Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

Vikas Sharma ¹, Gopal Ch. Mahakud ¹, S. P. K. Jena ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Applied Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

Sleep difficulties is a major concern in cancer. Sleep difficulties in cancer patients is multi factorial in nature and consists of physical, and psychosocial aspects. A comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon is needed but still this is largely a neglected area. Management of insomnia among cancer patients using Cognitive and behavioural approaches needs further examination. In this regard the authors of the present article highlighted the psychological aspects related to insomnia in cancer and reviewed relevant studies. Cognitive and behavioral strategies such as sleep hygiene, stimulus control, sleep restriction, cognitive therapy etc can be used for the management of insomnia in the context of cancer. Some of the important factors related to insomnia among cancer patients such as anxiety, depression, fatigue and quality of life can be improved by using above mentioned cognitive and behavior strategies. Besides the pharmacological intervention, more studies needs to be conducted emphasizing cognitive and behavioural techniques.

Keywords

Insomnia, Sleep, Cancer, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Sleep Diary.

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Abdul Majeed Bhat ¹, Vikas Sharma ¹, S. P. K. Jena ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN
2 Department of Applied Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

Intellectual disability in India is a major challenge which not only limits the capacity of the afflicted individual but at the same time also leads to the parent's vulnerability to stressors. There is considerable evidence to suggest that parents of children with intellectual disability experience greater stress than caregivers of children without intellectual disability. This stress tends to be chronic in nature and therefore persists over substantial period of time. Caring for children with intellectual disabilities drains parent's economic, physical, mental and psychological resources. Behavioural problems which are frequently associated with intellectual disabilities add to the parental stress. The present paper while reviewing current literature highlights the nature of stress experienced by parents of children with intellectual disabilities and its effect on family environment and also demonstrates evidence based intervention strategies for its management. The relationship between the child related characteristics and parental stress are also discussed. The results suggest that there are practical implications of reducing parental stress which will be beneficial for general parent training interventions and also for successful behaviour management programmes for children. There is a need to replicate parental stress management programmes with a more diverse group and long-term follow-up.

Keywords

Parental Stress, Intellectual Disabilities, Stress Management, Behavioural Problems

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Manoj Kumar Bajaj ¹, Vikas Sharma ², Vijay Prasad Barre ³

Affiliations
1 Govt Medical College, Chandigarh, IN
2 Amity University, Haryana, IN
3 DIMHANS, Dharvad, Karnatak, IN

Abstract

Estimates indicate that approximately 20 to 30 percent of patients who are seen in epilepsy centers actually suffer from PNES as opposed to epilepsy. Patients who suffer from PNES often exhibit a higher incidence of symptoms such as anxiety and depression than patients with epilepsy, along with a reduced quality of life due to the effect of the seizures themselves. It is recognized, however, that conditions such as anxiety and depression often respond well to CBT. To date, treatment trials for PNES are few, despite the disabling nature of the disorder. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral intervention in the treatment of PNES. Our primary objective is to assess the effectiveness of CBT in reducing seizure frequency. The study adopted a two-group comparison with pre and post assessment design. Sample: The sample consisted of 50 patients sub sequentially allotted to the Cognitive Behavior Therapy (n=30) and waiting control (n=20) groups. Along with the socto-demographic sheet seizure diary to record the frequency of seizure episodes, Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Rating scale (HDARS) tools were administered. The CBT group provided comprehensive cognitive behaviour therapy and the waiting control group provided only standard medical care. In this small clinical trial, treatment with the CBT for PNES appears to be a beneficial approach in helping patients with PNES reduce their seizure frequency, anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to standard medical care.

Keywords

PNES, CBT, Anxiety, Depression.

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Ridhima Sharma ¹, Manpreet Ola ¹, Vikas Sharma ¹

Affiliations
1 Amity Institute of Clinical Psychology, Amity University, Manesar, Haryana, IN

Abstract

Body has been considered as the temple of the soul. It is an agent through which we personity our thoughts, intentions, desires and carry much of our actions and behavior. Lately, there has been an increased preoccupation with achieving sublime beauty and body standards, majorly among adolescents and young adults. The current review purports to investigate the role of culture internalization in mediating body image dissatisfaction. In addition, the concept of body and body image dissatisfaction have been explored trom an Indian perspective as well. The resultant picture presents culture both as a precipitator as well as perpetuator of body image dissatisfaction. Also, the concept of body has had a significant and exclusive place in ancient Indian art and literature but nevertheless certain paradoxes seem to arise with regard to body image within the Indian context as well. Future directions for research in the area of body image and its related variables have also been propounded.

Keywords

Body Image, Body Image Dissatisfaction, Culture Internalization, India.

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