The efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (t.r.s 200c ®) on the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in women
- Authors: Honnorat, Mohsina Rashid
- Date: 2012-10-24
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder - Homeopathic treatment , Women - Mental health
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7887
- Description: M.Tech. , Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (hereinafter referred to as “PTSD”) is the diagnosis encompassing a cluster of distressing symptoms which is characterized by re-experiencing trauma, by avoidance behaviour and by hyper-arousal, symptoms which persist for more than a month after a traumatic event and may worsen over time (Follette and Pistorello, 2007). Where traumatic violence presents women easily develop chronic PTSD. The lifetime prevalence, risk, tendency and persistence to suffer from the disease symptoms of PTSD, is significantly higher in women compared with men. Women also experience a longer course of illness and worse quality-of-life outcomes (Seedat S., Stein D. J. and Carey P.D., 2005). Conventional treatment methods using antidepressants and mood-enhancers, are plagued by numerous, documented side effects, such as cardiovascular complications, liver impairment, neuropsychological changes, suicidal tendencies and aggression (Pacher and Kecskemeti, 2004, Gibbons R.D., Brown C. H., Hur, K., Marcus S.M., Bhaumik D.K., J.A., Herings R.M.C. and Mann J.J. (2007). The homoeopathic complex t.r.s 200C® by Pegasus Homeopathic is a commercial product which is indicated for the treatment of shock and trauma, but there has so far been no other research in respect of its effectiveness in the treatment of PTSD. The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of the homeopathic complex Pegasus t.r.s 200C® on the symptoms of PTSD in women. Symptoms were assessed by means of a modified DSM-IV criterion. Thirty females aged eighteen-fifty-five were recruited by means of an advertisement placed at The Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development (hereinafter referred to as “Nisaa”) (Appendix A). All the participants were pre-diagnosed with PTSD lasting not longer than two years, under supervision of a registered psychologist from the institution. Participants on chronic medication, except for hypertensive medication, on contraceptives, as well as pregnant or lactating women, were excluded from the study. This research was done as a pre-test post-test non-equivalent group design with a double-blind placebo-control (Robson, 1993; Trochim, 2006). Those who met the criteria were supplied with a general information form (Appendix B), and were asked to sign a consent form (Appendix C). They also completed a patient information and case-taking form and underwent a physical examination (Appendix D).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Honnorat, Mohsina Rashid
- Date: 2012-10-24
- Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder - Homeopathic treatment , Women - Mental health
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7887
- Description: M.Tech. , Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (hereinafter referred to as “PTSD”) is the diagnosis encompassing a cluster of distressing symptoms which is characterized by re-experiencing trauma, by avoidance behaviour and by hyper-arousal, symptoms which persist for more than a month after a traumatic event and may worsen over time (Follette and Pistorello, 2007). Where traumatic violence presents women easily develop chronic PTSD. The lifetime prevalence, risk, tendency and persistence to suffer from the disease symptoms of PTSD, is significantly higher in women compared with men. Women also experience a longer course of illness and worse quality-of-life outcomes (Seedat S., Stein D. J. and Carey P.D., 2005). Conventional treatment methods using antidepressants and mood-enhancers, are plagued by numerous, documented side effects, such as cardiovascular complications, liver impairment, neuropsychological changes, suicidal tendencies and aggression (Pacher and Kecskemeti, 2004, Gibbons R.D., Brown C. H., Hur, K., Marcus S.M., Bhaumik D.K., J.A., Herings R.M.C. and Mann J.J. (2007). The homoeopathic complex t.r.s 200C® by Pegasus Homeopathic is a commercial product which is indicated for the treatment of shock and trauma, but there has so far been no other research in respect of its effectiveness in the treatment of PTSD. The aim of this research was to determine the efficacy of the homeopathic complex Pegasus t.r.s 200C® on the symptoms of PTSD in women. Symptoms were assessed by means of a modified DSM-IV criterion. Thirty females aged eighteen-fifty-five were recruited by means of an advertisement placed at The Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development (hereinafter referred to as “Nisaa”) (Appendix A). All the participants were pre-diagnosed with PTSD lasting not longer than two years, under supervision of a registered psychologist from the institution. Participants on chronic medication, except for hypertensive medication, on contraceptives, as well as pregnant or lactating women, were excluded from the study. This research was done as a pre-test post-test non-equivalent group design with a double-blind placebo-control (Robson, 1993; Trochim, 2006). Those who met the criteria were supplied with a general information form (Appendix B), and were asked to sign a consent form (Appendix C). They also completed a patient information and case-taking form and underwent a physical examination (Appendix D).
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The effects of selected socio-demographic variables on depression and resilience in a sample of socio-economically disadvantaged women in Doornkop, Soweto
- Authors: Moodley, Jacqueline
- Date: 2013-07-25
- Subjects: Depression in women - South Africa - Soweto , Resilience (Personality trait) - South Africa - Soweto , Women - Mental health , People with social disabilities , Women - South Africa - Soweto
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8566
- Description: M.Sc. (Research Psychology) , Mental health is known to be adversely affected by gender inequality and poverty. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that psychological disorders affect half the global population (WHO, 2010) and South African estimates posited that 16.5% of the population presented with common mental disorders in 2007 (Williams et al., 2008). Depression and anxiety disorders in women, specifically, are posing a major public health concern in developing countries due to inadequate treatment (Aidoo & Harpham, 2001). Protective factors, namely intrapersonal, interpersonal, community and cultural factors, were identified by Ungar (2008) as a mechanism that promotes resilience and alleviates the effects of adversity. In order to develop knowledge geared toward intervention strategies to promote mental health in socio-economically disadvantaged women in urban communities, this study employed an explanatory mixed methods research design (which included both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews) to establish an incidence of depressive symptoms, and levels of ego-resilience, among women in Doornkop, Soweto. This was done in order to explore, first, the relationships between selected socio-demographic variables and depression and ego-resilience, and second, to investigate if there was a relationship between depression and ego-resilience. Finally, the study aimed to gain an understanding of how women perceived the role of protective resources in their lives which might promote positive mental health outcomes. The statistical component of the study found a weak negative correlation between the two constructs of depression and ego-resilience. Symptoms of depression appeared to be related by exposure to a high number of difficult life experiences, and particularly in instances of having been a victim of crime or violence. While ego-resilience seemed to be related to increased participation in community groups, it also correlated with adversity, namely, unemployment. This led the researcher to the conclusion that for this sample, depression and ego-resilience were independent constructs, and although they were divergent concepts, both were shaped by exposure to adversity. The interview data further explored exogenous sources of resilience as set out by Ungar (2008). These findings highlighted the importance of interpersonal relations on feelings of well-being. While the protective factors varied in the sources from which they arose (from children, romantic partners, parents, peers and community groups to music and television, and faith in God), they all provided a sense of purpose, belonging and self -worth, which enabled positive feelings. The main recommendation that arose from the research was the need for community education about mental illness, the services available to communities, and the importance of developing and maintaining family and community systems of support. These measures may go some way toward enhancing resilience in women and reducing vulnerability to mental disorders arising from experiences of adversity. Furthermore, a focus on community-based interventions, such as education and life skills, is vital in shifting the focus of interventions from mental illness to the promotion of mental health. Ongoing research is fundamental to developing our existing knowledge of both psychopathology and the promotion of mental well-being in women in socio-economically deprived communities. Research, in light of the challenges facing community mental health services in poor areas, could include foci on the beliefs of professionals including the knowledge and skills required to deliver effective mental health services. Knowledge of this nature should serve to enhance our understanding of the complexities of mental health and inform the development of innovative and appropriate treatment modalities that are oriented to the particular needs of women in resource-poor communities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Moodley, Jacqueline
- Date: 2013-07-25
- Subjects: Depression in women - South Africa - Soweto , Resilience (Personality trait) - South Africa - Soweto , Women - Mental health , People with social disabilities , Women - South Africa - Soweto
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7700 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8566
- Description: M.Sc. (Research Psychology) , Mental health is known to be adversely affected by gender inequality and poverty. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that psychological disorders affect half the global population (WHO, 2010) and South African estimates posited that 16.5% of the population presented with common mental disorders in 2007 (Williams et al., 2008). Depression and anxiety disorders in women, specifically, are posing a major public health concern in developing countries due to inadequate treatment (Aidoo & Harpham, 2001). Protective factors, namely intrapersonal, interpersonal, community and cultural factors, were identified by Ungar (2008) as a mechanism that promotes resilience and alleviates the effects of adversity. In order to develop knowledge geared toward intervention strategies to promote mental health in socio-economically disadvantaged women in urban communities, this study employed an explanatory mixed methods research design (which included both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews) to establish an incidence of depressive symptoms, and levels of ego-resilience, among women in Doornkop, Soweto. This was done in order to explore, first, the relationships between selected socio-demographic variables and depression and ego-resilience, and second, to investigate if there was a relationship between depression and ego-resilience. Finally, the study aimed to gain an understanding of how women perceived the role of protective resources in their lives which might promote positive mental health outcomes. The statistical component of the study found a weak negative correlation between the two constructs of depression and ego-resilience. Symptoms of depression appeared to be related by exposure to a high number of difficult life experiences, and particularly in instances of having been a victim of crime or violence. While ego-resilience seemed to be related to increased participation in community groups, it also correlated with adversity, namely, unemployment. This led the researcher to the conclusion that for this sample, depression and ego-resilience were independent constructs, and although they were divergent concepts, both were shaped by exposure to adversity. The interview data further explored exogenous sources of resilience as set out by Ungar (2008). These findings highlighted the importance of interpersonal relations on feelings of well-being. While the protective factors varied in the sources from which they arose (from children, romantic partners, parents, peers and community groups to music and television, and faith in God), they all provided a sense of purpose, belonging and self -worth, which enabled positive feelings. The main recommendation that arose from the research was the need for community education about mental illness, the services available to communities, and the importance of developing and maintaining family and community systems of support. These measures may go some way toward enhancing resilience in women and reducing vulnerability to mental disorders arising from experiences of adversity. Furthermore, a focus on community-based interventions, such as education and life skills, is vital in shifting the focus of interventions from mental illness to the promotion of mental health. Ongoing research is fundamental to developing our existing knowledge of both psychopathology and the promotion of mental well-being in women in socio-economically deprived communities. Research, in light of the challenges facing community mental health services in poor areas, could include foci on the beliefs of professionals including the knowledge and skills required to deliver effective mental health services. Knowledge of this nature should serve to enhance our understanding of the complexities of mental health and inform the development of innovative and appropriate treatment modalities that are oriented to the particular needs of women in resource-poor communities.
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Facilitation of mental health of women living with borderline personality disorder
- Authors: Mthethwa, Nompumelelo
- Date: 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Borderline personality disorder - Treatment , Women - Mental health
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/375220 , uj:7573 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8436
- Description: M.Cur. (Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing) , Few studies have been done on life stories of women living with borderline personality disorders in South Africa. It was therefore considered to find out how women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder would tell their life story. For the researcher working in a psychotherapy ward, where women are mostly diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and the care of these women is of vital importance, as mental health care providers understand them less. The research aimed to explore and describe the life stories of women living with borderline personality disorder and to formulate guidelines for psychiatric nurse practitioners to facilitate the mental health of women living with borderline personality disorder. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews focusing on the question “Tell me your life story,” Tesch’s method was used for data analysis and an external coder was utilised. Eight participants were interviewed. In the findings it is evident through the life stories of women living with borderline personality disorder that there are childhood experiences of living within an unsafe space related to unhealthy family dynamics, boundary violations and educational challenges. They experienced chronic feelings of emptiness in the relationship they also presented with a pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships and compromised mental health, which was evident through early onset of mental problems, emotional upheaval, looking for emotional escape and having different trigger factors. Lastly all these women yearned for facilitated mental health.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mthethwa, Nompumelelo
- Date: 2013-06-03
- Subjects: Borderline personality disorder - Treatment , Women - Mental health
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/375220 , uj:7573 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8436
- Description: M.Cur. (Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing) , Few studies have been done on life stories of women living with borderline personality disorders in South Africa. It was therefore considered to find out how women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder would tell their life story. For the researcher working in a psychotherapy ward, where women are mostly diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and the care of these women is of vital importance, as mental health care providers understand them less. The research aimed to explore and describe the life stories of women living with borderline personality disorder and to formulate guidelines for psychiatric nurse practitioners to facilitate the mental health of women living with borderline personality disorder. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews focusing on the question “Tell me your life story,” Tesch’s method was used for data analysis and an external coder was utilised. Eight participants were interviewed. In the findings it is evident through the life stories of women living with borderline personality disorder that there are childhood experiences of living within an unsafe space related to unhealthy family dynamics, boundary violations and educational challenges. They experienced chronic feelings of emptiness in the relationship they also presented with a pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships and compromised mental health, which was evident through early onset of mental problems, emotional upheaval, looking for emotional escape and having different trigger factors. Lastly all these women yearned for facilitated mental health.
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