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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors And Pharmacological Resetting Of The Mind, Ion G. Motofei, David L. Rowland

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Mental activity is capable of processing analytical data (mathematics, physics, socio-political science, philosophy, etc.) similar to computer software. At the same time, mental activity largely depends on the brain, which works like a hard component of a computer. While the computer stores data on a physical medium, mental activity and data are supported by physiological mechanisms that are constantly operating (both in wakefulness and sleep). For this reason, the lack of brain oxygenation even for short periods of time (5-10 minutes) causes the loss of all data, including the disappearance of the individual's existence as a mental entity. This means …

Anxio-Depressive Disorders In A Pandemic Context: A Comparative Analysis: Year 2019 Versus 2020, Andreea Roxana Droahnă, Lavinia-Alexandra Moroianu, Valeria-Anca Pietroșel, Cristina Ioana Bica, Teodor Salmen, Cecilia Curis, Emanuele Maria Merlo, Roxana Adriana Stoica, Marius Moroianu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in increased rates of anxiety and depression worldwide. Objective. To comparatively evaluate factors associated with the psychological impact of Coronavirus disease between 2019 and the pandemic year 2020. Materials and Methods. The study was performed on a group of 3224 patients, of which 197 were hospitalized, selected from Jan 1st 2019 until 30th Dec 2020 in a tertiary care center for psychiatric disorders. Data were collected from the observation charts. Results. The incidence of anxiety disorders is higher in the age range 40-70 years with an average value of 53 years old. In …

Psychological And Psychiatric Characterization Of Various Groups Of Drugs Users, Daniela-Madalina Ciucă Anghel, Elena-Elisabeta Anghel, Miriana Stan, Gheorghe Tudor, Anca Silvia Dumitriu, Stana Paunica, Daniela Luiza Baconi

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Aim. We aimed to assess the differences among various groups of drugs users, especially in the psychiatric and psychological domains. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study was carried out in collaboration with C.E.T.T.T `St. Stelian` Institute from Bucharest. There were analyzed the medical records of 604 hospitalized patients with heroin or polydrug addiction. Results. Significant differences in diagnosis at submission among groups were outlined (personality and behavior disorders, p-value = .04298, psychotic disorders, p-value = .004274, schizophrenia, p-value = .000141) as well as significant differences among psychiatric parameters: perception (legal highs, opiates), attention (cannabis), consciousness (legal highs), thinking (legal highs), …

Desire For Control Moderates The Relationship Between Perceived Control And Depressive Symptomology, Liam Alexander Mackenzie Myles, Emanuele Maria Merlo, Antonia Obele

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. The prevalence of psychological difficulties is rising at an alarming rate, with an increasing number of individuals reporting symptoms of depression. A decline in both perceived control and desire for control has previously been associated with the onset of depression. However, previous research has failed to examine whether perceived control and desire for control interact in their relationship with depressive symptomology. Methods. A sample of 350 participants completed the Spheres of Control Scale, the Desirability of Control Scale and Beck’s Depression Inventory. Process Macro was used to examine whether desire for control moderated the relationship between perceived …

Effect Of Presence And Absence Of Parents On The Emotional Maturity And Perceived Loneliness In Adolescents, Sana Fatima, Momal Bashir, Kainat Khan, Sheeza Farooq, Sidra Shoaib, Sheeba Farhan

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The present study was conducted to examine the Emotional Maturity and Perceived Loneliness of adolescents with respect to the presence and absence of parents. It was hypothesized that the absence or presence of parents of adolescents would affect the level of emotional maturity and perceived loneliness among adolescents. The adolescent participants N=250 (males n=125 and females n=125; age range= 13-18; M=16.63; SD=0.87) were approached through purposive convenient sampling technique. Measures included the Emotional Maturity Scale and the UCLA loneliness scale V-III. Results indicated that adolescent who lived with their guardians had greater perceived loneliness than those who lived with their …

Representations And Narratives Of F To M Gender Dysphoric Subjects: Self, Body And Psycho-Traumatology In Comparison With M To F Transsexualism, Emanuele Maria Merlo

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The present study was aimed at extending the method previously used with M to F gender dysphoric patients, to F to M individuals. In particular, the aim of the study was to highlight global and particular representations of the subjects. The study involved 10 gender dysphoric subjects in F to M transition, aged between 18 to 26 years old. Rorschach and the Thematic Apperception Test were administered with particular attention to the detection of psycho-traumatic indexes. The data reached through the extension of the method to F to M subjects revealed a continuity between the two groups. Referring to Self-representation, …

Alexithymia And Physical Outcomes In Psychosomatic Subjects: A Cross-Sectional Study, Liam Alexander Mackenzie Myles, Emanuele Maria Merlo

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Backgrounds. Alexithymia is a relevant phenomenon, occurring transversally to healthy subjects and individuals affected by several conditions. Its role is considerable, according to current state of the art several conditions emerged as influenced, maintained and worsened by alexithymic structures and figures. The present study was aimed at highlighting the existing relations, the differences and the directions assumed by alexithymic factors and health status in patients affected by psychosomatic conditions. Methods. The sample consisted of 150 participants, 42 males (28.0%) and 108 females (72.0%), aged 26 to 78 years old with a mean of 42.24 years old (SD = 12.39). Subjects …

Linking The Brain And Bone Through Fat, Elisabeta Malinici, Anca Sirbu, Miruna Popa, Simona Fica

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Over the past years, bone and adipose tissue have gained interest from researchers in the light of their secretory profiles, being able to produce active molecules, with the final effect of regulating energy homeostasis. Both adipocytes and osteoblasts originate in the pluripotent mesenchymal stem cell and this common origin has been proposed as the core of the fat-bone relationship. The central nervous system might be the third player in this association, capable of integrating signals. Numerous adipose tissue secreted factors that influence energy homeostasis and bone have been described: leptin, adiponectin, lipocalin 2, and inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1, IL-6 and …

When Myocardial Infarction Is Choosing Young Victims, Cristina Nedelcu, Mihaela Ionescu, Paris Ionescu, Vitalie Morosanu, Gabriel Smarandache, Dumitru Cristinel Badiu, Florentina Gherghiceanu, Vlad Denis Constantin, Emanuele Maria Merlo, Daniel Niţă

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

We present the case of a 31-year-old patient, without cardiovascular risk factors, without significant pathological or family history of cardiovascular disease, who was diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease, left main bifurcation localization, which required surgical coronary revascularization. The angiographic and intraoperative aspect excluded the most common causes of non-atherosclerotic causes of coronary lesions. Vasculitis was another possible etiology but was also excluded based on the normal clinical examination, negative inflammation markers, lack of diffuse vascular impairment, TPHA and negative VDRL. Prolonged mental stress can lead to accelerated progression of atherosclerosis by inducing endothelial dysfunction, our patient describing a “burnout …

The Quality Of Sexual Life After Vaginal Surgical Interventions, Maria Pană, Romina-Marina Sima, Oana-Denisa Bălălău, Anca-Daniela Stănescu, Liana Pleş, Mircea-Octavian Poenaru

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. The malfunction of the supporting pelvic system generates signs and symptoms that require various procedures. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether vaginal surgical interventions for genital prolapse or urinary incontinence have an impact on patients’ sexual quality of life. Materials and methods. We studied 40 eligible women who underwent vaginal surgical procedures in Saint John Hospital, Bucharest. Patients completed a questionnaire 6 months after the intervention. Results. Patients who underwent vaginal surgery for prolapse were 50-64 years of age. The most frequent vaginal surgical intervention was vaginal hysterectomy (32.5%), followed by anterior and …

Impact Of Rational And Experiential Thinking Styles On Interpersonal Conflict Resolution Among Young Adults, Ayesha Rafique, Hania Habib, Fariha Abdul Rehman, Shabnam Arshi

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

This research aimed to find the relationship between thinking styles (rational or experiential) and interpersonal conflict resolution (ICR) in young adults. A sample of 99 females and 103 males, age range 18 to 40 years, was selected via convenient and snow-ball sampling. Thinking styles were assessed using Rational-Experiential Inventory-40, and ICR was measured using Conflict Resolution Questionnaire. Regression analysis was used to predict ICR based on thinking style covariates and several relevant demographic covariates, including gender and family birth order. Rational thinking style (RTS) was most prevalent among young adults and was the strongest predictor of ICR. In addition, gender …

Compassion And Suppression In Caregivers: Twin Masks Of Tragedy And Joy Of Caring, Emanuele Maria Merlo, Sean M. Mcnabney, Fabio Frisone, Federica Sicari, Mihai Paunica, Catalina Motofei, Salvatore Settineri

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background: Compassionate caregiving is a critical skill for workers among the helping professions, but the degree of empathy required by caregivers can place high demands on their mental and emotional resources. While many professionals employ successful coping strategies to mitigate these stressors, others experience compassion fatigue or burnout from emotional exhaustion. The objective of this research was to evaluate the relationships between caregivers’ demographic/career variables, compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and psychodynamic defense mechanisms such as suppression, repressive function, regression in the service of the Ego, and rationalization. Methods: Participants were 250 caregivers with 178 (71,2%) women and 72 men (28,8%) …

Underactive Bladder - An Underestimated Entity, Spinu Arsenie Dan, Ovidiu Gabriel Bratu, Dragos Radu Marcu, Adina Elena Stanciu, Florentina Gherghiceanu, Florentina Ionita-Radu, Simona Bungau, Ana Maria Alexandra Stanescu, Dan Mischianu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. The concept of underactive bladder is relatively new. Currently there is no generally accepted definition of this pathology. Diagnosis depends on urodynamic findings, and symptoms are usually rare and intricated with the symptoms of other urinary pathology.

Matherials and methods. This review examines the current literature on underactive bladder regarding pathology, definition, diagnosis, current guidelines, and any further potential medical developments.

Conclusions. Underactive bladder is a poorly understood pathologic condition. Only since 2002 has there been any consensus regarding the definition. The diagnosis relies only on urodynamics; clinical diagnosis is a challenge even for a consultant; and treatment does …

The Role Of Biotransformation Processes In Mediating Interactions Between Psychotropic Drugs And Natural Products, Nicolae Bacinschi, Ina Pogonea, Lilia Podgurschi, Maria Mihalachi-Anghel, Emil Ștefănescu, Bogdan Socea, Marin Chianu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Many patients are not aware that natural products such as fruit juices or plant infusions can cause significant interactions with several drugs, some of which can be dangerous, especially when the medical treatment is for neurological or psychiatric disorders. Among the most predisposed for interacting with drugs are citric juices, particularly grapefruit and plant infusions, especially St John`s wort (Hypericum perforatum). Understanding the mechanism and the frequency of this type of interaction helps to avoid it. The goal of this research was to identify and summarize the most relevant reports on interactions between psychotropic drugs and natural beverages, in order …

The Burden Of Clostridium Difficile Infection In Patients With Liver Cirrhosis, Despina Moraru, Andrada Dumitru, Sergiu I. Micu, Marilena Musat, Gabriel Preda, Popoiag R. Emanuela

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Clostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) has registered a dramatically increasing incidence in the general population over the past decades. Nowadays, Clostridium Difficile is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in Europe and North America. Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of any chronic liver disease (CLD). The most common causes are chronic hepatitis C or B and viral co-infections, alcohol misuse, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). CLD and cirrhosis are listed among the ten leading causes of death in the US. Cirrhosis due to any etiology disrupts the homeostatic role of the liver in the body. Cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID) …

Insights Into The Pathogenesis Of Nicotine Addiction. Could A Salivary Biosensor Be Useful In Nicotine Replacement Therapy (Nrt)?, Anida-Maria Băbțan, Nausica B. Petrescu, Anca Ionel, Bianca A. Boșca, Willi A. Uriciuc, Claudia N. Feurdean, Codruța I. Mirică, Roxana Bordea, Viorel Miclăuș, Flavia Ruxanda, Adina D. Todea, Teodora G. Alexescu, Radu S. Câmpian, Aranka Ilea

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Nicotine has gained the attention of the medical community due to its insidious addictive mechanisms which lead to chronic consumption. The multitude of compounds derived from tobacco smoke have local and systemic negative impacts, resulting in a large number of smoking-related pathologies. The present review offers insights into nicotine addiction physiopathology, as well as social and medical implications, with emphasis on its correlation with Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs). Therapeutic strategies and new approaches to nicotine assessment and cessation treatment are discussed, noting that such strategies could take into account the possibility of slow and gradual nicotine release from a …

Quality Of Life In Romanian Patients With Schizophrenia Based On Gender, Type Of Schizophrenia, Therapeutic Approach, And Family History, Elena Alina Rosca, Ovidiu Eugen Alexinschi, Călin Brîncuș, Valentin Petre Matei, Ana Giurgiuca

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The low quality of life of patients with schizophrenia has been extensively discussed and investigated. Various aspects from gender, socio-demographic profile, and/or type of neuroleptic treatment have been taken into account in describing this condition. The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived quality of life of Romanian patients suffering from schizophrenia and to correlate it with gender differences, type of schizophrenia, family history of psychiatric illness, and type of antipsychotic treatment. 143 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM IV-TR and ICD 10 were included in the study. Social demographic data were documented and further assessment was …

The Mind-Body Problem; Three Equations And One Solution Represented By Immaterial-Material Data, Ion G. Motofei, David L. Rowland

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Human life occurs within a complex bio-psycho-social milieu, a heterogeneous system that is integrated by multiple bidirectional interrelations existing between the abstract-intangible ideas and physical-chemical support of environment. The mind is thus placed between the abstract ideas/ concepts and neurobiological brain that is further connected to environment. In other words, the mind acts as an interface between the immaterial (abstract/ intangible) data and material (biological) support. The science is unable to conceives and explains an interaction between the immaterial and material domains (to understand nature of the mind), this question generating in literature the mind-body problem. We have published in …

Finasteride As A Model For Personalized Medicine, Ion G. Motofei, David L. Rowland, Ioana Păunică, Octavian C. Tănăsescu, Petrişor Banu, Stana Păunică

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

The side effects of Finasteride are currently a subject of controversy. Some studies report minor or acceptable adverse effects, which decrease after a variable period of time so that they do not necessitate terminating Finasteride administration. However, several clinical and neuro-endocrine studies show that some adverse effects persist indefinitely in the form of post-Finasteride syndrome, even after the drug cessation. This paper presents a possible explanation for these inconsistent findings. First, the study design of either informing or not informing patients prior therapy about possible adverse effects can influence the incidence and magnitude of reported adverse effects. Second, structural and …

Journal Of Mind And Medical Sciences: Translational And Integrative Mission, David L. Rowland, Ion G. Motofei

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Initiated four years ago, Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences (J Mind Med Sci.) established the mission to publish papers on mental and medical topics in distinct but closely interrelated domains. The editorial policy especially encourages interdisciplinary and integrative perspectives, being equally focused on basic research and clinical investigations and short reports.

The journal adheres to the philosophy that high quality, original ideas and information should be readily accessible and freely shared within and amongst the scientific community. Accordingly, J Mind Med Sci. is an online, open access, non-for-profit journal which, because of individual/ private support, has levied no charges …