosis and depression.

Adult↗