Objective: Apart from environmental and social factors, psychological traits is largely linked with criminal and delinquent behaviour. The purpose of this article is to review four critical psychological traits of individuals that may lead to criminal behaviour in a nutshell. Methods: An archival research methodology was employed in this study where relevant search for literatures on these four psychological traits was made across search engines such as Google Scholar with relevant articles selected for this review. The literatures were microscopically reviewed in order to demonstrate the linkage between psychological traits and criminal behaviour. Results: Four psychological traits: personality trait, low self-control, aggression behaviour, and cognitive distortion were chosen to address such linkages. All these four traits were discussed thoroughly in relation to crime and criminality contexts. Conclusion: It is crucial to understand the role of these traits and in-depth understanding of each psychological trait with relation of criminal behaviour offers and opportunity to the public at large to expand their knowledge on the importance of practicing and equipping oneself with healthy psychological traits to hinder criminal and delinquent acts.

Objectives: Dhat syndrome is a cultural bound syndrome in which affected individuals have morbid pre-occupation with semen loss in their urine and its impact on the body. Previous studies have explored the symptomatology and perception regarding seminal discharge of such patients while there is lacked of literature on the assessment by quacks and practitioner of alternative and complementary practitioners (ACMP). Therefore, in addition to objectives of previous studies, this study explores the reprehensibility of such practitioners as they may not be giving correct advice to such patients. Methods: For duration of three months, this mixed method study was conducted in Rohilkhand Medical College campus; individuals were approached both in and outside the Psychiatric Outpatient Department using purposive sampling procedure. ICD-10 diagnostic criterion was used to include affected individual in the study sample. Subsequently, a semi-structured questionnaire to document their socio-demographic data and symptomatology was used. Further, previous consultation to quack, ACMPs and allopathic practitioners other than psychiatrist and advice given to the patient by them was obtained via in-depth interview. The quantitative data was analyzed through proportions whereas qualitative data via thematic analysis. Results: There were 38 out of 110 with Dhat syndrome. Invariably, they complained of undue concern regarding debilitating effects of seminal discharge and harmful for the body. A total 21.1% had prior consultation to ACMPs and attributing it to masturbation and hot weather. Surprisingly, allopathic practitioners consulted gave incorrect advices. Conclusion: Dhat syndrome affects individuals irrespective of their social and education background. Sex education among the masses and emphasis for awareness of this syndrome among ACMPs and allopathic practitioners other than psychiatrist is necessary to reduce this cultural bound syndrome.

Objective: The incidence of benzodiazepine paradoxical reaction is uncommon. It may be implicated with crime as will be described in this case report. Method: We report a 37 year-old schizophrenia patient who was detained by the authority under Section 392/397 of Penal Code assaulting a lady using sharp weapon. He had history of illicit substance abuse and benzodiazepine dependence with significant history of aggression associated with benzodiazepine. Just prior to the incident, he took a significant amount of various types of benzodiazepine and suffered from amnesia of that event. During the time of the offense, he was in remission as far as schizophrenia is concerned. Result: He was under the forensic psychiatric care and observation at Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta (HBUK). He developed withdrawal symptoms of benzodiazepine in the ward. Conclusion: He was found by the expert team to be under the influence of benzodiazepine during the offence. The role of benzodiazepine and relevant factors leading to aggression will be discussed in this manuscript.

Objective: The objective is to present a rare case of sub-acute form of Marchiafava-Bignami disease presenting with psychosis, minimal cognitive impairment and no clinical neurological signs. Methods: This is a case report of a patient with Marchiafava-Bignami disease presenting to a tertiary care psychiatric hospital in Singapore. A review of the literature of the condition is also presented. Results: The patient presented with prominent psychotic symptoms in the context of chronic alcohol abuse. He also had minimal cognitive impairment and clinically no neurological signs. A working diagnosis of alcohol induced psychotic disorder was made. His psychotic symptoms seemed to be resistant to treatment with antipsychotic medications initially and this led to further investigation by MRI scan of brain which revealed atrophy of corpus callosum and no other significant abnormalities. His psychotic symptoms gradually improved with treatment. He is now placed in an intermediate care setting in the hospital while waiting for a suitable community placement. Conclusions: It is rare for Marchiafava-Bignami disease to present with prominent psychotic symptoms with minimal cognitive impairment and no neurological signs clinically. In patients with a history of chronic alcohol abuse presenting with psychotic disorder, Marchiafava-Bignami disease should be suspected as a diagnostic possibility.

Objective: This case report highlights the success of community services and supported employment program that may be of help to a woman with chronic inhalant use to achieve a complete abstinence. Methods: We report the case of a 45 year old lady who chronically abused glue, presented after 10 years with substance induced psychosis and comorbid mood disorder. Results: Abstinent from inhalant dependence was achieved after series of home treatment services and supported employment program. Conclusion: Provision of acute community service and incorporating this patient in supported employment program contribute to her successful journey in achieving abstinence from inhalant dependence.

Objective: Currently, paliperidone palmitate is not approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adolescents. It is only indicated for treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder in adults. This case report highlights the successful treatment outcome with paliperidone palmitate in an adolescent with schizophrenia. Methods: We report a case of an adolescent who presented with psychotic symptoms and marked deterioration in functioning over a period of one year. Results: She showed significant improvement in functioning, and her psychotic symptoms gradually subsided with paliperidone palmitate. Conclusions: Paliperidone palmitate could be considered as an effective treatment modality in adolescents with schizophrenia.

Objectives: The concept of “Abnormal illness behavior (AIB)” has been evolved to a greater extent in the last century. Henry Sigerist introduced the concept of “illness behavior” in 1929. Mechanic & Volkart defined and further conceptualized the impression on illness behavior. Talcott Parson had given the concept of “Sick role,” and Issy Pilosky had familiarized the notion of “abnormal illness behavior.” The main objective of this article is to review the conceptual evolution on “abnormal illness behavior” and to analyze its current clinical implications. Methods: Extensive search of literature was performed regarding abnormal illness behavior, illness behavior and sick role in online web searching sites like – Google Scholar, PubMed and individual journal sites as well as google books. The literature was critically reviewed with personal inputs from authors. Results: Abnormal illness behavior ranges from denial of illness in one extreme to conscious amplification of symptoms on the other. Abnormal illness behavior is noticed in various clinical conditions like stress-related disorder, stress-related disorders, factitious disorder and malingering. Conclusions: Identifying abnormal illness behavior can prevent unnecessary and excessive utilization of medical aids for the same.

Although the fact that the deficit in personal hygiene, hospital conditions, psychiatric medications and other factors can all be responsible for the development of skin problems among long stay psychiatric patients; the rate of skin diseases among this group is rarely studied. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of skin diseases among long stay male patients with schizophrenia in Indonesia. Methods: Patients who were hospitalized in a psychiatric long-stay institution were recruited, completed a short, structured interview and underwent a physical examination. Results: A total of 73% patients in the current study population (N=70 in total) suffered from dermatological diseases. Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue were observed in 31 patients (44.3%), and cases of mycosis alone were found in 26 patients (37.1%). Dermatitis and dry skin diseases were found in 12 (17.1%) and 16 (22.9%) patients, respectively. There is insufficient evidence of association between having a skin disease and the duration of hospital stay (p=0.5), age (p=0.45) and their Body Mass Index (p=0.53) in this population. Conclusion: The findings of a high rate of skin diseases among long stay psychiatric patients call for further attention. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry,

To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and examine its association with patients with major depressive disorder. Methods: All patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) who visited the Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital were invited to participate in this study. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria and did not have exclusion criteria were included in this project until 140 subjects were enrolled. The criteria proposed by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (updated ATPIII) were utilized for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. Age, history of antidepressant and antipsychotic use, time of illness, severity of illness and family history of metabolic syndrome were assessed as factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Data was analyzed by using percentage, mean, standard deviations, student t-test, chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Results: One hundred forty subjects were recruited. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome determined by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (updated ATPIII) was 37.9% (53). Age was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in patients with a major depressive disorder (p≤0.001). The duration of illness, duration of treatment, family history of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia were not associated with metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: A high proportion of Thai patients with MDD had metabolic syndrome. These findings support the importance of assessing and monitoring metabolic syndrome in MDD patients, especially in older patients.

Objectives: Research about the outcomes of schizophrenia and the factors that determine them in developing countries is still limited. In this study, we interviewed experienced Vietnamese psychiatrists to examine their perspectives on outcome determinants in their country. The qualitative approach aimed to complement existing epidemiological knowledge and contribute to debate around the hypothesis that recovery is better in developing countries. Methods: Fifteen Vietnamese psychiatrists working in five leading psychiatric facilities participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis of their expressed views identified three themes related to important outcome determinants in Vietnam: access to contemporary treatment, established patientlevel prognostic indicators, and sociocultural variables. Results: The improving accessibility of modern treatment (including new medications, specialist staff and facilities) and increasing community adoption of a medical perspective on mental illness were seen as factors leading to improved outcomes, particularly in urban areas. However, some psychiatrists also identified the potentially beneficial nature of some aspects of Vietnamese society and culture being eroded by modernization, including traditional family structures, forms of employment and lifestyles. Conclusions: The perspectives of psychiatrists in this study suggest that socioeconomic change may be exerting conflicting influences on the outcomes of schizophrenia in Vietnam and other developing countries. Their views have implications in terms of how adequate treatment and support for people with severe mental illness can be provided in the context of limited resources, staffing and formal treatment options. Further research is needed to establish current recovery rates and prospectively explore the impact of modernization on outcomes.