1. USING THE STRENGTHS AND DIFFICULTIES QUESTIONNAIRE (SDQ) TO SCREEN FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN 11-17 YEARS OLD IN A COMMUNITY SAMPLE
Bayarmaa V ; Nasantsengel L ; Batzorig B ; Chimedsuren O ; Tuya N
Innovation 2015;9(1):34-36
Child psychiatric disorders are common and treatable, but often go undetected and therefore remain untreated.To assess the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) as a potential means for improving the detection of child psychiatric disorders in the community.SDQ predictions and independent psychiatric diagnoses were compared in a community sample of 1959 11- to 17-year-olds from the 2013 Mongolian National Center for Mental HealthMulti-informant (parents, teachers, older children) SDQs identified individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis with a specificity of 66.8% (95% Cl 61.4-73.0%) and a sensitivity of 64.4% (59.9-71.3%). The questionnaires identified over 65% of individuals with conduct, hyperactivity, depressive and some anxiety disorders. Sensitivity was substantially poorer with single-informant rather than multi-informant SDQs.Community screening programmers based on multi-informant SDQs could potentially increase the detection of child psychiatric disorders, thereby improving access to effective treatments
2. ENDOPHENOTYPE FINDINGS AND PSYCHOSIS PROFILE OF SCHIZOPHRENIA IN MONGOLIA
Oyunchimeg N ; Guljanat E ; Nasantsengel L ; Jablensky A ; Gregory W ; Price
Innovation 2015;9(1):64-67
BACKGROUND: The Western Australian Family Study of Schizophrenia (WAFSS) has conducted genetic epidemiology studies of schizophrenia in Australia for two decades. Recently the WAFSS practices were adopted at the National Centre for for Mental Health in Mongolia, with a view tocollecting comparable data. Like the cited projects (supra), we are cognizant of the dangers of multi site data collection. We replicate common practices, such as training manuals and common site training and refreshment (CCRN WHO training centre). However in international (possibly multilingual) collection and pooling, identical assessment is difficult, it is impossible to replicate endophenotype instructions verbatim (Calkins 2007), and identical recording equipment may not be available indisparate sites. At the very least the data must be compared separately, with the option of weighting,before the pooling for genetic analysis. The use of endophenotypes (Gottesman& Gould) is well established in schizophrenia research for genetic analysis () as well as in more general neuroscience biomarker approaches. The use of electrophysiological markers, and particularly Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) is a well developedaspect of this approach (BraffDL, 2007, TuretskyBI, 2009). Electrophysiological endophenotypes include (inter alia) the Mismatch Negativity (MMN), P50 suppression ratio (P50), auditory oddball P300 (P300), and Antisaccade (AS) tasks. In this study, we seek to follow the multi centre quality assurance examples for pooled data on a smallerscale. This report details the validation of compatibility between the Western Australian Family Study of Schizophrenia (WAFSS) dataset (Perth, Australia), and a pilot dataset from the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The working hypothesis is that the psychiatric and endophenotype profiles in the two datasets are sufficiently similar to allow data ompatibility for genetic analysis.METHODS: The Mongolian version of the DIP was developed as part of a joint genetic investigation of schizophrenia between the Centre for Clinical Research in europsychiatry (CCRN) in Perth Western Australia, and the National Center of Mental Health (NCMH) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.The DIP is a semi-structured interview for psychosis for use in epidemiological and clinical settings (CastleD, 2006). It is designed to provide a diagnosis, as well as to assess symptom profiles (present state, past year and lifetime), social functioning, disablement, and service utilisation. It was developed specifically for the National Mental Health Survey – Low Prevalence (Psychotic) Disorders Study(Jablensky et al, 1999, 2000), and has been translated to Italian (RossiA, 2010), Norwegion (SkorvenCS, 2010), and to Mongolian in 2012. The process started with the translation of the original English language version (Castle et al., 2006) by an experienced bilingual psychiatrist (GE) from the NCMH whose native language was Mongolian. Layout and formatting of the document were preserved. It was then back-translated by a non medical,tertiary educated professional, whose native language is Mongolian, but is now resident in Perth. The back-translation was reviewed by an original author (AJ) and experienced practitioners (GP). Grammatical and syntactical discrepancies were resolved directly with the original translator. Event Related Potentials To replicate the WAFSS ERP approach at NCMH, a new portable ERP recording system was deployed. This decision was based on several considerations: a) the WAFSS system could not be taken out of service; b) an identical system could not be replicated due to the age of the components; c) an equivalent system would be too substantial for easy, cost effective transport; d) the system was expected to be used in multiple sites in Mongolia; e) the same system was expected to be used in other Australian projects.The Portable ERP system uses NuAmps, with a hardware selected reference at the FPz location. While the ear references A1 and A2 were recorded, the mathematically re-referenced data is not the same as directly linking ears. (Citation ****). Instead the data was analysed as recorded, with cognizance traces (instead of 20) could not be used. This marks a variation from the original WAFSS processing. Instead of artifact rejection on any trace, only the relevant trace (Fz, Cz, Pz) was used for each ERP (MMN, P50, P300). Endophenotypes The ERP endophenotypes are clearly continous variables, and analysed with general linear modelling. Two tailed significance testing was used for between cohort comparisons, since there is no a priori indication which cohort would have the higher values. Single tailed testing was used in comparing Proband (Pb) and Control (Ctl) groups within the same cohort, as thedirection of any difference is well established.RESULTS: DIP The structure of the diagnostic module (DIP-DM) follows the Operational Criteria for Psychosis, OPCRIT, version 3.31 (McGuffin et al., 1991; Williams et al., 1996) 90-item checklist. It can be used to generate diagnoses according to the criteria of ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1993); DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994); the Research Diagnostic Criteria (Spitzer et al., 1978), and others. The summary of diagnoses (ICD-10 and DSM-IV) generated for each cohort are shown in Figure 1. Diagnostic distribution (%) of 30 interviewed cases from NCMH and 201 cases from the WAFSS cohorts, according to the DIP diagnostic algorithm, by diagnostic classification system. To facilitate omparisons between different criteria systems, Castle (2006) escribes aggregated diagnostic classification descriptors (with reservations) that are used in Figure 1. Greater detail of the DIP responses that support these descriptors is shown for similiarly aggregated questions in Figure 2. aMicrovolts for MMNAmp and P300Amp, numeric forothers.bFor MMN, P50, and AS, but not P300, the raw mean (notabsolute value) for the Pb and Fm groups are higher thanthat of the Ctl group. cEqual variances not assumed.Endophenotype values were each significantly “worse” inthe proband group of the NCMH cohort, for MMN (t=1.65;p=0.05), P300 (t=-2.02; p=0.02) and AS (t=2.12; p=0.02).The comparable values from the WAFSS cohort showed thesame behaviour for MMN (t=4.52; p<0.01), P300 (t=-3.35;p<0.01) and AS (t=3.93; p<0.01). The P50 endophenotypedid not show a significant difference between clinical groups in either NCMH (t=0.20) or WAFSS (t=1.12) cohort. DISCUSSION: This comparison has shown that there is not a significant difference (α= 0.05) between the NCMH and WAFSSpopulations (patient and control). This outcome is deemed sufficient to allow pooled analysis of genetic and electrophysiological data in future studies. It is acknowledged that the outcome does not show that the two populations are the same. Questions of international comparison (McGrathJJ, 2006) in incidence and prevalence, of mental illness and particularly of schizophrenia are eschewed. These were not the purpose of the study. Our experience from this study, as distinct from analysis, is that situational variation in equipment, protocol and recruitment likely outweigh any cultural differencesin epidemiology. The absolute value of the lectrophysiologicalendophenotypes was different between the two sites, butthe relative values were the same. The control group showed“better” responses than the patient group, with similareffect size. Moreover, the patient clinical profile was also slightly different. The incidence of neuroleptic medication was a substantial uncontrolled factor. The question becomes how to deal with these differences.In combining population groups, the data can be discarded,equalized, or transformed. Describe each. We seek to standardize comparisons between populations by transforming data by scaling prior to genetic analysis.Absolute value The raw amplitude data for both ERP eatures (MMN, P300) is significantly lower from the Mongolian cohort in both Patient and Control groups. Endophenotype characteristics.ScalingWhile the difference in absolute values precludes directlycombining data from different cohorts, the consistentendophenotype characteristics allows one possiblemethod to further genetic investigation of continuousendophenotype variables. The results are expected toderive from a combination of technical, situational, clinicaland endophenotype factors. Each of these factors could befurther investigated individually. However, if a combinedendophenotype analysis is even theoretically acceptable,then the endophenotypebehaviour in different cohorts hasto be defined as identical, and the standardized measuresfrom equivalent Control groups must be equal. If the WAFSScontrol group is considered as the standard in this study, then the scaling factors for the NCMH cohort are 13.5 (MMN), 1.0 (P50), 2.5 (P300) and 0.6 (AS).SUMMARY: The consistency in endophenotypebehaviour betweencohorts legitimizes the application of the genetic approachin Mongolia. DNA extraction and analysis for this cohort iscontinuing and, although for smaller numbers, preliminaryresults can be compared with the Australian cohort.
3. SOME QUESTIONS OF FORENSIC MENTAL EXAMINATION IN THE PERIOD OF 2006-2013 YEARS
Battulga L ; Amgalan E ; Nasantsengel L ; Gantsetseg T
Innovation 2015;9(1):92-94
To analyze the results of the forensic psychiatric examination in the period of time from 2006 to 2013 year.We analyze retrospectively 7180 material of clients attended to forensic mental examination in the National center of mental health from 2006 to 2013 year.From all 7180 clients that attended to forensic mental examination in the 2006-2013 the 1165 clients or 16.2% were with mental disorders. The 543 clients or 7.5% of all attended to examination were with mental retardation and 59.8% of mentally retarded clients were with mild mental retardation, 33.8% with moderate, 5.3% with severe and 0.9% with profound mental retardation. The 97.3% (n=6989) of all clients investigated first time, 158 or 2.2% second time, and 33 or 0.45% third or fourth time. From 7062 criminal cases 4.98% or 352 investigated clientsdeemed incompetent and from 115 civil cases 57.3% or 66 clients deemed incompetent. From the clients with mental retardation deemed incompetent in criminal cases the 23.5% and 7.5% in civil cases.Results of the analysis show that about 16.2% of all investigated clients have some mental disorders and 46.6% of them have mild mental retardation.
4. Some problems of medically unexplained somatic complains
Jargal B ; Khishigsuren Z ; Nasantsengel L ; Altanzul N ; Oyunsuren D ; Gantsetseg T ; Tuya B ; Erdenetuul N
Innovation 2013;7(2):59-63
People with unexplained somatic complains are high-rate users of healthcare and often receive expensive, unnecessary tests and treatments.To study causes of unexplained somatic complains and some clinical symptoms.There were selected 25 consumers who diagnosed unexplained somatic complains according to ICD-X criteria in our study. In addition, qualitative research was used as semi-structure questionnaire for themMajority of study samples were living unpleasant environment in their family, conflicts of their parents relationship and substance abuse of parents. Most of the participants occurred change of sensation.This disorder is associated with negative family environment.
5.To screen for child emotional and behavioral problems in a community sample
Bayarmaa V ; Nasantsengel L ; Batzorig B ; Tuya N ; Chimedsuren O
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2016;175(1):54-57
BackgroundIn accordance with WHO investigation, most of the mental disorders onset in childhood and 20 percentof children (1 of fi ve) with mental and behavioral disorder currently. In 2005, by assessment of mentalhealth system in Mongolia (WHO-AIMS) it was concluded that special attention needs to be given todevelop professional competence and services in the area of child and adolescents mental health so itis a reason of the this study.AimTo early identify common emotional and behavioral problems among children and identify risk factorsfor itMethodsThe study was randomly selected 3500 child aged between from 4 to 17 years in 5 districts of Ulaanbaatarcity and 46 soums of 11 aimags of Mongolia.A main tool is Strengths and Diffi culties Questionnaire (SDQ) and included the 25-item child andparent versions were used to record each informant’s perception of four problem domains/subscales.SDQ was differently used child ages such as child aged 6-10 years used by parent version child agedbetween11-17 years used by both child and parent versions.ResultsOf 2920 child who participated in the study, 382 (13%) studied in kindergarten, 2423 (82.9%) school. Anaverage age of participants was 10.9±4.ConclusionThe abnormal emotional reaction was dominantly occurred in urban girls aged between from 6 to 10years and the abnormal behavioral reaction was dominantly occurred in urban boys aged between from6 to 15 years. The family relationship was a risk factor for developing emotional and behavioral problemsin child.
6.Understanding about mental illness among population and attitude to patient with mental illness
Khishigsuren Z ; Buyantugs L ; Byambasuren S ; Tsetsegdary G ; Tuya NAI ; Bayarmaa V ; Altanzul N ; Amgalan E ; Nasantsengel L
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2012;159(1):43-48
Introduction. Stigma and discrimination against patients with mental illness is very common amongst the society. Therefore, this study aims to study the knowledge and understanding of mental illness and attitudes to patient with mental illness, among the general population.Goal. To assess the knowledge and understanding of mental illness and attitude to patient with mental illness among population of Ulaanbaatar city and compare its results with a similar research in carried out in 2002.Methods. The study was conducted in Ulaanbaatar city from February to April, 2008 and included 991 people aged over 18 years. The sample was selected from 30 micro districts of Ulaanbaatar city, The method of sampling was using primary dot in first step, sampling households in mid step and selecting people by using method of Sweden key from household in final step. The study used 30 item standardized questionnaires. Also there were 2 extra cards to read for respondents.Result. Among the respondents, 45% were males and 55 % females. Average age was 37 years. In view of identifying negative attitude of patient with schizophrenia, majority of respondents answered as “loony person” (n=136) and “mad person” (n=83). Conclusion. Although there was stigma amongst the study population, 66% of subjects who were involved in study could give right diagnosis in non professional level and were able to identify symptoms of mental illness suggesting that more than half of the sample studied had some knowledge of mental illness.
7.Correlation between hair elements and intelligence quotient in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Amgalan B ; Tovuudorj A ; Nasantsengel L ; Yanjinlkham B ; Tserendolgor O ; Saruul D ; Erdenetuya G
Mongolian Medical Sciences 2020;191(1):13-18
Introduction :
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that occurs during childhood
development, which presents with signs of reduced attention and hyperactivity [1]. Necessary
nutrients, such as trace minerals, including manganese, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, and
chromium, are associated with changes in neuronal function that can lead to adverse effects on
behavior and learning [2]. In addition to these, social, emotional, behavioral problems, and cognitive
impairments such as executive dysfunctions are common in ADHD [3].
Goal:
To evaluate the hair elements and intelligence quotient in children with ADHD.
Materials and Methods:
This is a cross-sectional comparative study conducted at elementary schools of Ulaanbaatar city. All
in all 60 children of both genders aged between 7-12 years old were included in the study. Children
were divided into two groups as children with ADHD group and a control group. Each group had 30
children. For assessment of emotional Intelligence EQ-i:YV - Emotional Quotient Inventory: Youth
Version (Bar-On & Parker, 2000; it ad. Sannio Fancello, & Cianchetti, 2012) was used. Scalp hair
samples were randomly collected from approximately ten sites around both sides of posterior parietal
eminences and external occipital protuberance. Samples were then packed at room temperature and
submitted for laboratory analysis. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of
Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Reg. No. 2018/Д-10).
Results:
The IQ of children with ADHD group were 85.03±16.86 p<.0001 and the IQ of control group
=108.9±21.22, p<.0001. We identified hair minerals such as Mg, Zn, Pb, Se, Mn. We have then
compared to each group and normal ranges of ages. ADHD group and the control group had Pb
concentration that was slightly higher and inversely Mg concentration was slightly lower (r=-0.502,
p=.005). Concentration of Pb, IQ were directly opposite (r=-0.38, p=.03).
Conclusion
1. IQ was lower in the ADHD group compared to control group 85.03±16.86 p<.0001, monitored
group 108.9±21.22, p<.0001.
2. The group with ADHD had lower Mg, Zn, and higher Pb, Se, Mn (p<.0001). The IQ decreased
when there was increased Pb and decreased Mg.