Background: Studies from around the world have shown higher rates of anxiety, depression, alcohol and other drug use, and burnout in medical students. Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the socio-demographic factors and severity of difficulties Sri Lankan medical students face regarding psychological wellbeing and burnout. Method: This one-off survey used a cross-sectional design, assessing substance use, psychological wellbeing, and burnout using the CAGE, GHQ-12, and OLBI. The survey was open to all medical students in six universities in Sri Lanka. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the statistical significance related to categorical dependent variables and one-way ANOVA for continuous dependent variables. Results: A higher prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions was found following admission to the medical course in comparison prior to admission. Sixty-two percent of students had a score of more than 2 on the GHQ-12 indicating caseness. The OLBI identified exhaustion in 79% of students. The CAGE questionnaire was positive in 4.8% of students. Conclusions: Only a small proportion of students are recognizing their mental health difficulties and seeking help. Further understanding is required as to why this is, as well as re-evaluation of the demands of the curriculum. Effective ways of regularly identifying and providing practical and evidence-based support for mental health problems in medical and other undergraduates need to be identified and introduced.
Dandy-Walker malformation, which is a congenital malformation of the cerebellum, is documented in literature to be associated with psychotic symptoms, obsessive compulsive symptoms, mood symptoms, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. The pathogenesis of psychiatric symptoms in Dandy-Walker malformation is thought to be due to disruption of the corticocerebellar tracts, resulting in what is known as cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome. We present a case of Dandy-Walker malformation presenting with psychiatric symptoms. This case highlights the necessity to be aware of psychiatric manifestations of cerebellar disease as it has an impact on the diagnosis and treatment.
Introduction: Epidemiological surveys indicate that the prevalence of autism is rising worldwide. A study in Sri Lanka has shown 1 in 93 children to be affected. Early diagnosis is vital as early intensive behavioural interventions improve outcome in autism. It has been shown that the level of physicians' knowledge of autism influences the average age of diagnosis and provision of further information to caregivers.
Objectives:To assess the knowledge of diagnostic features and comorbidities of childhood autism among doctors in a tertiary care hospital and to identify the factors affecting it.Method: A descriptive study was conducted on 176 doctors at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, using the Knowledge about Childhood Autism among Health Workers Questionnaire. Data was collected by authors and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical review committee of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital.Results: Majority (61.9%) considered themselves incompetent in identifying autism. Knowledge was highest regarding symptoms of impaired social interactions (75.81%) and lowest for restricted repetitive interests/behaviours (60.79%), with a significant difference between medical officers and postgraduate trainees (p=0.045). ___________________________________________
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a major public health problem affecting all cultures and social classes. Estimated global prevalence of CSA is 11.8% [1]. Retrospective studies in Sri Lanka have shown prevalence of sexual abuse among adolescents to be 21.9% [2]. A retrospective descriptive study was carried out of all children referred through courts or Judicial Medical Officer to a Child Guidance Clinic at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, from 2010-2014, due to alleged CSA. Psychological consequences were assessed by a Consultant Psychiatrist and diagnosis was made according to the International Classification of Diseases, 10 th edition. Approval was obtained from Ethics Review Committee of The Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo. Data obtained from case records were suitably altered to maintain confidentiality.
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