Browsing by Author "Fernando, P.L.N."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

A naturalistic observational study of patients with bipolar affective disorder from two tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2017) Kandapola Arachchige, P.; Senevirathne, K.M.I.W.M.; Eranga, V.P.; Fernando, P.L.N.; Peris, M.U.P.K.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Williams, S.S.
INTRODUCTION : Bipolar affective disorder (BAD) is a lifelong condition with a variable course. The objective of this study was to conduct a naturalistic observation of the course of this disorder among patients attending two general hospital psychiatric clinics in Sri Lanka. METHODS: Adult patients with a diagnosis of BAD for more than 12 months were included in this cross sectional descriptive study. Those who were suffering from acute exacerbations, had schizoaffective disorder or alcohol or drug misuse were excluded. Data was collected from the patients, caregivers and clinic records using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire. Outcomes of interests were socio demographic characteristics, duration of the illness, number of relapses, treatment adherence, suicidality and level of functioning. RESULTS : Of the 350 patients studied, majority (55.7%) were females. Most (54.9%) had their first relapse within 2-5 years from onset of their illness. Of them 27.7% experienced their first relapse within one year. The first relapse occurred within 6-10 years of onset of illness in 8.9%, after 10 years in 6.3% and after 20 years in 2.3%. One third (33.4%) of patients had no second relapse. However, 38.3% relapsed for the second time within 2-5 years of diagnosing their illness. A minority (2.4%) had a second relapse within the first year and another minority (2.6%) after 20 years. The likelihood of a relapse for each patient per year was 0.644 in the first 5 years, 0.405 in the next 5-10 years, 0.38 in the next 10-15 years and 0.30 after 15 years. Conclusions : Despite the relapsing nature of BAD, predicting the course of the disorder in individual patients remains elusive. The trend was suggestive of fewer episodes over time, possibly mediated by better medication compliance and positive attitudes to treatment.
A prospective study on deliberate self harm
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1998) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Rajakaruna, R.R.; Dassanayake, H.; Ratnayake, J.A.W.S.; Gunawardana, W.P.M.; Fernando, P.L.N.
INTRODUCTION : Suicide and deliberate self harm [DSH) in Sri Lanka have caused considerable concern due to its dramatic increase over the past few iecades. In global terms Sri Lanka has the highest -ate of suicide amongst females while its second lighest in males. The research work done with regard ,o DSH still appears to be inadequate. OBJECTIVES : To identify the demographical pattern )f DSH; nature of the attempt & methods used, mderlying psychopathology, awareness of helping igencies amongst the patients. METHOD : All patients (91) with DSH refered to the 'sychiatric Unit G.H Ragama within a period of one 'ear from October 1996 were included. ICD 10 riteria was used in the assessment. RESULTS : 53/91 were females. Age distribution 20yrs -21/91; 20-3Oyrs 38/91; 31-40yrs 17/91, 41-Oyrs 10/91; 51-60yrs 2/91; 61-70yrs 3/91. 47/91 /ere single; 42/91 married; 2/91 divorced. 18/91 grochemical poisoning ; 26/91 overdosing, 25/91 ther methods (kerosine oil, oleander etc.) 22/91 sed violent methods. Amongst impulsive acts 19/91) 6 were under the influence of alcohol. 42/91 ad mental illness; 19 affective disodcrs; 12 :hizophrenia; 2 Delusional disorder ; 4 :hizoaffective disorder; 1 mental retardation; 1 bsessive compulsive disorder; 3 psychoactive jbstance abuse. 59/91 wished to be alive; 17/91 'ished to be dead; 15/91 indifferent, 34/91 were ware of helping agencies. CONCLUSIONS : Females outnumbered the males and le commonest age distribution was between 21-)yrs. Overdosing was the commonest method used hile affective disorder was the main sychopathology amongst the mentally ill. An iteresting observation was that only a minority were rare of helping agencies and its worthwhile iproving the awareness of helping agencies nongst the people.
The Young woman who could not stop vomiting
(BMJ Publishing Group, 1998) de Silva, A.P.; Molagoda, A.; Fernando, P.L.N.; de Silva, H.J.
No Abstract Available