Somatization and SRH

Somatization and SRH

Dec 20, 2022

Somatization and SRH

Somatization disorder or somatic symptom disorder is a chronic condition consisting of multiple medically unexplained bodily complaints for which treatment has been sought over a prolonged period of time.

What is it?

Somatization disorder or somatic symptom disorder is a chronic condition consisting of multiple medically unexplained bodily complaints for which treatment has been sought over a prolonged period of time.

The symptoms usually begin before 30 years of age, cause significant impairment in the patient’s overall level of functioning, and are not feigned or intentionally produced.

It is diagnosed when a person has a significant focus on physical symptoms, such as pain, weakness or shortness of breath, to a level that results in major distress and/or problems functioning. The individual has excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviors relating to the physical symptoms. The physical symptoms may or may not be associated with a diagnosed medical condition, but the person is experiencing symptoms and believes they are sick (that is, not faking the illness).

Somatization reactions are an unconscious defense mechanism of anxiety in a visceral expression, which is thereby prevented from being conscious. 

Somatic symptom disorders can have reproductive health impacts in addition to its mental and social effects. 

Physical, psychological, or sexual abuse in childhood may cause long-term mental and physical symptoms. Previous sexual abuse has been associated with multiple somatic diagnoses. In women, a recent study showed that sexual trauma affects somatization level to a greater extent than nonsexual trauma. Several previous studies have reported associations between somatic symptoms and sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse in adolescents has been linked to psychopathology. It seems plausible that somatic symptoms and psychopathology will be closely associated following sexual assault, but this has not been documented prospectively according to some studies. This is important since dual psychiatric and physical sequelae represent an additional health burden for affected young people and may require both pediatric and psychiatric attention at follow-up.

Cognitive disorders and SRH

Cognitive disorders and SRH

Nov 22, 2022

Cognitive disorders and SRH

Cognitive disorders are a part of the neurocognitive disorder classification in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).

What is it?

Cognitive disorders are a part of the neurocognitive disorder classification in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V). Cognitive disorders are defined as any disorder that significantly impairs the cognitive function of an individual to the point where normal functioning in society is impossible without treatment. Some common cognitive disorders include:

• Dementia
• Developmental disorders
• Motor skill disorders
• Amnesia
• Substance-induced cognitive impairment

    Cognitive disorder signs vary according to the particular disorder, but some common signs and symptoms overlap in most disorders. Some of the most common signs of cognitive disorder include:

    • Confusion
    • Poor motor coordination
    • Loss of short-term or long-term memory
    • Identity confusion
    • Impaired judgment

    The ability to engage in sexual activity and better cognitive functioning are both associated with better health.

    Greater cognitive function has been associated with better physical and psychological health, and greater quality of life among older adults.

    Some studies show that men with dementia have lower testestrone levels, which has been associated with lower sexual desire and higher rates of sexual dysfunction concomitant with cognitive decline.

    HIV and Pregnancy

    HIV and Pregnancy

    Nov 10, 2022

    HIV and Pregnancy

    HIV disease in humans can be caused by infection with either HIV-1 or HIV-2. HIV-1 is more prevalent of the two, has higher infectivity, virulence, and greater spread through heterosexual sex.

    What is it?

    HIV disease in humans can be caused by infection with either HIV-1 or HIV-2. HIV-1 is more prevalent of the two, has higher infectivity, virulence, and greater spread through heterosexual sex.

      The study of HIV during pregnancy holds great significance because many women are first diagnosed with HIV during pregnancy. Similarly, it is equally important in cases where one or both partners are HIV positive and wish to conceive. During recent years, universal HIV prenatal testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), scheduled cesarean delivery for HIV positive women with elevated viral loads, appropriate ART for infants and avoidance of breastfeeding have shown encouraging results.

      HIV disease in humans can be caused by infection with either HIV-1 or HIV-2. HIV-1 is more prevalent of the two, has higher infectivity, virulence, and greater spread through heterosexual sex. The transmission rate of HIV from mother to child (vertical transmission) is 20% to 25% for HIV-1 versus about 5% for HIV-2. Vertical transmission of HIV is possible not only throughout pregnancy but also during childbirth and breastfeeding.

      In the absence of any treatment, the risk of vertical transmission of HIV during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding is as high as 25 to 30%. However, with rigorous testing, preconception counseling, good ART adherence, scheduled cesarean delivery, and infant prophylaxis, the rate of vertical transmission is as low as <1 to 2% in the developed countries.

      In untreated HIV positive women, the risk of developing opportunistic infections increases with the fall in CD4 cell counts. Opportunistic infections like CMV and toxoplasmosis can cross the placenta and infect the fetus leading to congenital abnormalities. Also, untreated HIV infection has high chances of being passed on to the newborn in-utero, during delivery, or by breastfeeding.

      ART regimens themselves are also associated with many complications.

      Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

      Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

      Nov 1, 2022

      Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders

      Perinatal Mood Disorders are related to mood and anxiety symptoms that occur during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum

      What is it?

      Perinatal Mood Disorders are related to mood and anxiety symptoms that occur during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum

          Disorders Related to Pregnancy

          • Depression during pregnancy
          • Pregnancy loss
          • Infertility

            Disorders Related to Postpartum

            • Postpartum depression
            • Postpartum anxiety
            • Postpartum psychosis

            Depression During Pregnancy

            • Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery is called perinatal depression. Researchers believe that depression is one of the most common complications during and after pregnancy. Factors that may increase the likelihood of depression during or after pregnancy can include; history of depression or substance abuse, family history of mental illness, inadequate support from family and friends, anxiety about the fetus, problems with previous pregnancy or birth, marital or financial problems, and young age.

            Pregnancy loss

            • Experiencing miscarriage at any point in pregnancy can be a shocking and devastating event. Many women struggle with physical and emotional pain and grief that is powerful and overwhelming. Miscarriage can leave women feeling numb, helpless and isolated from others. Common reactions to miscarriage are sadness, anger, and guilt and depression.

            Infertility

            • Infertility occurs in 10-15% of couples of reproductive age. Investigation of the causes of infertility and treatment can bring on a “life crisis” that can tax a couple’s existing problem-solving resources, threaten achievement of life goals, and awaken unresolved past difficulties.

            Postpartum Depression (PPD) & Postpartum Anxiety Disorders

            • Postpartum anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder appear to be as common as postpartum depression and even coincide with depression. Perinatal anxiety symptoms can include the following: panic attacks, hyperventilation, excessive worry, restless sleep, and repeated thoughts or images of frightening things happening to the baby.

            Postpartum Psychosis

            • Another form of Postpartum Depression is Postpartum Psychosis. Postpartum Psychosis is a serious illness that can be severe and life threatening. The psychotic symptoms include delusions (thoughts that are not based in reality), hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there) or disorganized thinking. Often mothers who develop postpartum psychosis are having a severe episode of a mood disorder, usually bipolar (manic-depression) disorder with psychotic features. It is essential for women to get evaluation and treatment immediately.

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