Browsing by Author "Wijeratne, L.T."

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ADHD in developing countries.
(Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2004) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.
No Abstract Available.
The Continuing story of dhat syndrome
(Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2004) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.
Comment on : Culture-bound syndromes: the story of dhat syndrome. Sumathipala A, et al.(Br J Psychiatry. 2004 Mar;184:200-9.) No Abstract Available
Depression intervention in resource-poor regions
(Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2004) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.
No Abstract Available
Domestic violence and female mental health in developing countries
(Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2005) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.
No Abstract Available
Eating attitudes and behaviours among adolescent girls in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2012) Wijeratne, L.T.; Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Pathmeswaran, A.; Williams, S.S.
INTRODUCTION: Eating disorders are considered by some to be a culture bound phenomena confined to the west. Its prevalence among young adolescents in Sri Lanka is not known. AIMS: To describe the concerns and attitudes regarding weight and body shape among adolescent school girls in the Colombo district. METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in selected National, type 1AB, type 1C and type 2 schools in the Colombo district, using a self administered questionnaire that included demographic data and the Eating Attitude Questionnaire ( EAT26 ). The EAT 26 was translated to Sinhalese and validated using the Delphi technique. Results: The study population consisted of 1564 adolescent school girls from 18 schools. A high risk for developing an eating disorder in terms of the EAT 26 questionnaire was seen in 217 [ 14%) and a moderate risk in 554 ( 36%). 14% believed they were fatter than their peers. Of those who believed they were fatter than others, 25% had an EAT26.score indicating a high risk for developing an eating disorder. Dieting was undertaken by 34% to lose weight. CONCLUSIONS: Risk for eating disorders is present in adolescent girls in Sri Lanka. Clinicians need to consider this differential diagnosis in young females presenting with weight loss.
Effects of hospitalization in children of parents working in foreign countries
(SAARC Psychiatric Federation, 2013) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.; Gunasekera, D.P.S.; Karunasekera, K.A.W.
INTRODUCTION: Increasing number of females in Sri Lanka leave their families to work in the Middle East. This leads to disruption in the family structure and the attachment process. Effects of this can be long lasting and is likely to be seen at events that can be considered stressful in a child’s life. Admission to hospital has been shown to be a stressful experience for children. METHODOLOGY: Behavioural problems in hospitalized children who have one or more parent working in the Middle East were compared with hospitalized children who are not separated from their parents. The prevalence of deteriorating school performance and failure to gain weight were also compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Behaviours such as irritability, aggression, poor sleep and low mood were seen more in children who had one or more parent working in the Middle East. Deteriorating school performance and weight loss were also seen more in this group. CONCLUSION: Long term separation from a parent results in acute behavioural problems seen at times of stress as well as more long-term effects.
Health shop treatments for depressions
(Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2007) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.
Comment on : Reed & Trigwell (Psychiatric Bulletin, October 2006, 30, 365-368). No Abstract Available
Post-traumatic stress in former Ugandan child soldiers
(Lancet Publishing Group, 2004) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.
No Abstract Available.
Prevalence of psychological morbidity in an urban population: Is it related to modifiable physical risk factors?
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2013) Williams, S.S.; Pinidiyapathirage, M.J.; Wijeratne, L.T.; Kasturiratne, A.; Peris, M.U.P.K.; Williams, H.S.A.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of psychological morbidity and its relationship to diabetes mellitus, hypertension and alcohol use in an urban population in Sri Lanka. METHODS: This study was conducted in the Ragama Health Study cohort that consists of 2986 individuals, between 35-64 years of age, living in the Ragama Medical Officer of Health area in the district of Gampaha. Subjects were selected using age-stratified random sampling, from the electoral lists in 2007, and investigated using clinical, bio¬chemical and anthropometric examinations. Psychological morbidity was estimated using a pre-validated K10 questionnaire which has high sensitivity and specificity for non psychotic psychiatric disorders and a self administered GHQ 30 questionnaire. Baseline age-adjusted prevalence and three year incidence of hypertension and diabetes were estimated. Odds ratios for independent risk factors were calculated. RESULTS: The prevalence of psychological morbidity identified using the K10 questionnaire ranged from 18- 26% in a total population of 2919. Females had a higher prevalence of psychologrcal morbidity than males (28.6% vs 22.4%; p<0.001). Diabetic or hypertensive status and alcohol use did not predict psychological morbidity. A self report of overall low health status was predictive of psychological morbidity OR1.925 (95% CI 1.62 - 2.28). DISCUSSION: High prevalence of psychological morbidity was identified in this community study. Females are more at risk. In the initial analysis, psychological status was not associated with diabetes mellitus, hypertension or alcohol use.
Prion disease in Sri Lanka
(Royal College of Psychiatrists, 2007) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.
Comment on: Br J Psychiatry. 2006;189:295-6; No Abstract Available
Psychosocial Impact of Puberphonia
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, 2014) Premarathna, M.S.S.; Wijeratne, L.T.; Perera, I.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
The persistence of adolescent voice even after puberty in the absence of an organic cause is known as puberphonia. This condition is commonly seen in males. Voice plays an important role in the socialization process. The pychosocial effects of puberphonia has not been explored extensively. Aims of the study were to identify psycho-social challenges faced by young adults with puberphonia and coping strategies used to overcome these challenges. The study was carried out as a descriptive cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was used. The first part of the questionnaire inquired about functional communication and social participation and second part focused on emotional responses. All participants filled out the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 30) and also took part in individual interviews to gather in depth information. Conversing over the telephone was a problem for 87% while 73% experienced difficulties when talking to same age girls. 60% reported difficulties in work place or place of education. 77% had difficulties in social situations. Only 20% experienced difficulties when interacting with family members. More adolescent participants reported that puberphonia was a problem than the young adult participants. When considering the coping strategies, 73% didn’t talk to others when they are in a group. 60% avoided talking to strangers while 20% communicated using gestures and signs. 10% communicated by writing on paper and 87% used text messages to communicate. 70% of the participants showed psychological distress in the GHQ. Psychosocial difficulties are common in people with puberphonia. Different coping strategies are used to overcome these difficulties. Adolescents are more affected than young adults. It is important to identify these issues and provide psychological counseling for those who need support.
A Study of intimate partner violence among females attending a Teaching Hospital out-patient department
(Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists, 2010) Kuruppuarachchi, K.A.L.A.; Wijeratne, L.T.; Weerasinghe, G.D.S.S.K.; Peiris, M.U.P.K.; Williams, S.S.
BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered a public health problem with physical and psychological consequences. AIMS: To describe the prevalence of IPV among married females attending the out-patient department of North Colombo Teaching Hospital and their attitude towards abuse. METHODS: A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire on physical, verbal, sexual and emotional abuse was given to the first 50 consenting married females attending the out-patient department on each day for five consecutive days. Confidentiality of responses was assured and adequate privacy was provided for the questionnaires to be completed. RESULTS: Of the 242 participants 98(40.5%) reported some form of abuse by their male partner. Prevalence of abuse reported was physical abuse 19%, verbal abuse 23%, emotional abuse 23% and sexual abuse 7%. A quarter (26.9%) of those inflicted physical violence sought medical treatment for the injuries but only two of them divulged the reason for the injury to medical staff. More than three quarters (79%) of those abused were in the relationship for more than ten years. The majority of the females surveyed believed that violence by the male partner should be tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: IPV is a common problem that is poorly divulged to medical personnel. Attitudes regarding IPV have to be changed in order to reduce abuse significantly.
Validation of Kessler's psychological distress scale among the Sinhalese population in Sri Lanka
(SAARC Psychiatric Federation, 2011) Wijeratne, L.T.; Williams, S.S.; Rodrigo, M.D.A.; Peiris, M.U.P.K.; Kawamura, N.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
OBJECTIVE: Kessler's psychological distress scales, KlO and K6 are short rating scales designed to screen psychiatric morbidity in the population. Despite being increasingly popular elsewhere, they have not been validated in Sri Lanka. We examined the validity of these scales among the Sinhala speaking population in the Gampaha district of Sri Lanka. DESIGN: The English language version of the KiD and K6 questionnaire were translated into Sinhala using standard methods. The KiD and K6 scores for 27 healthy and 37 psychiatrically ill individuals were compared with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM disorders (SClD) outcome categories. RESULTS: The KiD and K6 were sensitive and specific in detecting mental illness, especially depression. Those with schizophrenia had scores similar to healthy individuals. We suggest cut offs of 12 for KiD and 7 for K6 having 9D% sensitivity and 81% specificity for both scales. INTERPRETATION: KiD and K6 are valid screening tools for non-psychotic psychiatric illness among the Sinhala speaking population in Sri Lanka. They can be used in psychiatric epidemiological studies.
The validation of the Sinhala version of the Kessler psychological distress scale (K10) to screen for psychiatric morbidity
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2008) Wijeratne, L.T.; Williams, S.S.; Peris, M.U.P.K.; de Silva, N.R.; Hapuarachchi, H.A.C.; Perera, K.P.J.; Kawamura, N.; Wickremasinghe, A.R.
BACKGROUND: The Kessler psychological distress scale (K10), used in epidemiological surveys, measures psychological distress. High scores in community surveys are associated with anxiety and affective disorders, and to a lesser extent, with other psychiatric disorders. OBJECTIVE: To validate the Sinhala translations of the long (K10) and short (K.6) versions of the Kessler psychological distress scale. DESIGN, SETTING AND METHODS: The English version of K10 was translated into Sinhala. Content and face validity was assessed by experts. The scales were pre-tested and modified accordingly. The Sinhala versions of K6 and K10, and the Structured Clinical Interview Schedule were administered to 20 adults with major psychiatric illnesses diagnosed by two clinicians independently, and to a random sample of 25 apparently normal people from the community. SPSS (Version 11) was used for the analysis. RESULTS: The ROC curve for the K10 contained 96.1% of the area under the curve of 0.961 (95% CI 90.4%-100%). A cut off score of 22 for the K10 yielded a sensitivity of 93.8% and a specificity of 82.6%. The ROC curve for the K6 contained 90.1% (95% CI 80.5% - 99.7%) of the area under the curve. For the K6, a cut off score of 13 gave a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 72%, The total number of days that the patient could not attend to regular work and responsibilities was significantly correlated with both the K10 (p=0.041) andK6 (p=0.023). CONCLUSION: The Sinhala version of the K10 and K6 questionnaires can be used to screen for psychological distress.