1.From New Zealand To Malaysia: Making Smoking Free Agenda for Psychiatrists In Malaysia
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2012;13(2):1-4
Objective: This article highlights the issues pertaining to psychiatry and smoking as reported in a symposium on smoking cessation in Malaysia. Methods: A report on a
meeting outcome of a symposium on “Making smoking free agenda for psychiatrists in Malaysia.” Results: Smoking is still the number one public health problem and
those with mental illness were at a high risk. Despite that, they are often under served in service provision by those caring for them. These shortcoming are seen
more and more in Malaysia, where smoking and psychiatry is under researched. Conclusion: More research are needed on the why and how psychiatrist can play a major role in ensuring that those with mental illness in Malaysia are provided equal opportunities to quit smoking.
2.The Role of Treating Nicotine Addiction prior To Treatment Of Periodontal Disease
Nurul Asyikin Yahya ; Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2011;12(1):1-4
Introduction and Objective: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for oral diseases. Periodontal disease has been known to be associated with tobacco use for over twenty years. Despite that, dentists and particularly periodontist does not include tobacco use cessation as part of their initial treatment in treating periodontal disease or placing implants in patients who use tobacco. The increase in prevalence and severity of periodontitis among smokers cannot be explained by differences in the amount of plaque between smokers and nonsmokers. A possible explanation is that smoking may alter the quality of the flora. Dental professionals also have a crucial role to play in tobacco cessation counseling, particularly for patients with chronic periodontitis. More patients will be affected by periodontitis than will ever be affected by oral cancer. Methods and Results: Reviews of literatures were done on a clearly formulated question on the need of smoking cessation intervention to increase positive outcome of treatment on periodontal disease. Conclusion: Various epidemiological studies strongly suggest that tobacco use cessation is beneficial to patients following periodontal treatments for a better outcome.
3.The Role Of Psychiatrists And Tobacco Dependence Treatmen
Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin ; John Douglas Sellman ; Simon Justin Adamson
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2015;16(1):5-17
Objective: Global tobacco control efforts in both prevention and treatment have
advanced to levels never imagined 20 years ago. This review examines the
relationship between mental illness and tobacco use, with particular focus on the
role of psychiatrists in the treatment of tobacco dependence. Methods: The
literature search utilised MEDLINE, Embase and PsychINFO databases using
the terms psychiatry, psychiatrist, smoking cessation, tobacco use disorder and
tobacco dependence treatment. A manual search of all references from relevant
scientific articles obtained was also conducted. Finally, further material sourced
included all major guidelines for smoking cessation or tobacco dependence
treatment from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New
Zealand. Results: Psychiatry has ignored tobacco dependence and its treatment
resulting in multiple missed opportunities in improving the health and well-being
of smokers with mental illness. Improvement in the training and knowledge of
psychiatrists and those in the mental health sector will be the most effective
activity to rectify this situation. Conclusion: Psychiatry must recognise tobacco
dependence as equally important as the primary mental illness and to treat
accordingly. A significant change in the training of future psychiatrists,
introducing or implementing smoke free mental health services, changes in the
management of caring for the mentally ill, and the introduction of tobacco
treatment specialists within the mental health system is needed if psychiatry is
serious about confronting this problem.
4.Non-benzodiazepine hypnotic dependence: a case report
Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin ; Noor Zurani Md Haris Robson ; Azreen Hashim ; Mohamad Hussain Habil
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2010;11(1):108-112
Objective: This case report highlights the abuse and dependence potential of Zolpidem and the risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation. Method: We report a case of Zolpidem dependence which presented with withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation. Results: A 32 year old male, who had abused non-benzodiazepine Zolpidem for 6 years presented to the accident and emergency unit with generalized seizures upon stopping Zolpidem ‘cold turkey’. He required admission to the neurology high dependency unit for stabilization of the seizures and was later managed by the addiction team where a tapering dose of benzodiazepine was prescribed. Conclusion: This case demonstrates that non-benzodiazepine agents can cause tolerance and dependence, and thus produce withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
5.Quality of Life Assessment Of Opioid Substance Abuser On Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) University Malaya Medical Centre
Adeline Gong Wooi Huong ; Ng Chong Guan ; Amer Siddiq Amer Nordin ; Aida Syarinaz Ahmad Adlan ; Hussain Habil
ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry 2009;10(1):8-18
Objective: In Malaysia, opioid abuse is an acknowledged problem with severe health and economic repercussions. Until recently, drug addicts were mainly criminalised and forcefully rehabilitated in correctional facilities. However, the high relapse rates of this approach, coupled with the high rates of blood borne infections among drug users, led to increasing acceptance of a healthcare-based approach in the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Methadone was among the medications introduced as substitution maintenance therapy in 2005 and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) is a centre for MMT. This study aimed to determine the effects of MMT on quality of life in patients here. Methods: The sample was 46 patients who attended the Psychiatric outpatient clinic in fill in UMMC. The instrument used to assess quality of life was the WHOQOL-BREF. Results: The study design was cross-sectional with retrospective elements. Baseline QOL scores were obtained from case records and follow-up scores from the month of September 2007. Statistically significant improvements in all four domains of WHOQOL-BREF were found. Physical: p<0.01, C.I. 1.46-3.05. Psychological: p<0.01, C.I. 1.44-3.11. Social: p=0.03, C.I. 0.66-3.05. Environmental: p<0.01, C.I. 0.85-2.24. Conclusion: Methadone maintenance therapy substantially improves quality of life in ex-opioid abusers.