Background:Specific learning disabilities (SLDs) are an important cause of academic underachievement in children and are also associated with comorbidities like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) which further have an impact on the child's education.Aims:To estimate the prevalence and psychosocial profile and psychiatric comorbidities in children with SLD in two settings, i.e., on special (remedial) education and schools and to compare the findings with normal children.Materials and Methods:This study was carried out in schools situated in urban and semi-urban areas and special education schools. A total of 96 children were chosen for the study. After taking informed consent from the parents, the details about socioeconomic status, family, developmental history, and school history of the children were collected on a semi-structured pro forma and then the children were screened for SLD. They were administered colored/standard progressive matrices and Malin's intelligence scale for assessing their intelligence quotient and NIMHANS SLD index and developmental psychopathology checklist to study psychopathology. Chi-square test and ANOVA were done.Results:The prevalence of SLD in schools is found out to be 6.6%. There was a significant association with prematurity, cesarean section, delayed speech, and family history of SLD. Among comorbidities of SLD, association with ADHD alone has been found to be significant.Conclusion:The most common type of SLD is combined type comorbid with ADHD. There is a need for early identification of learning disabilities in schools so that with early recognition and remedial intervention children can be helped with to cope with studies.

Background: Floods are the most common type of natural disaster, which have a negative impact on mental health. Following floods, survivors are vulnerable to develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety and other mental health problems. Aim: The aim is to study the psychiatric morbidity in the persons affected by floods during December 2015. Materials and methods: This study was carried out in Chennai and Cuddalore. In total, 223 persons who were directly exposed to floods were assessed. PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version, Beck’s Depression Inventory, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory and World Health Organization–Five Well-Being Scale (WHO-5) were used in the study. Chi-square test was used to compare the means. Results: Overall, psychiatric morbidity was found to be 45.29%; 60 (26.9%) persons had symptoms of PTSD. Anxiety was found in 48 (27.4%) and depression was found in 101 (45.29%) persons; and 11 (4.9%) persons have reported an increase in substance abuse. Conclusion: Following disaster like floods, there is a need for better preparedness in terms of basic necessities and medical and psychological assistance, particularly emphasizing the needs of older persons in order to prevent the development of psychiatric problems.

Background: Specific learning disorders (SLDs) are an important cause of academic problems in school children mandating assessment and remediation. Aim: To document the psychosocial profile and prevalence of SLDs in school children. Materials and Methods: A total of 981 children studying in 3rd to 5th standard were screened for the presence of SLDs in a stepwise approach after taking permission from school authorities and consent from parents. Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Malins Intelligence Scale, and NIMHANS SLD Index were used for assessment. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi info software. Results: The prevalence of SLDs was found to be 6.1% (n = 60). Dyslexia was the most common SLD (n = 38; 63%) followed by combined type (n = 28; 46%). A significant association was found between consanguinity (P = 0.02) and delayed milestones (P = 0.02). Conclusion: There is a need for creating the awareness among parents and teachers regarding SLDs and to screen children for the early identification and remediation.

Introduction: Suicide attempt is a self-injurious behavior with a non-fatal outcome. An insight into psychosocial factors and methods used can be used to device effective preventive strategies. Aims:The aim is to study the psycho-social factors and to find the frequency of different methods used in attempted suicides. Materials and Methods:This study is a descriptive, cross-sectional, hospital-based analysis of attempted suicides. 44 consecutive attempted suicides admitted in the emergency ward and referred to the Psychiatry department were taken into the study. A Semi-structured intake Performa consisting of socio-demographic data, detailed history of current suicide attempt, and access to means were noted. MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview), Hamilton Depression rating scale, Beck's suicide intent scale, and Barratt's impulsiveness scale were used to screen the patients. SPSS 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results: In the study it was found that majority of people who attempted suicide were of young age, females, married, fully employed, belonged to class IV socioeconomic status and attempts were made equally during day and night. The most common method was drugoverdose followed by poisoning with Organo-Phosphorous compounds. Mental illness was found only in 34% individuals, of which most common was depression. And one-fourth of the individuals had contact with General Practitioner within one month of the suicide attempt. Conclusion:The need for psycho-education and social skills training in adolescents and young adults is implicated in the study. Awareness among the general physicians about suicide prevention would help in bringing down the number of attempts as would strict control of, over the counter drugs and storage of organo-phosphorous compounds.