- Email: [email protected]
P.8.075 Reducing social distance and challenging police officers' stereotypes towards psychiatric patients and their families
P8 Other topics
$638
[3] Caflsson AM. 1983. Assesment of cbxonic pain. Part 1: Aspects of the reliability and validity of the visual analouge scale. Pain 16, 87 101.
•
Different pattern of COX-1 and COX-2 expression in inflammatory and postoperative pain
M. Prochfizkovfi*, T. Dole~al, J. Sliva, M. Krgiak. 3rd Faculty of
Medicine, Pharmacology, Prague, Czech Republic Purpose of the study: Levels of COX-2 mRNA, but not those of COX-l, were reported to be raised significantly after peripheral inflammation in the rat spinal cord. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether this pattern of COX-2 and COX-1 expression applies also to another pain condition induced by surgical procedure. Methods: Experiments were performed on two types of pain models. In a model of postoperative pain, longitudinal incision (1 cm) was made through skin, fascia and muscle of the plantar aspect of the right hind paw in anesthetized rats. After hemostasis, the skin was apposed with one stitch. In the second model, peripheral inflammation was induced by unilateral, intraplantar injection of carrageenan in the right hind paw of male rats. The control animals received unilateral, intraplantar injection of saline. Six hours after paw incision or carrageenan injection, lumbar section of the spinal cord was ejected and mRNA was isolated. RNA samles were reverse transcribed to cDNA and specific levels of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: Development of the inflammation was observed by an increase in paw volume and in shortening of withdrawal latency in plantar test. Six hours after induction of inflammation real-time PCR revealed significantly raised levels of COX-2 mRNA with respect to COX-1 mRNA. Spinal levels of COX-1 mRNA were almost not altered. In the model of postoperative pain, six hours after surgery, levels of COX-1 mRNA were significantly increased in comparison to levels of COX-1 mRNA in inflammation. Levels of COX-2 mRNA were significantly reduced in comparison to the levels of COX-2 mRNA in inflammation. Conclusions: Increased COX-1 levels and lesser induction of COX-2 after surgery compared to inflammatory pain suggest the important role of COX-1 in postoperative pain. Moreover, it appears that not only COX-2, but also COX-1 might be upregulated under certain circumstances and that patterns of these upregulations may differ in different pain conditions. Supported by VZ MSM0021620816
•
Anticonvulsant, antianxiety and memory enhancing activities of Delphinium denudatum and Paeonia emodi
Q. Nizami*, M.A. Jafri. Jamia Hamdard, Department of Ilmul
Advia (Pharmacology), Okhla, New Delhi, htdia Neurological disorders are cause of enormous human sufferings. The search for newer drugs continues to find out better and more effective remedies. Due to the reawakened consciousness about the importance of traditional medicine, search for new drugs from natural sources also continues. Unani system of medicine, which is a deep-rooted system of medicine in India, contains a number of drugs for various neurological disorders that have been in use for centuries and have proved effective without any overt side effect. Though there are a large number of antiepileptic drugs
but none of these meets all the criteria of an ideal drug. Most antiepileptic drugs cause depression and cognitive deficits such as impairment of learning and memory. Also these are not free from toxic manifestations. For an optimum antiepileptic therapy, it is desirable to have complete seizure control with out interfering cognitive control. Jadwar (root of Delphinium denudatum) and Ood Saleeb (root ofPaeonia emodi) are used singly as well as in combination in Unani system of medicine for various neuropsychopharmacological disorders like epilepsy, hysteria, paralysis etc and are considered brain and nervine tonics. So it was considered worthwhile to investigate this combination as antiepileptic with nootropic activity. The 50% ethanolic extract of Jadwar-Ood Saleeb combination was screened for anticonvulsant activity by supramaximal electro convulsive shock induced convulsion test (in rats) and pentylenetetrazole induced convulsion test, antianxiety activity and learning and memory enhancing activity by elevated plus maze test in mice. Results: The test drug showed statistically significant (p <0.001) anticonvulsant, antianxiety and memory enhancing activity when given in a dose of 300 mg/kg to mice and 200 mg/kg to rats. These results validate the use of this combination for various neuropsychopharmacological disorders by Unani physicians. Further investigations are needed to find out the exact mechanism of action and markers or active constituents for the purpose of chemical and biological standardization. Extensive experimental and clinical research studies are required to explore the full potential of test drug as antiepileptic with nootropic activity. Also research will help in understanding the mechanism of action of Unani drugs that can lead to greater knowledge about the working of the human brain. It is important to know whether these drugs work at the neurotransmitter level or receptor level or any of the known drug receptor complexes or they act through a neurotransmitter not yet thought to be responsible so far.
References [1] Ghani, M.N., 1921. Khazainul Advia Sheikh Mohammad Bashir and Sons, Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Pakistan, vol. II, P 153153 and 253255. [2] Ibn Sina, 1887. Alqanoon (Urdu Translation by Ghulam Husain Kantoori), Matba Munshi Naval Kishore, Lucknow, India, vol. II, P 73 and 183. [3] Majoosi, A.B.A., 1889. Kamilus Sanaah (Urdu Translation by Ghulam Husain Kantoori) Matba Nami Munshi Naval Kishore, vol. II, P 313 314 and 326.
•
Reducing social distance and challenging police officers' stereotypes towards psychiatric patients and their families
K. Wundsam*, G. Pitschel-Walz, W. Kissling. Technical
University of Munich, Psychiatty, Munich, Germany Introduction: Police officers frequently become involved with acutely mentally ill people and often feel neither sufficiently prepared [1,2] nor supported [2]. Little knowledge regarding psychiatric diseases, like schizophrenia, and the anticipation of augmented violence and threat through psychiatric patients can promote "tense" and difficult situations. "BASTA the alliance for mentally ill people" is a German anti-stigma organisation, which established an awareness training program for police ofricers to counteract stereotypes, prejudices and discriminating behaviour [3]. Methods: The program was planned and realised in cooperation with psychiatric patients, caregivers, psychiatric professionals and sociology teachers working with a police academy
P8 Other topics near Munich, Germany. Police officers from different classes participated in the years 2003 and 2004 in a one-day seminar. The seminar consisted of three teaching units and lasted 4.5 hours in total [3]. The readiness to enter social relationships with schizophrenic patients ("social distance") was assessed with 7 items on a 5-point scale (Questionnaire was allocated by Angermeyer M.C., Leipzig/Germany) before and immediately after the program. Stereotypes about schizophrenic patients were also assessed through an unpublished scale, developed by Angermeyer et al. Evaluations have been completed and results are presented. Results: 198 Police officers (95% male students) participated in the seminar with a mean age of 34 years. 90% (n 119) mentioned previous contacts with psychiatric patients during their service. Total scores were calculated for pre and post evaluations regarding "social distance" and showed a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in the participating police officers (n 198) towards schizophrenic patients. Stereotypes were queried with 79 officers before and after the seminar. First results promise positive effects in 19 out of 26 items. Discussion: This brief anti-stigma program was generally acknowledged and enthusiastically accepted by the officers and the police academy. The personal contact with psychiatric patients and caregivers is the main focus within the seminar. Officers emphasised that most of them never had contact with "healthy patients" before and that they treasure this personal interaction in particular. The data indicates a decrease in "social distance" within the target group and a positive effect on stereotypes and prejudices. Programs for police officers (held by mentally ill people, caregivers and psychiatric professionals) like this German example, are effective ways to tackle psychiatric stigma and improve the interaction (in general and during crisis) between the police and people suffering from serious mental illnesses. To estimate a long-term effect, further evaluations are needed.
References [1] Deane, M.W., Steadman, H.J., Borum, R., Veysey, B.M., Morrissey, J.P., 1999. Emerging partnerships between mental health and law enforcement. Psychiatric SeLw.50, 9%101. [2] Godschalx, S.M., 1984. Effect of a mental health educational program upon police officers. Res. Nurse Health 7, 111 117. [3] Wundsam K., Pitschel-Walz G., Kissling W., 2004. PsychiatrieErfahrene und Angeh6rige unterrichten Polizeibeamte. Ein Anti-Stigma Seminar an der Bayerischen Beamtenfachhochschule ffir Polizei. Der Nervenarzt 75 ($2), 344.
~ D o
movies about mentally ill people influence the audiences' beliefs and social distance?
K. Wundsam 1 *, N. Harzer 2, W. Kissling 1 . ] Technical University
of Munich, Psychiatty, Munich, Germany; 2Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversity of Munich, Psychology, Germany Introduction: Media highly influences the formation of stigmatizing attitudes towards mentally ill people, since the main portion of opinion forming information is absorbed via mass media [1]. The information transfer through movies is special, since fictional presentations of cliches are consumed less critically, for example as reports within newscasts. Furthermore, the image of mentally ill people in movies is often negative [2]. To examine the impact of three different movies about mentally ill people, we surveyed the audiences' beliefs and social distance. A further aim was to estimate if the presentation of movies is a useful method within anti-stigma activities, since "cinema events" seem to be becoming popular anti-stigma projects.
$639
Methods: The movies "The White Noise", "A Beautiful Mind" and "Open Your Eyes" were presented within the program of the Munich Film Festival (August 2004). Following the movie screening, a podium discussion was held including psychiatric patients, caregivers and psychiatric professionals. One additional screening was organized in February 2005 in Rosenheim Ca city near Munich) of the movie "The White Noise". The audience responded before and immediately after the podium discussion to a questionnaire, published by Baumann et al. [2], using the subscales "social distance" and "negative stereotypes towards schizophrenic patients". Results: Altogether 311 people participated in the movie project; whereof 72.6% were female, with a mean age of 42 years. 59.2% of the participants (n 184) had previous contact with schizophrenic patients, most of them through their profession (n 82). The "social distance" increased significantly (p < 0.0001) within those participants, who watched the movie "The White Noise" in Munich (n 98) and Rosenheim (n 66) but did not change (neither positive nor negative) within the audience of the other movies. Regarding the subscale "negative stereotypes", there was evidence of a general reinforcement within all movies. Discussion: Our findings confirm the results of Baumann et al. [2], regarding the movie "The White Noise". There is a difference in the effects of movies on the audiences' beliefs and social distance, it is questionable whether movies are in general suited to anti-stigma activity. "A Beautiful Mind" and "Open Your Eyes" had no negative influences but were not improving the audiences' attitudes or social distance either. Baumann et al. called for the accentuation of treatment and rehabilitation opportunities as well as the portrayal of the important role of families and friends, in order to mediate more positive attitudes. The best option for the anti-stigma movement would be initiating the making of a targeted destigmatizing movie; for which huge financial support would be presumably necessary. Until that can be realized, our findings indicate that the adoption of movies for anti-stigma action should be very carefully evaluated and considered.
References [1] Cuenca O., 2001. Mass media and psychiatry: an introduction. Current opinion in Psychiatry 14, 527 538. [2] Baumann, A., Zaske H., Gaebel W., 2003. The image of people with mental illness in movies: Effects on beliefs, attitudes and social distance, considering as example the movie "The White Noise". Psychiat Prax 30, 379378.
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Evaluation of sexual functions of schizophrenic patients under antipsychotics: multicentered, uninterventional, cross-sectional, epidemiologic study
T. Aker 1 *, A. Ucok 2, C. Incesu 3, S. Erkoc 3. JKocaeli University Medical School, Psychiatty, Ankara, Turkey; 2Istanbul University Medical School, Psychiatty, Turkey; 3Bakirkoy Psychiatric and Neurologic Diseases Hospital, Psychiatry, Turkey Objective: Schizophrenia and side effects of the antipsychotic drugs can affect sexual functions. Typical antipsychotics (TA) are reported to cause more negative effects on sexual desire than schizophrenia. Despite its effects on patients' quality of life and treatment compliance, psychiatrists' awareness on this issue is inadequate. The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions of schizophrenic patients under treatment,
$638
[3] Caflsson AM. 1983. Assesment of cbxonic pain. Part 1: Aspects of the reliability and validity of the visual analouge scale. Pain 16, 87 101.
•
Different pattern of COX-1 and COX-2 expression in inflammatory and postoperative pain
M. Prochfizkovfi*, T. Dole~al, J. Sliva, M. Krgiak. 3rd Faculty of
Medicine, Pharmacology, Prague, Czech Republic Purpose of the study: Levels of COX-2 mRNA, but not those of COX-l, were reported to be raised significantly after peripheral inflammation in the rat spinal cord. The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether this pattern of COX-2 and COX-1 expression applies also to another pain condition induced by surgical procedure. Methods: Experiments were performed on two types of pain models. In a model of postoperative pain, longitudinal incision (1 cm) was made through skin, fascia and muscle of the plantar aspect of the right hind paw in anesthetized rats. After hemostasis, the skin was apposed with one stitch. In the second model, peripheral inflammation was induced by unilateral, intraplantar injection of carrageenan in the right hind paw of male rats. The control animals received unilateral, intraplantar injection of saline. Six hours after paw incision or carrageenan injection, lumbar section of the spinal cord was ejected and mRNA was isolated. RNA samles were reverse transcribed to cDNA and specific levels of COX-1 and COX-2 mRNA were analyzed by real-time PCR. Results: Development of the inflammation was observed by an increase in paw volume and in shortening of withdrawal latency in plantar test. Six hours after induction of inflammation real-time PCR revealed significantly raised levels of COX-2 mRNA with respect to COX-1 mRNA. Spinal levels of COX-1 mRNA were almost not altered. In the model of postoperative pain, six hours after surgery, levels of COX-1 mRNA were significantly increased in comparison to levels of COX-1 mRNA in inflammation. Levels of COX-2 mRNA were significantly reduced in comparison to the levels of COX-2 mRNA in inflammation. Conclusions: Increased COX-1 levels and lesser induction of COX-2 after surgery compared to inflammatory pain suggest the important role of COX-1 in postoperative pain. Moreover, it appears that not only COX-2, but also COX-1 might be upregulated under certain circumstances and that patterns of these upregulations may differ in different pain conditions. Supported by VZ MSM0021620816
•
Anticonvulsant, antianxiety and memory enhancing activities of Delphinium denudatum and Paeonia emodi
Q. Nizami*, M.A. Jafri. Jamia Hamdard, Department of Ilmul
Advia (Pharmacology), Okhla, New Delhi, htdia Neurological disorders are cause of enormous human sufferings. The search for newer drugs continues to find out better and more effective remedies. Due to the reawakened consciousness about the importance of traditional medicine, search for new drugs from natural sources also continues. Unani system of medicine, which is a deep-rooted system of medicine in India, contains a number of drugs for various neurological disorders that have been in use for centuries and have proved effective without any overt side effect. Though there are a large number of antiepileptic drugs
but none of these meets all the criteria of an ideal drug. Most antiepileptic drugs cause depression and cognitive deficits such as impairment of learning and memory. Also these are not free from toxic manifestations. For an optimum antiepileptic therapy, it is desirable to have complete seizure control with out interfering cognitive control. Jadwar (root of Delphinium denudatum) and Ood Saleeb (root ofPaeonia emodi) are used singly as well as in combination in Unani system of medicine for various neuropsychopharmacological disorders like epilepsy, hysteria, paralysis etc and are considered brain and nervine tonics. So it was considered worthwhile to investigate this combination as antiepileptic with nootropic activity. The 50% ethanolic extract of Jadwar-Ood Saleeb combination was screened for anticonvulsant activity by supramaximal electro convulsive shock induced convulsion test (in rats) and pentylenetetrazole induced convulsion test, antianxiety activity and learning and memory enhancing activity by elevated plus maze test in mice. Results: The test drug showed statistically significant (p <0.001) anticonvulsant, antianxiety and memory enhancing activity when given in a dose of 300 mg/kg to mice and 200 mg/kg to rats. These results validate the use of this combination for various neuropsychopharmacological disorders by Unani physicians. Further investigations are needed to find out the exact mechanism of action and markers or active constituents for the purpose of chemical and biological standardization. Extensive experimental and clinical research studies are required to explore the full potential of test drug as antiepileptic with nootropic activity. Also research will help in understanding the mechanism of action of Unani drugs that can lead to greater knowledge about the working of the human brain. It is important to know whether these drugs work at the neurotransmitter level or receptor level or any of the known drug receptor complexes or they act through a neurotransmitter not yet thought to be responsible so far.
References [1] Ghani, M.N., 1921. Khazainul Advia Sheikh Mohammad Bashir and Sons, Urdu Bazar, Lahore, Pakistan, vol. II, P 153153 and 253255. [2] Ibn Sina, 1887. Alqanoon (Urdu Translation by Ghulam Husain Kantoori), Matba Munshi Naval Kishore, Lucknow, India, vol. II, P 73 and 183. [3] Majoosi, A.B.A., 1889. Kamilus Sanaah (Urdu Translation by Ghulam Husain Kantoori) Matba Nami Munshi Naval Kishore, vol. II, P 313 314 and 326.
•
Reducing social distance and challenging police officers' stereotypes towards psychiatric patients and their families
K. Wundsam*, G. Pitschel-Walz, W. Kissling. Technical
University of Munich, Psychiatty, Munich, Germany Introduction: Police officers frequently become involved with acutely mentally ill people and often feel neither sufficiently prepared [1,2] nor supported [2]. Little knowledge regarding psychiatric diseases, like schizophrenia, and the anticipation of augmented violence and threat through psychiatric patients can promote "tense" and difficult situations. "BASTA the alliance for mentally ill people" is a German anti-stigma organisation, which established an awareness training program for police ofricers to counteract stereotypes, prejudices and discriminating behaviour [3]. Methods: The program was planned and realised in cooperation with psychiatric patients, caregivers, psychiatric professionals and sociology teachers working with a police academy
P8 Other topics near Munich, Germany. Police officers from different classes participated in the years 2003 and 2004 in a one-day seminar. The seminar consisted of three teaching units and lasted 4.5 hours in total [3]. The readiness to enter social relationships with schizophrenic patients ("social distance") was assessed with 7 items on a 5-point scale (Questionnaire was allocated by Angermeyer M.C., Leipzig/Germany) before and immediately after the program. Stereotypes about schizophrenic patients were also assessed through an unpublished scale, developed by Angermeyer et al. Evaluations have been completed and results are presented. Results: 198 Police officers (95% male students) participated in the seminar with a mean age of 34 years. 90% (n 119) mentioned previous contacts with psychiatric patients during their service. Total scores were calculated for pre and post evaluations regarding "social distance" and showed a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in the participating police officers (n 198) towards schizophrenic patients. Stereotypes were queried with 79 officers before and after the seminar. First results promise positive effects in 19 out of 26 items. Discussion: This brief anti-stigma program was generally acknowledged and enthusiastically accepted by the officers and the police academy. The personal contact with psychiatric patients and caregivers is the main focus within the seminar. Officers emphasised that most of them never had contact with "healthy patients" before and that they treasure this personal interaction in particular. The data indicates a decrease in "social distance" within the target group and a positive effect on stereotypes and prejudices. Programs for police officers (held by mentally ill people, caregivers and psychiatric professionals) like this German example, are effective ways to tackle psychiatric stigma and improve the interaction (in general and during crisis) between the police and people suffering from serious mental illnesses. To estimate a long-term effect, further evaluations are needed.
References [1] Deane, M.W., Steadman, H.J., Borum, R., Veysey, B.M., Morrissey, J.P., 1999. Emerging partnerships between mental health and law enforcement. Psychiatric SeLw.50, 9%101. [2] Godschalx, S.M., 1984. Effect of a mental health educational program upon police officers. Res. Nurse Health 7, 111 117. [3] Wundsam K., Pitschel-Walz G., Kissling W., 2004. PsychiatrieErfahrene und Angeh6rige unterrichten Polizeibeamte. Ein Anti-Stigma Seminar an der Bayerischen Beamtenfachhochschule ffir Polizei. Der Nervenarzt 75 ($2), 344.
~ D o
movies about mentally ill people influence the audiences' beliefs and social distance?
K. Wundsam 1 *, N. Harzer 2, W. Kissling 1 . ] Technical University
of Munich, Psychiatty, Munich, Germany; 2Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversity of Munich, Psychology, Germany Introduction: Media highly influences the formation of stigmatizing attitudes towards mentally ill people, since the main portion of opinion forming information is absorbed via mass media [1]. The information transfer through movies is special, since fictional presentations of cliches are consumed less critically, for example as reports within newscasts. Furthermore, the image of mentally ill people in movies is often negative [2]. To examine the impact of three different movies about mentally ill people, we surveyed the audiences' beliefs and social distance. A further aim was to estimate if the presentation of movies is a useful method within anti-stigma activities, since "cinema events" seem to be becoming popular anti-stigma projects.
$639
Methods: The movies "The White Noise", "A Beautiful Mind" and "Open Your Eyes" were presented within the program of the Munich Film Festival (August 2004). Following the movie screening, a podium discussion was held including psychiatric patients, caregivers and psychiatric professionals. One additional screening was organized in February 2005 in Rosenheim Ca city near Munich) of the movie "The White Noise". The audience responded before and immediately after the podium discussion to a questionnaire, published by Baumann et al. [2], using the subscales "social distance" and "negative stereotypes towards schizophrenic patients". Results: Altogether 311 people participated in the movie project; whereof 72.6% were female, with a mean age of 42 years. 59.2% of the participants (n 184) had previous contact with schizophrenic patients, most of them through their profession (n 82). The "social distance" increased significantly (p < 0.0001) within those participants, who watched the movie "The White Noise" in Munich (n 98) and Rosenheim (n 66) but did not change (neither positive nor negative) within the audience of the other movies. Regarding the subscale "negative stereotypes", there was evidence of a general reinforcement within all movies. Discussion: Our findings confirm the results of Baumann et al. [2], regarding the movie "The White Noise". There is a difference in the effects of movies on the audiences' beliefs and social distance, it is questionable whether movies are in general suited to anti-stigma activity. "A Beautiful Mind" and "Open Your Eyes" had no negative influences but were not improving the audiences' attitudes or social distance either. Baumann et al. called for the accentuation of treatment and rehabilitation opportunities as well as the portrayal of the important role of families and friends, in order to mediate more positive attitudes. The best option for the anti-stigma movement would be initiating the making of a targeted destigmatizing movie; for which huge financial support would be presumably necessary. Until that can be realized, our findings indicate that the adoption of movies for anti-stigma action should be very carefully evaluated and considered.
References [1] Cuenca O., 2001. Mass media and psychiatry: an introduction. Current opinion in Psychiatry 14, 527 538. [2] Baumann, A., Zaske H., Gaebel W., 2003. The image of people with mental illness in movies: Effects on beliefs, attitudes and social distance, considering as example the movie "The White Noise". Psychiat Prax 30, 379378.
•
Evaluation of sexual functions of schizophrenic patients under antipsychotics: multicentered, uninterventional, cross-sectional, epidemiologic study
T. Aker 1 *, A. Ucok 2, C. Incesu 3, S. Erkoc 3. JKocaeli University Medical School, Psychiatty, Ankara, Turkey; 2Istanbul University Medical School, Psychiatty, Turkey; 3Bakirkoy Psychiatric and Neurologic Diseases Hospital, Psychiatry, Turkey Objective: Schizophrenia and side effects of the antipsychotic drugs can affect sexual functions. Typical antipsychotics (TA) are reported to cause more negative effects on sexual desire than schizophrenia. Despite its effects on patients' quality of life and treatment compliance, psychiatrists' awareness on this issue is inadequate. The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions of schizophrenic patients under treatment,