With the Trump Organization expected to face a criminal indictment this week, one of the nationâÂÂs top brand cialis for sale legal experts said websites that it could be "devastating" for the former president, and could potentially lead to bankruptcy for the company.Attorneys for the Trump Organization were advised that criminal charges will be filed in Manhattan as soon as Thursday, July 1, including top target, Chief Financial Officer Allen Weisselberg, and other lead members of the organization.The former president himself is not expected to be charged with anything criminal.Trial attorney Daniel Goldman, one of the lead counsels on the House Impeachment Inquiry and former Assistant Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said that the criminal charges could be âÂÂdevastatingâ to the organization.â¨âÂÂI canâÂÂt underscore enough how devastating an indictment would be to the Trump (Organization),â Goldman said. ÃÂÂEvery lender brand cialis for sale would call their loans and no way Trump (Organization) can pay them all, likely leading to bankruptcy. ÃÂÂWeisselberg may not cooperate without more serious charges, but any charge will doom the (Trump Organization).âÂÂGoldman later brand cialis for sale said on NBC that unless Weisselberg cooperates, a case is unlikely to be made against the former president.âÂÂBecause (Alan Weisselberg) is not cooperating, I don't personally believe that there is a case that can be made against Donald Trump. You need a witness to testify that Donald Trump knew about all of the misrepresentations likely brand cialis for sale to be charged,â he said. èâÂÂAs a backup measure, the DA's office is targeting the corporation Donald Trump runs.
It's a fallback measure, brand cialis for sale but it could have devastating consequences like potential bankruptcy.â He later added. ÃÂÂAs IâÂÂve been saying for a while, if Allen brand cialis for sale Weisselberg does not cooperate with the Manhattan DAâÂÂs office â and all indications are that he has not and will not â that office will not be able to criminally charge Donald Trump for any of the conduct under investigation.âÂÂAccording to NBC, at least two representatives from the Trump Organization have been told that charges are imminent, and are expected to be made public at approximately 2 p.m. On Thursday afternoon.TrumpâÂÂs lawyers are expected to move to immediately dismiss any charges that are brand cialis for sale levied against the organization, charges that attorney Ron Fischetti criticized for their scope.â¨âÂÂIn my more than 50 years of practice, never before have I seen the District AttorneyâÂÂs Office target a company over employee compensation or fringe benefits,â Fischetti said.âÂÂThe IRS would not, and has not, brought a case like this. Even the financial institutions responsible for causing the 2008 financial crises, the worst financial crisis since the great depression, were not prosecuted.âÂÂâÂÂThe DA listened to us, but obviously we didnâÂÂt brand cialis for sale persuade them,â he added. ÃÂÂTheyâÂÂre doing this just to hurt Donald Trump himself.
There are no charges against him at all in this.â Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's brand cialis for sale free daily emails and news alerts.A man found dead after jumping from the Bear Mountain Bridge has been identified by police.Jack J. Murphy, age 69, of Ossining, was found by the Westchester County Police Marine Unit after jumping from the bridge around brand cialis for sale 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 29, state police said.A search began for Murphy after witnesses called Westchester County 911 prompting a response from the State Police, Park Police, Westchester County Police Department, the Continental Fire Department, and Peekskill Emergency Medical Services, Trooper AJ Hicks said.This investigation remains ongoing. No signs of foul play have been discovered at this time, brand cialis for sale Hicks said. Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts.The heatwave that has been crushing the East Coast left hundreds in Westchester without power as crews scrambled to make repairs as some systems became overwhelmed.As of Wednesday afternoon, June 30, Con Edison was reporting 13 active outages, which were impacting 556 of the companyâÂÂs 360,045 customers in Westchester.In total, Con Edison was reporting 177 active outages that were impacting 3,502 brand cialis for sale of their 3,535,450 customers.The bulk of the outages were reported in Yonkers (338 customers reporting outages), Tarrytown (193), and Yorktown (19). Other outages were reported in Bronxville, Greenburgh, New Castle, and New Rochelle.
Complete restoration is expected no later brand cialis for sale than 4 p.m. On Wednesday brand cialis for sale afternoon. "We are asking our customers in NYC and Westchester to conserve energy and help keep service reliable, as the intense heat and humidity continue for a 4th straight day," they posted on brand cialis for sale social media. "If you experience a service interruption, please report brand cialis for sale it (here)." Check Daily Voice for updates. Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts.The body of a 20-year-old Hudson Valley man has been recovered by law enforcement from an area creek after a possible drowning was reported.The incident took place around 6:20 p.m., Tuesday, June 29, when the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, New Hackensack Fire Department, and Town of Wappinger Ambulance to a possible drowning in the Wappinger Creek located behind the Wappingers Falls Trailer Park on New Hackensack Road.First arriving responders used a citizenâÂÂs rowboat to begin searching for a missing male swimmer, said Lieutenant Shawn Castano.Additional resources were requested to the scene including swift-water rescue teams from the Arlington and LaGrange Fire Departments, the New Hamburg Fire Department, as well as several others including the New York State Police and the county's Department of Emergency Response.During the multi-agency search effort, New Hamburg firefighters located the man at approximately 7:30 p.m., Castano said.Emergency life-saving techniques were initiated and the man was transported by Town of Wappinger Ambulance to Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital where he was declared dead.
The victim is a 20-year-old male resident of the Town brand cialis for sale of Poughkeepsie, Castano said.The SheriffâÂÂs Office reminds everyone to use extreme caution whenever swimming in a river, lake, stream, creek, or another natural water environment. Fast-moving currents, waves, and rapids are extremely dangerous brand cialis for sale. Other dangers brand cialis for sale such as waterfalls, dams, underwater obstacles, rocks, and debris also pose an extreme threat. Additionally, anyone swimming in a natural water environment brand cialis for sale should always wear a personal floatation device. Click here to sign up for Daily Voice's free daily emails and news alerts..
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Adam Heinemann, D.O., has been named medical director for the Wound Treatment and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at MidMichigan Medical Center â Alpena.Adam Heinemann, D.O., has been named medical director for the Wound Treatment and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at MidMichigan what is the maximum amount of cialis i can take Medical Center â Alpena.Dr. Heinemann has been caring for patients in the Medical CenterâÂÂs Emergency Department for more than two years and will continue in that role what is the maximum amount of cialis i can take in addition to seeing patients in the Wound Treatment and Hyperbaric Medicine Center. Dr. Heinemann earned a doctor of medicine degree at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, West Virginia. He has completed intensive training in wound treatment and recently received his certification to supervise hyperbaric medicine.âÂÂMy interest in wound care began in 2009 when I was fortunate to shadow Dr.
Kevin Florek, the director of the wound care center at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester, Michigan,â said Dr. Heinemann. ÃÂÂThis experience allowed me a glimpse of life changing treatments administered in the office where both an immediate and long term difference can be seen.âÂÂDr. Heinemann joins full-time provider, Jacob Straley, A.G.A.C.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., who specializes in wound treatment and hyperbaric medicine and is board certified in gerontology.The Wound Treatment Center focuses on treating chronic wounds that have not healed within 30 days of conventional treatment. It follows clinically proven protocols that have led to 98.76 percent patient satisfaction and a median time to heal of 28 days.
Treatment options include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, debridement, dressings, medications, patient education and other advanced applications. A multidisciplinary team coordinates care for any underlying conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease that may impact healing. The Center has a partnership with Healogics, the nationâÂÂs leading wound care management company, which provides consulting services to more than 500 hospitals across the United States.The Center also provides hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment for emergency conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness. It is one of only three facilities in Michigan and the only one in Northern Michigan designated for emergent HBO therapy.Those who would like more information may call (989) 356-8075 or visit www.midmichigan.org/wound.A. Jane Morrison, M.D.
Has joined MidMichigan Obstetrics &. Gynecology on Wackerly Street and is welcoming new patients.Obsetrician/Gynecologist A. Jane Morrison, M.D., has joined the practice of MidMichigan Obstetrics &. Gynecology at 3016 West Wackerly Street in Midland and is welcoming new patients.Dr. Morrison earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at Saba University School of Medicine in Saba, Dutch Caribbean and completed her residency training in Obstetrics/Gynecology at Bridgeport-Yale New Haven Health in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Her special interests are educating patients about reproductive and sexual health and contraception, minimally invasive surgery, preventive care and delivering babies.âÂÂSpecializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology allows me to work in a variety of clinical settings and create relationships with patients across their lifespan,â said Dr. Morrison. ÃÂÂIt is truly the perfect combination of surgery, primary care, and medicine.âÂÂâÂÂI always enjoy the anticipation of a new baby, the continuity of care in the office, and the energy of the operating room. The variety of patients and work environments keeps me engaged and excited in my work.âÂÂIn addition to helping patients with specific gynecology or pregnancy needs, Dr. Morrison also emphasizes general health and wellness, with an emphasis on preventive care.âÂÂBeing a doctor isnâÂÂt just about the medicine.
ItâÂÂs about helping my patients live healthier, more enjoyable lives by listening and providing patient-centered care.âÂÂDr. Morrison tries to create lifelong patient relationships based on mutual trust.âÂÂI want to be a part of my patientsâ team,â she said. ÃÂÂHonest and trusting communication, respect, listening, and shared decision-making are essential for a positive patient-physician relationship.âÂÂâÂÂI want to provide a caring atmosphere where patients are comfortable sharing their concerns and questions, are confident that they have a good understanding of their care and treatment, and feel empowered to make informed decisions.âÂÂâÂÂEvery patient is unique, with different needs, values, and experiences in life. I strive to provide individualized, patient-centered care which includes patient engagement and participation in their health care, and supports better health outcomes.âÂÂâÂÂIn my free time, I enjoy baking, hiking, boating, reading and watching movies, but most of all spending time with my family, puppy, and friends. I look forward to meeting you and becoming a part of the community!.
ÃÂÂThose who would like more information may call (989) 631-6730 or visit midmichiganobgyn.com..
Adam Heinemann, D.O., has been named medical director for the Wound Treatment and Hyperbaric brand cialis for sale Medicine Center at MidMichigan Medical Center â Alpena.Adam Heinemann, D.O., has been named medical director for the Wound Treatment and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at MidMichigan Medical Center â Alpena.Dr. Heinemann has been caring for patients in the Medical CenterâÂÂs Emergency Department for more brand cialis for sale than two years and will continue in that role in addition to seeing patients in the Wound Treatment and Hyperbaric Medicine Center. Dr. Heinemann earned a doctor of medicine degree at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in emergency medicine at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, West Virginia. He has completed intensive training in wound treatment and recently received his certification to supervise hyperbaric medicine.âÂÂMy interest in wound care began in 2009 when I was fortunate to shadow Dr.
Kevin Florek, the director of the wound care center at Crittenton Hospital in Rochester, Michigan,â said Dr. Heinemann. ÃÂÂThis experience allowed me a glimpse of life changing treatments administered in the office where both an immediate and long term difference can be seen.âÂÂDr. Heinemann joins full-time provider, Jacob Straley, A.G.A.C.N.P.-B.C., M.S.N., who specializes in wound treatment and hyperbaric medicine and is board certified in gerontology.The Wound Treatment Center focuses on treating chronic wounds that have not healed within 30 days of conventional treatment. It follows clinically proven protocols that have led to 98.76 percent patient satisfaction and a median time to heal of 28 days.
Treatment options include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, debridement, dressings, medications, patient education and other advanced applications. A multidisciplinary team coordinates care for any underlying conditions such as diabetes or vascular disease that may impact healing. The Center has a partnership with Healogics, the nationâÂÂs leading wound care management company, which provides consulting services to more than 500 hospitals across the United States.The Center also provides hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment for emergency conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness. It is one of only three facilities in Michigan and the only one in Northern Michigan designated for emergent HBO therapy.Those who would like more information may call (989) 356-8075 or visit www.midmichigan.org/wound.A. Jane Morrison, M.D.
Has joined MidMichigan Obstetrics &. Gynecology on Wackerly Street and is welcoming new patients.Obsetrician/Gynecologist A. Jane Morrison, M.D., has joined the practice of MidMichigan Obstetrics &. Gynecology at 3016 West Wackerly Street in Midland and is welcoming new patients.Dr. Morrison earned her Doctor of Medicine degree at Saba University School of Medicine in Saba, Dutch Caribbean and completed her residency training in Obstetrics/Gynecology at Bridgeport-Yale New Haven Health in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Her special interests are educating patients about reproductive and sexual health and contraception, minimally invasive surgery, preventive care and delivering babies.âÂÂSpecializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology allows me to work in a variety of clinical settings and create relationships with patients across their lifespan,â said Dr. Morrison. ÃÂÂIt is truly the perfect combination of surgery, primary care, and medicine.âÂÂâÂÂI always enjoy the anticipation of a new baby, the continuity of care in the office, and the energy of the operating room. The variety of patients and work environments keeps me engaged and excited in my work.âÂÂIn addition to helping patients with specific gynecology or pregnancy needs, Dr. Morrison also emphasizes general health and wellness, with an emphasis on preventive care.âÂÂBeing a doctor isnâÂÂt just about the medicine.
ItâÂÂs about helping my patients live healthier, more enjoyable lives by listening and providing patient-centered care.âÂÂDr. Morrison tries to create lifelong patient relationships based on mutual trust.âÂÂI want to be a part of my patientsâ team,â she said. ÃÂÂHonest and trusting communication, respect, listening, and shared decision-making are essential for a positive patient-physician relationship.âÂÂâÂÂI want to provide a caring atmosphere where patients are comfortable sharing their concerns and questions, are confident that they have a good understanding of their care and treatment, and feel empowered to make informed decisions.âÂÂâÂÂEvery patient is unique, with different needs, values, and experiences in life. I strive to provide individualized, patient-centered care which includes patient engagement and participation in their health care, and supports better health outcomes.âÂÂâÂÂIn my free time, I enjoy baking, hiking, boating, reading and watching movies, but most of all spending time with my family, puppy, and friends. I look forward to meeting you and becoming a part of the community!.
ÃÂÂThose who would like more information may call (989) 631-6730 or visit midmichiganobgyn.com..
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MDEL Bulletin December 14, 2021, from the Medical Devices Compliance ProgramOn this page About the annual licence reviewTo continue doing business, holders of Look At This an active medical device establishment licence (MDEL) must cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz apply to have their licence reviewed every year before April 1. This requirement is in section 46.1 of the Medical Devices Regulations (MDR).Licence holders with a suspended MDEL cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz do not need to apply. An annual licence review (ALR) ensures that MDEL holders are. Complying with the regulatory requirements keeping their licence information up-to-date with Health Canada Health Canada encourages you to submit your application early, any time after December 16, 2021, once you have received your ALR package cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz.
ItâÂÂs important to do so especially if. You are making amendments within your ALR application (for example, list of manufacturers, change in activity or class of device) you have multiple sites, manufacturers or suppliers (for example, more than 20) listed on your application You must email your completed ALR application package as soon as possible cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz and before April 1 of each year. We are not able to process any mailed-in application forms at this time. Email your package to mdel.application.leim@hc-sc-gc.ca.As part of your cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz application, a senior official must attest to having certain required procedures in place.
This is in accordance with subsections 45(g, h and i) of the MDR. Health Canada posts the names of officials (refer to a previous MDEL bulletin about this) to ensure public accountability of cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz an MDEL holderâÂÂs activities.A new fillable ALR summary report is now available in your ALR package. We encourage you to make your revisions and sign the form electronically before submitting it back to mdel.application.leim@hc-sc.gc.ca.FeesIf you receive your new MDEL before April 1, 2022, you will also need to submit an ALR package before this date. You must cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz also pay the applicable fees when you do so.
This is in accordance with section 46.1(1) of the MDR.We will issue an invoice after we receive and screen your ALR application for completeness. If you do not pay your invoice, we will not process your MDEL application and your MDEL will be cancelled.A flat fee is cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz charged for an ALR. The current fee for an MDEL is $4,581. If you qualify as cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz a small business, you are eligible for a 25% reduction in the fee.
The current fee payable for a registered small business is $3,435.75.A small business is defined as. Any business, including its affiliates, that cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz has fewer than 100 employees or has between $30,000 and $5 million (CAD) in annual gross revenues Applicants must be registered as a small business with Health Canada before they submit their ALR application. The registration must be completed through the Drug and Medical Device Small Business Application portal.Please note that a companyâÂÂs small business status expires 1 year after registration. If you have previously cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz registered as a small business with us and you still meet the definition, you will need to ensure the status is renewed before you submit your ALR application.
If your unique identifier has changed since your previous registration, you will also need to register again.If you no longer hold small business status before submitting your 2022 ALR application, we will issue an invoice for the full fee. Once issued, the invoice for the cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz full fee amount will not be re-visited. It will remain payable regardless of any future changes to your small business status. Please note that the small business registration process can take up to 2 weeks.For information on how to apply cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz for or renew your small business status, visit the following webpage.
For questions about your small business status, please email the Small Business Office at sbo-bpe@hc-sc.gc.ca.TimelinesWe process ALR applications in the order we receive them. Our service standard is 120 calendar days to cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz review and process a complete and paid application. For more information on the completeness of an application, please refer to cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz the MDEL application instructions.As a courtesy, we send out an ALR application package to all active MDEL holders starting in December every year. If you do not receive your ALR package by mid-January, email us at mdel.questions.leim@hc-sc.gc.ca.If you do not wish to continue doing business after April 1, 2022, please indicate this on your ALR package and we will cancel your licence.If we do not receive your application before April 1, 2022, we will cancel your licence.Addressing ALR deficienciesIf your ALR application has deficiencies, you will be contacted to correct them.
If we do not receive your response to the deficiency notice within cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz the given timeframe or the information is incomplete, we will reject your application and cancel your MDEL. A deficient application does not meet the requirements stated under section 46.1(1) of the MDR.If your licence is cancelled, you will no longer be authorized to manufacture, distribute or import your medical device. To resume any licensable activities, you will need to apply for a cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz new MDEL. However, the fees related to processing the ALR application will still be due.Contact usFor questions about an MDEL and the application process, contact the Medical Device Establishment Licensing Unit by email.
Mdel.questions.leim@hc-sc.gc.ca.For questions cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz about invoicing and fees for an MDEL, contact the Cost Recovery Invoicing Unit by email. Criu-ufrc@hc-sc.gc.ca.Related linksMedical Devices Compliance Program Bulletin, December 13, 2021 On this page erectile dysfunction treatment tests and federal, provincial and territorial initiatives There are currently various technologies to detect SARS CoV-2, the cialis that causes erectile dysfunction treatment. Health Canada has authorized cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz three types of tests. molecular (often referred to as a PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, test).
Detects the erectile dysfunction RNA genome antigen cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz. Detects the proteins that make up the erectile dysfunction cialis serology (often referred to as an antibody test). Tells if you have antibodies to the erectile dysfunction cialis antibodies may be developed in response to a previous by erectile dysfunction cialis or in response to vaccination these tests cannot indicate if you have protective immunity Screening asymptomatic individuals for SARS CoV-2 is proving to be effective cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz in high-risk settings where social distancing and other measures are not feasible. Through various federal, provincial and territorial erectile dysfunction treatment testing initiatives, erectile dysfunction treatment tests are provided to eligible workplaces, organizations, their employees, their clients and individuals.
These initiatives will help organizations detect early cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz cases of erectile dysfunction treatment for people who are asymptomatic. Interim enforcement approach When erectile dysfunction treatment tests are advertised or sold with claims different from their market authorization (label and instructions for use), the advertisement or sale is considered "off-label". In the interest of public health, Health cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz Canada is not prioritizing the enforcement of off-label sale and advertising of authorized erectile dysfunction treatment tests where the following conditions are met. Tests are provided through a federal, provincial or territorial erectile dysfunction treatment testing initiative Information is provided to participants of these initiatives about the limitations and sensitivity of the erectile dysfunction treatment test when used off-label, as well as information on nucleic-acid based testing being the gold standard for diagnosing erectile dysfunction treatment Administration of the tests follows provincial or territorial guidance (may vary by province/territory) For the Federal Worksite Testing Program, testing is administered regularly to employees in accordance with the interim guidance on the use of rapid antigen detection tests for identifying erectile dysfunction Additionally, Health Canada will also not prioritize the enforcement of the requirement for participating establishments (such as pharmacies, Chambers of Commerce, and organizations) to hold a Medical Device Establishment Licence, where applicable, when they are distributing erectile dysfunction treatment tests under the terms and conditions of a federal, provincial or territorial erectile dysfunction treatment testing initiative.
However, as a risk mitigating measure, Health Canada wishes to cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz maintain oversight on the distribution chain of these products in Canada by. requesting that federal, provincial and territorial initiatives maintain lists of their respective participating establishments. And requesting that participating establishments maintain distribution records, develop cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz processes to respond to complaints, and develop processes to conduct recalls where a health and safety risk is identified. This enforcement discretion policy will be in effect until March 31, 2022.
Health Canada will review this enforcement approach and reserves the right to enforce the Food and Drugs Act, Regulations and cialis canadian pharmacy ezzz Interim Orders if Health Canada identifies actual or potential risks to health and safety. Related links.
MDEL Bulletin December 14, 2021, from the Medical Devices Compliance ProgramOn this page About the annual licence reviewTo continue doing business, holders brand cialis for sale of an active medical device establishment licence (MDEL) must apply to have their licence Our site reviewed every year before April 1. This requirement is in section 46.1 of the brand cialis for sale Medical Devices Regulations (MDR).Licence holders with a suspended MDEL do not need to apply. An annual licence review (ALR) ensures that MDEL holders are. Complying with the regulatory requirements keeping their licence information up-to-date with Health Canada Health Canada encourages you to submit your application early, any time after December 16, 2021, once you have received your ALR brand cialis for sale package.
ItâÂÂs important to do so especially if. You are making amendments within your ALR application (for example, list of manufacturers, change in activity or class of device) you have multiple sites, manufacturers or suppliers (for example, more than 20) listed on your application You must email your completed ALR application package as soon brand cialis for sale as possible and before April 1 of each year. We are not able to process any mailed-in application forms at this time. Email your package to mdel.application.leim@hc-sc-gc.ca.As part of your application, a senior official must brand cialis for sale attest to having certain required procedures in place.
This is in accordance with subsections 45(g, h and i) of the MDR. Health Canada posts the names of officials (refer to a previous MDEL bulletin about this) to ensure public accountability of an MDEL holderâÂÂs activities.A brand cialis for sale new fillable ALR summary report is now available in your ALR package. We encourage you to make your revisions and sign the form electronically before submitting it back to mdel.application.leim@hc-sc.gc.ca.FeesIf you receive your new MDEL before April 1, 2022, you will also need to submit an ALR package before this date. You must also pay the applicable fees when you do so brand cialis for sale.
This is in accordance with section 46.1(1) of the MDR.We will issue an invoice after we receive and screen your ALR application for completeness. If you brand cialis for sale do not pay your invoice, we will not process your MDEL application and your MDEL will be cancelled.A flat fee is charged for an ALR. The current fee for an MDEL is $4,581. If you qualify as a small business, you brand cialis for sale are eligible for a 25% reduction in the fee.
The current fee payable for a registered small business is $3,435.75.A small business is defined as. Any business, including its affiliates, that has fewer than 100 employees or has between $30,000 and $5 million (CAD) in annual gross revenues Applicants must be registered as a small business with Health Canada brand cialis for sale before they submit their ALR application. The registration must be completed through the Drug and Medical Device Small Business Application portal.Please note that a companyâÂÂs small business status expires 1 year after registration. If you have previously registered as a small business brand cialis for sale with us and you still meet the definition, you will need to ensure the status is renewed before you submit your ALR application.
If your unique identifier has changed since your previous registration, you will also need to register again.If you no longer hold small business status before submitting your 2022 ALR application, we will issue an invoice for the full fee. Once issued, brand cialis for sale the invoice for the full fee amount will not be re-visited. It will remain payable regardless of any future changes to your small business status. Please note that the small business registration process can take up to 2 weeks.For information on how to apply for or brand cialis for sale renew your small business status, visit the following webpage.
For questions about your small business status, please email the Small Business Office at sbo-bpe@hc-sc.gc.ca.TimelinesWe process ALR applications in the order we receive them. Our service standard is 120 calendar days to review and process a complete cheap viagra and cialis and brand cialis for sale paid application. For more information on the completeness of an application, please refer to the MDEL application instructions.As a courtesy, we send out an brand cialis for sale ALR application package to all active MDEL holders starting in December every year. If you do not receive your ALR package by mid-January, email us at mdel.questions.leim@hc-sc.gc.ca.If you do not wish to continue doing business after April 1, 2022, please indicate this on your ALR package and we will cancel your licence.If we do not receive your application before April 1, 2022, we will cancel your licence.Addressing ALR deficienciesIf your ALR application has deficiencies, you will be contacted to correct them.
If we do not receive your response to brand cialis for sale the deficiency notice within the given timeframe or the information is incomplete, we will reject your application and cancel your MDEL. A deficient application does not meet the requirements stated under section 46.1(1) of the MDR.If your licence is cancelled, you will no longer be authorized to manufacture, distribute or import your medical device. To resume any licensable activities, you will need to apply for a brand cialis for sale new MDEL. However, the fees related to processing the ALR application will still be due.Contact usFor questions about an MDEL and the application process, contact the Medical Device Establishment Licensing Unit by email.
Mdel.questions.leim@hc-sc.gc.ca.For questions brand cialis for sale about invoicing and fees for an MDEL, contact the Cost Recovery Invoicing Unit by email. Criu-ufrc@hc-sc.gc.ca.Related linksMedical Devices Compliance Program Bulletin, December 13, 2021 On this page erectile dysfunction treatment tests and federal, provincial and territorial initiatives There are currently various technologies to detect SARS CoV-2, the cialis that causes erectile dysfunction treatment. Health Canada brand cialis for sale has authorized three types of tests. molecular (often referred to as a PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, test).
Detects the erectile dysfunction RNA genome antigen brand cialis for sale. Detects the proteins that make up the erectile dysfunction cialis serology (often referred to as an antibody test). Tells if you have antibodies to the erectile dysfunction cialis antibodies may be developed in response to a previous by erectile dysfunction cialis or in response to vaccination these brand cialis for sale tests cannot indicate if you have protective immunity Screening asymptomatic individuals for SARS CoV-2 is proving to be effective in high-risk settings where social distancing and other measures are not feasible. Through various federal, provincial and territorial erectile dysfunction treatment testing initiatives, erectile dysfunction treatment tests are provided to eligible workplaces, organizations, their employees, their clients and individuals.
These initiatives will help organizations detect early cases of erectile dysfunction treatment for people who are asymptomatic brand cialis for sale. Interim enforcement approach When erectile dysfunction treatment tests are advertised or sold with claims different from their market authorization (label and instructions for use), the advertisement or sale is considered "off-label". In the interest of public health, Health Canada is not prioritizing the enforcement of off-label sale brand cialis for sale and advertising of authorized erectile dysfunction treatment tests where the following conditions are met. Tests are provided through a federal, provincial or territorial erectile dysfunction treatment testing initiative Information is provided to participants of these initiatives about the limitations and sensitivity of the erectile dysfunction treatment test when used off-label, as well as information on nucleic-acid based testing being the gold standard for diagnosing erectile dysfunction treatment Administration of the tests follows provincial or territorial guidance (may vary by province/territory) For the Federal Worksite Testing Program, testing is administered regularly to employees in accordance with the interim guidance on the use of rapid antigen detection tests for identifying erectile dysfunction Additionally, Health Canada will also not prioritize the enforcement of the requirement for participating establishments (such as pharmacies, Chambers of Commerce, and organizations) to hold a Medical Device Establishment Licence, where applicable, when they are distributing erectile dysfunction treatment tests under the terms and conditions of a federal, provincial or territorial erectile dysfunction treatment testing initiative.
However, as a risk mitigating measure, Health Canada wishes brand cialis for sale to maintain oversight on the distribution chain of these products in Canada by. requesting that federal, provincial and territorial initiatives maintain lists of their respective participating establishments. And requesting that participating establishments maintain distribution records, develop processes to respond to complaints, brand cialis for sale and develop processes to conduct recalls where a health and safety risk is identified. This enforcement discretion policy will be in effect until March 31, 2022.
Health Canada brand cialis for sale will review this enforcement approach and reserves the right to enforce the Food and Drugs Act, Regulations and Interim Orders if Health Canada identifies actual or potential risks to health and safety. Related links.
Dear Reader, Thank you for following order cialis online the Me&MyDoctor blog. I'm writing to let you know we are moving the public health stories authored by Texas physicians, residents, and medical students, and patients to the Texas Medical Association's social media channels. Be sure to follow us on all our social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) as well order cialis online as Texas Medicine Today to access these stories and more.
We look forward to seeing you there.Best, Olivia Suarez Me&My Doctor EditorSravya Reddy, MDPediatric Resident at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical SchoolMember, Texas Medical AssociationHow does the erectile dysfunction treatment cialis factor into potentially abusive situations?. To stop the spread of erectile dysfunction treatment, we have isolated ourselves into small family units to avoid catching and transmitting the cialis. While saving order cialis online so many from succumbing to a severe illness, socially isolating has unfortunately posed its own problems.
Among those is the increased threat of harm from intimate partner violence, which includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. Potential child abuse is an increased threat as well. The impact of this cialis happened so rapidly that society did not have time to think about all the consequences of order cialis online social isolation before implementing it.
Now those consequences are becoming clear.Social isolation due to the cialis is forcing victims to stay home indefinitely with their abusers. Children and adolescents also have been forced to stay at home since many school districts have made education virtual to keep everyone safe from the cialis. Caregivers are order cialis online also home because they are working remotely or because they are unemployed.
With the increase in the number of erectile dysfunction treatment cases, financial strain due to the economic downturn, and concerns of contracting the cialis and potentially spreading it to family members, these are highly stressful times. Stress leads to an increase in the rate of intimate partner violence. Even those who suffer from it can begin to become abusive order cialis online to other household members, thus amplifying the abuse in the household.
Some abuse may go unrecognized by the victims themselves. For example, one order cialis online important and less well-known type of abuse is coercive control. ItâÂÂs the type of abuse that doesnâÂÂt leave a physical mark, but itâÂÂs emotional, verbal, and controlling.
Victims often know that something is wrong â but canâÂÂt quite identify what it is. Coercive control order cialis online can still lead to violent physical abuse, and murder. The way in which people report abuse has also been altered by the cialis.People lacking usual in-person contacts (with teachers, co-workers, or doctors) and the fact that some types of coercive abuse are less recognized lead to fewer people reporting that type of abuse.
Child abuse often is discovered during pediatriciansâ well-child visits, but the cialis has limited those visits. Many teachers, who might also notice signs of abuse, also are not able to see their students on order cialis online a daily basis. Some abuse victims visit emergency departments (EDs) in normal times, but ED visits are also down due to erectile dysfunction treatment.Local police in China report that intimate partner violence has tripled in the Hubei province.
The United Nations reports it also increased 30% in France as of March 2020 and increased 25% in Argentina. In the order cialis online U.S. The conversation about increased intimate partner violence during these times has just now started, and we are beginning to gather data.
Preliminary analysis shows police reports of intimate partner violence have increased by 18% to 27% across several U.S. Cities. Individuals affected by addiction have additional stressors and cannot meet with support groups.
Children and adolescents who might otherwise use school as a form of escape from addicted caregivers are no longer able to do so. Financial distress can also play a factor. According to research, the rate of violence among couples with more financial struggles is nearly three and a half times higher than couples with fewer financial concerns.Abuse also can come from siblings.
Any child or adolescent with preexisting behavioral issues is more likely to act out due to seclusion, decreased physical activity, or fewer positive distractions. This could increase risk for others in the household, especially in foster home situations. These other residents might be subject to increased sexual and physical abuse with fewer easy ways to report it.
What can we do about this while abiding by the rules of the cialis?. How can physicians help?. Patients who are victims of intimate partner violence are encouraged to reach out to their doctor.
A doctor visit may be either in person or virtual due to the safety precautions many doctorsâ offices are enforcing due to erectile dysfunction treatment. During telehealth visits, physicians should always ask standard questions to screen for potential abuse. They can offer information to all patients, regardless of whether they suspect abuse.People could receive more support if we were to expand access to virtual addiction counseling, increase abuse counseling, and launch more campaigns against intimate partner violence.
The best solution might involve a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, social workers, child abuse teams and Child Protective Services, and local school boards. Physicians can help in other ways, too. Doctors can focus on assessing mental health during well-child and acute clinic visits and telehealth visits.
A temporary screening tool for behavioral health during the cialis might be beneficial. Governments could consider allocating resources to telepsychiatry. Many paths can be taken to reduce the burden of mental health issues, and this is an ongoing discussion.
How should physicians approach patients who have or may have experienced intimate partner violence?. Victims of domestic assault can always turn to their physician for guidance on next steps. In response, doctors can:Learn about local resources and have those resources available to your patients;Review safety practices, such as deleting internet browsing history or text messages.
Saving abuse hotline information under other listings, such as a grocery store or pharmacy listing. And creating a new, confidential email account for receiving information about resources or communicating with physicians.If the patient discloses abuse, the clinician and patient can establish signals to identify the presence of an abusive partner during telemedicine appointments.To my fellow physicians, I suggest recognizing and talking about the issue with families.Medical professionals take certain steps if they suspect their patientâÂÂs injuries are a result of family violence, or if the patient discloses family violence. Physicians will likely screen a patient, document their conversation with the patient, and offer support and inform the patient of the health risks of staying in an abusive environment, such as severe injuries or even death.
A doctorâÂÂs priority is his or her patientâÂÂs safety, regardless of why the victim might feel forced to remain in an abusive environment. While physicians only report child and elderly abuse, they should encourage any abused patient to report her or his own case, while also understanding the complexity of the issue. Under no circumstance should any form of abuse be tolerated or suffered.
Any intimate partner violence should be avoided, and reported if possible and safe. My hope is that with more awareness of this rising public health concern, potential victims can better deal with the threat of abuse during this stressful cialis â and hopefully avoid it..
Dear Reader, Best place to buy kamagra online Thank you brand cialis for sale for following the Me&MyDoctor blog. I'm writing to let you know we are moving the public health stories authored by Texas physicians, residents, and medical students, and patients to the Texas Medical Association's social media channels. Be sure to follow us on all our social media accounts (Facebook, brand cialis for sale Twitter, Instagram) as well as Texas Medicine Today to access these stories and more.
We look forward to seeing you there.Best, Olivia Suarez Me&My Doctor EditorSravya Reddy, MDPediatric Resident at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical SchoolMember, Texas Medical AssociationHow does the erectile dysfunction treatment cialis factor into potentially abusive situations?. To stop the spread of erectile dysfunction treatment, we have isolated ourselves into small family units to avoid catching and transmitting the cialis. While saving so many from succumbing to a severe illness, socially isolating has unfortunately posed its brand cialis for sale own problems.
Among those is the increased threat of harm from intimate partner violence, which includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or psychological harm by a current or former partner or spouse. Potential child abuse is an increased threat as well. The impact of this cialis happened so rapidly that society did not have time to think about all the consequences of social brand cialis for sale isolation before implementing it.
Now those consequences are becoming clear.Social isolation due to the cialis is forcing victims to stay home indefinitely with their abusers. Children and adolescents also have been forced to stay at home since many school districts have made education virtual to keep everyone safe from the cialis. Caregivers are also home because they brand cialis for sale are working remotely or because they are unemployed.
With the increase in the number of erectile dysfunction treatment cases, financial strain due to the economic downturn, and concerns of contracting the cialis and potentially spreading it to family members, these are highly stressful times. Stress leads to an increase in the rate of intimate partner violence. Even those who suffer from it can begin to become abusive to other household members, thus amplifying the abuse in the household brand cialis for sale.
Some abuse may go unrecognized by the victims themselves. For example, one important and less well-known type of abuse brand cialis for sale is coercive control. ItâÂÂs the type of abuse that doesnâÂÂt leave a physical mark, but itâÂÂs emotional, verbal, and controlling.
Victims often know that something is wrong â but canâÂÂt quite identify what it is. Coercive control can still lead to brand cialis for sale violent physical abuse, and murder. The way in which people report abuse has also been altered by the cialis.People lacking usual in-person contacts (with teachers, co-workers, or doctors) and the fact that some types of coercive abuse are less recognized lead to fewer people reporting that type of abuse.
Child abuse often is discovered during pediatriciansâ well-child visits, but the cialis has limited those visits. Many teachers, who might also notice signs of abuse, also are not able to see their students on a brand cialis for sale daily basis. Some abuse victims visit emergency departments (EDs) in normal times, but ED visits are also down due to erectile dysfunction treatment.Local police in China report that intimate partner violence has tripled in the Hubei province.
The United Nations reports it also increased 30% in France as of March 2020 and increased 25% in Argentina. In the U.S brand cialis for sale. The conversation about increased intimate partner violence during these times has just now started, and we are beginning to gather data.
Preliminary analysis shows police reports of intimate partner violence have increased by 18% to 27% across several U.S. Cities. Individuals affected by addiction have additional stressors and cannot meet with support groups.
Children and adolescents who might otherwise use school as a form of escape from addicted caregivers are no longer able to do so. Financial distress can also play a factor. According to research, the rate of violence among couples with more financial struggles is nearly three and a half times higher than couples with fewer financial concerns.Abuse also can come from siblings.
Any child or adolescent with preexisting behavioral issues is more likely to act out due to seclusion, decreased physical activity, or fewer positive distractions. This could increase risk for others in the household, especially in foster home situations. These other residents might be subject to increased sexual and physical abuse with fewer easy ways to report it.
What can we do about this while abiding by the rules of the cialis?. How can physicians help?. Patients who are victims of intimate partner violence are encouraged to reach out to their doctor.
A doctor visit may be either in person or virtual due to the safety precautions many doctorsâ offices are enforcing due to erectile dysfunction treatment. During telehealth visits, physicians should always ask standard questions to screen for potential abuse. They can offer information to all patients, regardless of whether they suspect abuse.People could receive more support if we were to expand access to virtual addiction counseling, increase abuse counseling, and launch more campaigns against intimate partner violence.
The best solution might involve a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, social workers, child abuse teams and Child Protective Services, and local school boards. Physicians can help in other ways, too. Doctors can focus on assessing mental health during well-child and acute clinic visits and telehealth visits.
A temporary screening tool for behavioral health during the cialis might be beneficial. Governments could consider allocating resources to telepsychiatry. Many paths can be taken to reduce the burden of mental health issues, and this is an ongoing discussion.
How should physicians approach patients who have or may have experienced intimate partner violence?. Victims of domestic assault can always turn to their physician for guidance on next steps. In response, doctors can:Learn about local resources and have those resources available to your patients;Review safety practices, such as deleting internet browsing history or text messages.
Saving abuse hotline information under other listings, such as a grocery store or pharmacy listing. And creating a new, confidential email account for receiving information about resources or communicating with physicians.If the patient discloses abuse, the clinician and patient can establish signals to identify the presence of an abusive partner during telemedicine appointments.To my fellow physicians, I suggest recognizing and talking about the issue with families.Medical professionals take certain steps if they suspect their patientâÂÂs injuries are a result of family violence, or if the patient discloses family violence. Physicians will likely screen a patient, document their conversation with the patient, and offer support and inform the patient of the health risks of staying in an abusive environment, such as severe injuries or even death.
A doctorâÂÂs priority is his or her patientâÂÂs safety, regardless of why the victim might feel forced to remain in an abusive environment. While physicians only report child and elderly abuse, they should encourage any abused patient to report her or his own case, while also understanding the complexity of the issue. Under no circumstance should any form of abuse be tolerated or suffered.
Any intimate partner violence should be avoided, and reported if possible and safe. My hope is that with more awareness of this rising public health concern, potential victims can better deal with the threat of abuse during this stressful cialis â and hopefully avoid it..
How to cite this article:Singh Ventolin hfa discount card OP cialis usa. Mental health in diverse India. Need for advocacy cialis usa. Indian J Psychiatry 2021;63:315-6âÂÂUnity in diversityâ - That is the theme of India which we are quite proud of. We have diversity in terms of geography â From cialis usa the Himalayas to the deserts to the seas.
Every region has its own distinct culture and food. There are so many varieties of dress and language. There is huge difference between the states in terms cialis usa of development, attitude toward women, health infrastructure, child mortality, and other sociodemographic development indexes. There is now ample evidence that sociocultural factors influence mental health. Compton and Shim[1] have described in their model of gene environment interaction how public policies and social norms act on the distribution of opportunity leading to social cialis usa inequality, exclusion, poor environment, discrimination, and unemployment.
This in turn leads to reduced options, poor choices, and high-risk behavior. Combining genetic vulnerability cialis usa and early brain insult with low access to health care leads to poor mental health, disease, and morbidity.When we come to the field of mental health, we find huge differences between different states of India. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was markedly different while it was 5.8 and 5.1 for Assam and Uttar Pradesh at the lower end of the spectrum, it was 13.9 and 14.1 for Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra at the higher end of the spectrum. There was also a huge difference between the rural areas and metros, particularly in terms of psychosis and bipolar disorders.[2] The difference was distinct not only in the prevalence but also in the type of psychiatric disorders. While the more developed southern states had higher prevalence of cialis usa adult-onset disorders such as depression and anxiety, the less developed northern states had more of childhood onset disorders.
This may be due to lead toxicity, nutritional status, and perinatal issues. Higher rates of depression and anxiety cialis usa were found in females. Apart from the genetic and hormonal factors, increase was attributed to gender discrimination, violence, sexual abuse, and adverse sociocultural norms. Marriage was cialis usa found to be a negative prognostic indicator contrary to the western norms.[3]Cultural influences on the presentation of psychiatric disorders are apparent. Being in recessive position in the family is one of the strongest predictors of psychiatric illnesses and psychosomatic disorders.
The presentation of depressive and anxiety disorders with more somatic symptoms results from inability to express due to unequal power equation in the family rather than the lack of expressions. Apart from culture bound syndromes, the role of cultural idioms of distress in manifestations of psychiatric symptoms is well acknowledged.When we cialis usa look into suicide data, suicide in lower socioeconomic strata (annual income <1 lakh) was 92,083, in annual income group of 1âÂÂ5 lakhs, it was 41,197, and in higher income group, it was 4726. Among those who committed suicide, 67% were young adults, 34% had family problems, 23.4% of suicides occurred in daily laborers, 10.1% in unemployed persons, and 7.4% in farmers.[4]While there are huge regional differences in mental health issues, the challenges in mental health in India remain stigma reduction, conducting research on efficacy of early intervention, reaching the unreached, gender sensitive services, making quality mental healthcare accessible and available, suicide prevention, reduction of substance abuse, implementing insurance for mental health and reducing out-of-pocket expense, and finally, improving care for homeless mentally ill. All these require sustained advocacy aimed at promoting rights of mentally ill cialis usa persons and reducing stigma and discriminations. It consists of various actions aimed at changing the attitudinal barriers in achieving positive mental health outcomes in the general population.
Psychiatrists as Mental Health Advocates There is a debate whether psychiatrists who are overburdened with clinical care could or should be involved in the advocacy activities which require skills in other areas, and sometimes, they find themselves at the receiving end of mental health advocates. We must be involved and pathways should be to build technical evidence for mapping out the problem, cost-effective interventions, and their efficacy.Advocacy can be done at institutional level, organizational level, and individual level cialis usa. There has been huge work done in this regard at institution level. Important research work done in this regard includes the National Mental Health Survey, National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in cialis usa India, Global Burden of Diseases in Indian States, and Trajectory of Brain Development. Other activities include improving the infrastructure of mental hospitals, telepsychiatry services, provision of free drugs, providing training to increase the number of service providers.
Similarly, at organizational level, the cialis usa Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) has filed a case for lacunae in Mental Health-care Act, 2017. Another case filed by the IPS lead to change of name of the film from âÂÂMental Hai Kyaâ to âÂÂJudgemental Hai Kya.â In LGBT issue, the IPS statement was quoted in the final judgement on the decriminalization of homosexuality. The IPS has also started helplines at different levels and media interactions. The Indian Journal cialis usa of Psychiatry has also come out with editorials highlighting the need of care of marginalized population such as migrant laborers and persons with dementia. At an individual level, we can be involved in ensuring quality treatment, respecting dignity and rights of the patient, sensitization of staff, working with patients and caregivers to plan services, and being involved locally in media and public awareness activities.The recent experience of Brazil is an eye opener where suicide reduction resulted from direct cash transfer pointing at the role of economic decision in suicide.[5] In India where economic inequality is increasing, male-to-female ratio is abysmal in some states (877 in Haryana to 1034 in Kerala), our actions should be sensitive to this regional variation.
When the enemy is economic inequality, our cialis usa weapon is research highlighting the role of these factors on mental health. References 1.Compton MT, Shim RS. The social determinants of mental cialis usa health. Focus 2015;13:419-25. 2.Gururaj G, Varghese M, Benegal V, Rao GN, Pathak K, Singh LK, et al.
National Mental Health Survey of cialis usa India, 2015-16. Prevalence, Patterns and Outcomes. Bengaluru. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, NIMHANS Publication No. 129.
2016. 3.Sagar R, Dandona R, Gururaj G, Dhaliwal RS, Singh A, Ferrari A, et al. The burden of mental disorders across the states of India. The Global Burden of Disease Study 1990âÂÂ2017. Lancet Psychiatry 2020;7:148-61.
4.National Crime Records Bureau, 2019. Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India. 2019. Available from. Https://ncrb.gov.in.
[Last accessed on 2021 Jun 24]. 5.Machado DB, Rasella D, dos Santos DN. Impact of income inequality and other social determinants on suicide rate in Brazil. PLoS One 2015;10:e0124934. Correspondence Address:Om Prakash SinghDepartment of Psychiatry, WBMES, Kolkata, West Bengal.
AMRI Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal IndiaSource of Support. None, Conflict of Interest. NoneDOI. 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_635_21Abstract Sexual health, an essential component of individual's health, is influenced by many complex issues including sexual behavior, attitudes, societal, and cultural factors on the one hand and while on the other hand, biological aspects, genetic predisposition, and associated mental and physical illnesses. Sexual health is a neglected area, even though it influences mortality, morbidity, and disability.
Dhat syndrome (DS), the term coined by Dr. N. N. Wig, has been at the forefront of advancements in understanding and misunderstanding. The concept of DS is still evolving being treated as a culture-bound syndrome in the past to a syndrome of depression and treated as âÂÂa culturally determined idiom of distress.â It is bound with myths, fallacies, prejudices, secrecy, exaggeration, and value-laden judgments.
Although it has been reported from many countries, much of the literature has emanated from Asia, that too mainly from India. The research in India has ranged from the study of a few cases in the past to recent national multicentric studies concerning phenomenology and beliefs of patients. The epidemiological studies have ranged from being hospital-based to population-based studies in rural and urban settings. There are studies on the management of individual cases by resolving sexual myths, relaxation exercises, supportive psychotherapy, anxiolytics, and antidepressants to broader and deeper research concerning cognitive behavior therapy. The presentation looks into DS as a model case highlighting the importance of exploring sexual health concerns in the Indian population in general and in particular need to reconsider DS in the light of the newly available literature.
It makes a fervent appeal for the inclusion of DS in the mainstream diagnostic categories in the upcoming revisions of the diagnostic manuals which can pave the way for a better understanding and management of DS and sexual problems.Keywords. Culture-bound syndrome, Dhat syndrome, Dhat syndrome management, Dhat syndrome prevalence, psychiatric comorbidity, sexual disordersHow to cite this article:Sathyanarayana Rao T S. History and mystery of Dhat syndrome. A critical look at the current understanding and future directions. Indian J Psychiatry 2021;63:317-25 Introduction Mr.
President, Chairpersons, my respected teachers and seniors, my professional colleagues and friends, ladies and gentlemen:I deem it a proud privilege and pleasure to receive and to deliver DLN Murti Rao Oration Award for 2020. I am humbled at this great honor and remain grateful to the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) in general and the awards committee in particular. I would like to begin my presentation with my homage to Professor DLN Murti Rao, who was a Doyen of Psychiatry.[1] I have a special connection to the name as Dr. Doddaballapura Laxmi Narasimha Murti Rao, apart from a family name, obtained his medical degree from Mysore Medical College, Mysuru, India, the same city where I have served last 33 years in JSS Medical College and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research. His name carries the reverence in the corridors of the current National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) at Bangalore which was All India Institute of Mental Health, when he served as Head and the Medical Superintendent.
Another coincidence was his untimely demise in 1962, the same year another Doyen Dr. Wig[2],[3] published the article on a common but peculiar syndrome in the Indian context and gave the name Dhat syndrome (DS). Even though Dr. Wig is no more, his legacy of profound contribution to psychiatry and psychiatric education in general and service to the society and Mental Health, in particular, is well documented. His keen observation and study culminated in synthesizing many aspects and developments in DS.I would also like to place on record my humble pranams to my teachers from Christian Medical College, Vellore â Dr.
Abraham Varghese, the first Editor of the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine and Dr. K. Kuruvilla, Past Editor of Indian Journal of Psychiatry whose legacies I carried forward for both the journals. I must place on record that my journey in the field of Sexual Medicine was sown by Dr. K.
Kuruvilla and subsequent influence of Dr. Ajit Avasthi from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research from Chandigarh as my role model in the field. There are many more who have shaped and nurtured my interest in the field of sex and sexuality.The term âÂÂDhatâ was taken from the Sanskrit language, which is an important word âÂÂDhatuâ and has known several meanings such as âÂÂmetal,â a âÂÂmedicinal constituent,â which can be considered as most powerful material within the human body.[4] The Dhat disorder is mainly known for âÂÂloss of semenâÂÂ, and the DS is a well-known âÂÂculture-bound syndrome (CBS).âÂÂ[4] The DS leads to several psychosexual disorders such as physical weakness, tiredness, anxiety, appetite loss, and guilt related to the loss of semen through nocturnal emission, in urine and by masturbation as mentioned in many studies.[4],[5],[6] Conventionally, Charaka Samhita mentions âÂÂwaste of bodily humorsâ being linked to the âÂÂloss of Dhatus.âÂÂ[5] Semen has even been mentioned by Aristotle as a âÂÂsoul substanceâ and weakness associated with its loss.[6] This has led to a plethora of beliefs about âÂÂfood-blood-semenâ relationship where the loss of semen is considered to reduce vitality, potency, and psychophysiological strength. People have variously attributed DS to excessive masturbation, premarital sex, promiscuity, and nocturnal emissions. Several past studies have emphasized that CBS leads to âÂÂanxiety for loss of semenâ is not only prevalent in the Indian subcontinent but also a global phenomenon.[7],[8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16],[17],[18],[19],[20]It is important to note that DS manifestation and the psychosexual features are based on the impact of culture, demographic profiles, and the socioeconomic status of the patients.[7],[8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16],[17],[18],[19],[20] According to Leff,[21] culture depends upon norms, values, and myths, based on a specific area, and is also shared by the indigenous individuals of that area.
Tiwari et al.[22] mentioned in their study that âÂÂculture is closely associated with mental disorders through social and psychological activities.â With this background, the paper attempts to highlight the multidimensional construct of DS for a better clinical understanding in routine practice. Dhat Syndrome. A Separate Entity or a âÂÂCultural Variantâ of Depression Even though DS has been studied for years now, a consensus on the definition is yet to be achieved. It has mostly been conceptualized as a multidimensional psychosomatic entity consisting of anxiety, depressive, somatic, and sexual phenomenology. Most importantly, abnormal and erroneous attributions are considered to be responsible for the genesis of DS.
The most important debate is, however, related to the nosological status of DS. Although considered to a CBS unique to India, it has also been increasingly reported in China, Europe, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and America.[11] The consistency and validity of its diagnosis have been consistently debated, and one of the most vital questions that emerged was. Can there be another way to conceptualize DS?. There is no single answer to that question. Apart from an independent entity, the diagnostic validity of which has been limited in longitudinal studies,[23] it has also been a cultural variant of depressive and somatization disorders.
Mumford[11] in his study of Asian patients with DS found a significant association with depressed mood, anxiety, and fatigue. Around the same time, another study by Chadha[24] reported comorbidities in DS at a rate of 50%, 32%, and 18% related to depression, somatoform disorders, and anxiety, respectively. Depression continued to be reported as the most common association of DS in many studies.[25],[26] This âÂÂcause-effectâ dilemma can never be fully resolved. Whether âÂÂloss of semenâ and the cultural attributions to it leads to the affective symptoms or whether low mood and neuroticism can lead to DS in appropriate cultural context are two sides of the argument. However, the cognitive biases resulting in the attributional errors of DS and the subsequently maintained attitudes with relation to sexuality can be explained by the depressive cognitions and concepts of learned helplessness.
Balhara[27] has argued that since DS is not really culture specific as thought of earlier, it should not be solely categorized as a functional somatic syndrome, as that can have detrimental effects on its understanding and management. He also mentions that the underlying âÂÂemotional distress and cultural contextsâ are not unique to DS but can be related to any psychiatric syndrome for that matter. On the contrary, other researchers have warned that subsuming DS and other CBS under the broader rubric of âÂÂmood disordersâ can lead to neglect and reductionism in disorder like DS that can have unique cultural connotations.[28] Over the years, there have been multiple propositions to relook and relabel CBS like DS. Considering it as a variant of depression or somatization can make it a âÂÂcultural phenotypeâ of these disorders in certain regions, thus making it easier for the classificatory systems. This dichotomous debate seems never-ending, but clinically, it is always better to err on over-diagnosing and over-treating depression and anxiety in DS, which can improve the well-being of the distressed patients.
Why Discuss Dhat Syndrome. Implications in Clinical Practice DS might occur independently or associated with multiple comorbidities. It has been a widely recognized clinical condition in various parts of the world, though considered specific to the Indian subcontinent. The presentation can often be polymorphic with symptom clusters of affective, somatic, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations.[29] Being common in rural areas, the first contacts of the patients are frequently traditional faith healers and less often, the general practitioners. A psychiatric referral occurs much later, if at all.
This leads to underdetection and faulty treatments, which can strengthen the already existing misattributions and misinformation responsible for maintaining the disorder. Furthermore, depression and sexual dysfunction can be the important comorbidities that if untreated, lead to significant psychosocial dysfunction and impaired quality of life.[30] Besides many patients of DS believe that their symptoms are due to failure of interpersonal relationships, s, and heredity, which might cause early death and infertility. This contributes to the vicious cycle of fear and panic.[31] Doctor shopping is another challenge and failure to detect and address the concern of DS might lead to dropping out from the care.[15] Rao[17] in their epidemiological study reported 12.5% prevalence in the general population, with 20.5% and 50% suffering from comorbid depression and sexual disorders. The authors stressed upon the importance of early detection of DS for the psychosexual and social well-being. Most importantly, the multidimensional presentation of DS can at certain times be a facade overshadowing underlying neurotic disorders (anxiety, depression, somatoform, hypochondriasis, and phobias), obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and body dysmorphic disorders, delusional disorders, sexual disorders (premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction) and infectious disorders (urinary tract s, sexually transmitted diseases), and even stress-related manifestations in otherwise healthy individuals.[4],[14],[15] This significant overlap of symptomatology, increased prevalence, and marked comorbidity make it all the more important for physicians to make sense out of the construct of DS.
That can facilitate prompt detection and management of DS in routine clinical practice.In an earlier review study, it was observed that few studies are undertaken to update the research works from published articles as an updated review, systemic review, world literature review, etc., on DS and its management approach.[29],[32],[33],[34],[35] The present paper attempts to compile the evidence till date on DS related to its nosology, critique, manifestations, and management plan. The various empirical studies on DS all over the world will be briefly discussed along with the implications and importance of the syndrome. The Construct of Dhat Syndrome. Summary of Current Evidence DS is a well-known CBS, which is defined as undue concern about the weakening effects after the passage of semen in urine or through nocturnal emission that has been stated by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10).[36] It is also known as âÂÂsemen loss syndromeâ by Shakya,[20] which is prevalent mainly in the Indian subcontinent[37] and has also been reported in the South-Eastern and western population.[15],[16],[20],[32],[38],[39],[40],[41] Individuals with âÂÂsemen loss anxietyâ suffer from a myriad of psychosexual symptoms, which have been attributed to âÂÂloss of vital essence through semenâ (common in South Asia).[7],[15],[16],[17],[32],[37],[41],[42],[43] The various studies related to attributes of DS and their findings are summarized further.Prakash et al.[5] studied 100 DS patients through 139 symptoms of the Associated Symptoms Scale. They studied sociodemographic profile, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and Postgraduate Institute Neuroticism Scale.
The study found a wide range of physical, anxiety, depression, sexual, and cognitive symptoms. Most commonly associated symptoms were found as per score âÂÂ¥1. This study reported several parameters such as the âÂÂsense of being unhealthyâ (99%), worry (99%), feeling âÂÂno improvement despite treatmentâ (97%), tension (97%), tiredness (95%), fatigue (95%), weakness (95%), and anxiety (95%). The common sexual disorders were observed as loss of masculinity (83%), erectile dysfunction (54%), and premature ejaculation (53%). Majority of patients had faced mild or moderate level of symptoms in which 47% of the patients reported severe weakness.
Overall distress and dysfunction were observed as 64% and 81% in the studied subjects, respectively.A study in Taiwan involved 87 participants from a Urology clinic. Most of them have sexual neurosis (Shen-K'uei syndrome).[7] More than one-third of the patients belonged to lower social class and symptoms of depression, somatization, anxiety, masturbation, and nocturnal emissions. Other bodily complaints as reported were sleep disturbances, fatigue, dizziness, backache, and weakness. Nearly 80% of them considered that all of their problems were due to masturbatory practices.De Silva and Dissanayake[8] investigated several manifestations on semen loss syndrome in the psychiatric clinic of Colombo General Hospital, Sri Lanka. Beliefs regarding effects of semen loss and help-seeking sought for DS were explored.
38 patients were studied after psychiatrically ill individuals and those with organic disorders were excluded. Duration of semen loss varied from 1 to 20 years. Every participant reported excessive loss of semen and was preoccupied with it. The common forms of semen loss were through nocturnal emission, masturbation, urinary loss, and through sexual activities. Most of them reported multiple modes of semen loss.
Masturbatory frequency and that of nocturnal emissions varied significantly. More than half of the patients reported all types of complaints (psychological, sexual, somatic, and genital).In the study by Chadda and Ahuja,[9] 52 psychiatric patients (mostly adolescents and young adults) complained of passing âÂÂDhatâ in urine. They were assessed for a period of 6 months. More than 80% of them complained of body weakness, aches, and pains. More than 50% of the patients suffered from depression and anxiety.
All the participants felt that their symptoms were due to loss of âÂÂdhatâ in urine, attributed to excessive masturbation, extramarital and premarital sex. Half of those who faced sexual dysfunctions attributed them to semen loss.Mumford[11] proposed a controversial explanation of DS arguing that it might be a part of other psychiatric disorders, like depression. A total of 1000 literate patients were recruited from a medical outdoor in a public sector hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. About 600 educated patients were included as per Bradford Somatic Inventory (BSI). Men with DS reported greater symptoms on BSI than those without DS.
60 psychiatric patients were also recruited from the same hospital and diagnosed using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-III-R. Among them, 33% of the patients qualified for âÂÂDhatâ items on BSI. The symptoms persisted for more than 15 days. It was observed that symptoms of DS highly correlated with BSI items, namely erectile dysfunction, burning sensation during urination, fatigue, energy loss, and weakness. This comparative study indicated that patients with DS suffered more from depressive disorders than without DS and the age group affected by DS was mostly the young.Grover et al.[15] conducted a study on 780 male patients aged >16 years in five centers (Chandigarh, Jaipur, Faridkot, Mewat, and New Delhi) of Northern India, 4 centers (2 from Kolkata, 1 each in Kalyani and Bhubaneswar) of Eastern India, 2 centers (Agra and Lucknow) of Central India, 2 centers (Ahmedabad and Wardha) of Western India, and 2 centers of Southern India (both located at Mysore) spread across the country by using DS questionnaire.
Nearly one-third of the patients were passing âÂÂDhatâ multiple times a week. Among them, nearly 60% passed almost a spoonful of âÂÂDhatâ each time during a loss. This work on sexual disorders reported that the passage of âÂÂDhatâ was mostly attributed to masturbation (55.1%), dreams on sex (47.3%), sexual desire (42.8%), and high energy foods consumption (36.7%). Mostly, the participants experienced passage of Dhat as âÂÂnight fallsâ (60.1%) and âÂÂwhile passing stoolsâ (59.5%). About 75.6% showed weakness in sexual ability as a common consequence of the âÂÂloss of Dhat.â The associated symptoms were depression, hopelessness, feeling low, decreased energy levels, weakness, and lack of pleasure.
Erectile problems and premature ejaculation were also present.Rao[17] in his first epidemiological study done in Karnataka, India, showed the prevalence rate of DS in general male population as 12.5%. It was found that 57.5% were suffering either from comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric and sexual disorders was about three times higher with DS compared to non-DS subjects. One-third of the cases (32.8%) had no comorbidity in hospital (urban). One-fifth (20.5%) and 50% subjects (51.3%) had comorbid depressive disorders and sexual dysfunction.
The psychosexual symptoms were found among 113 patients who had DS. The most common psychological symptoms reported by the subjects with DS were low self-esteem (100%), loss of interest in any activity (95.60%), feeling of guilt (92.00%), and decreased social interaction (90.30%). In case of sexual disorders, beliefs were held commonly about testes becoming smaller (92.00%), thinness of semen (86.70%), decreased sexual capabilities (83.20%), and tilting of penis (70.80%).Shakya[20] studied a clinicodemographic profile of DS patients in psychiatry outpatient clinic of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
A total of 50 subjects were included in this study, and the psychiatric diagnoses as well as comorbidities were investigated as per the ICD-10 criteria. Among the subjects, most of the cases had symptoms of depression and anxiety, and all the subjects were worried about semen loss. Somehow these subjects had heard or read that semen loss or masturbation is unhealthy practice. The view of participants was that semen is very âÂÂprecious,â needs preservation, and masturbation is a malpractice. Beside DS, two-thirds of the subjects had comorbid depression.In another Indian study, Chadda et al.[24] compared patients with DS with those affected with neurotic/depressive disorders.
Among 100 patients, 50%, 32%, and 18% reported depression, somatic problems, and anxiety, respectively. The authors argued that cases of DS have similar symptom dimensions as mood and anxiety disorders.Dhikav et al.[31] examined prevalence and management depression comorbid with DS. DSM-IV and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used for assessments. About 66% of the patients met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of depression. They concluded that depression was a frequent comorbidity in DS patients.In a study by Perme et al.[37] from South India that included 32 DS patients, the control group consisted of 33 people from the same clinic without DS, depression, and anxiety.
The researchers followed the guidelines of Bhatia and Malik's for the assessment of primary complaints of semen loss through âÂÂnocturnal emissions, masturbation, sexual intercourse, and passing of semen before and after urine.â The assessment was done based on several indices, namely âÂÂSomatization Screening Index, Illness Behavior Questionnaire, Somatosensory Amplification Scale, Whitley Index, and Revised Chalder Fatigue Scale.â Several complaints such as somatic complaints, hypochondriacal beliefs, and fatigue were observed to be significantly higher among patients with DS compared to the control group.A study conducted in South Hall (an industrial area in the borough of Middlesex, London) included Indian and Pakistani immigrants. Young men living separately from their wives reported promiscuity, some being infected with gonorrhea and syphilis. Like other studies, nocturnal emission, weakness, and impotency were the other reported complaints. Semen was considered to be responsible for strength and vigor by most patients. Compared to the sexual problems of Indians, the British residents complained of pelvic issues and backache.In another work, Bhatia et al.[42] undertook a study on culture-bound syndromes and reported that 76.7% of the sample had DS followed by possession syndrome and Koro (a genital-related anxiety among males in South-East Asia).
Priyadarshi and Verma[43] performed a study in Urology Department of S M S Hospital, Jaipur, India. They conducted the study among 110 male patients who complained of DS and majority of them were living alone (54.5%) or in nuclear family (30%) as compared to joint family. Furthermore, 60% of them reported of never having experienced sex.Nakra et al.[44] investigated incidence and clinical features of 150 consecutive patients who presented with potency complaints in their clinic. Clinical assessments were done apart from detailed sexual history. The patients were 15âÂÂ50 years of age, educated up to mid-school and mostly from a rural background.
Most of them were married and reported premarital sexual practices, while nearly 67% of them practiced masturbation from early age. There was significant guilt associated with nocturnal emissions and masturbation. Nearly 27% of the cases reported DS-like symptoms attributing their health problems to semen loss.Behere and Nataraj[45] reported that majority of the patients with DS presented with comorbidities of physical weakness, anxiety, headache, sad mood, loss of appetite, impotence, and premature ejaculation. The authors stated that DS in India is a symptom complex commonly found in younger age groups (16âÂÂ23 years). The study subjects presented with complaints of whitish discharge in urine and believed that the loss of semen through masturbation was the reason for DS and weakness.Singh et al.[46] studied 50 cases with DS and sexual problems (premature ejaculation and impotence) from Punjab, India, after exclusion of those who were psychiatrically ill.
It was assumed in the study that semen loss is considered synonymous to âÂÂloss of something preciousâÂÂ, hence its loss would be associated with low mood and grief. Impotency (24%), premature ejaculation (14%), and âÂÂDhatâ in urine (40%) were the common complaints observed. Patients reported variety of symptoms including anxiety, depression, appetite loss, sleep problems, bodily pains, and headache. More than half of the patients were independently diagnosed with depression, and hence, the authors argued that DS may be a manifestation of depressive disorders.Bhatia and Malik[47] reported that the most common complaints associated with DS were physical weakness, fatigue and palpitation, insomnia, sad mood, headache, guilt feeling and suicidal ideation, impotence, and premature ejaculation. Psychiatric disorders were found in 69% of the patients, out of which the most common was depression followed by anxiety, psychosis, and phobia.
About 15% of the patients were found to have premature ejaculation and 8% had impotence.Bhatia et al.[48] examined several biological variables of DS after enrolment of 40 patients in a psychosexual clinic in Delhi. Patients had a history of impotence, premature ejaculation, and loss of semen (after exclusion of substance abuse and other psychiatric disorders). Twenty years was the mean age of onset and semen loss was mainly through masturbation and sexual intercourse. 67.5% and 75% of them reported sexual disorders and psychiatric comorbidity while 25%, 12.5%, and 37.5% were recorded to suffer from ejaculatory impotence, premature ejaculation, and depression (with anxiety), respectively.Bhatia[49] conducted a study on CBS among 60 patients attending psychiatric outdoor in a teaching hospital. The study revealed that among all patients with CBSs, DS was the most common (76.7%) followed by possession syndrome (13.3%) and Koro (5%).
Hypochondriasis, sexually transmitted diseases, and depression were the associated comorbidities. Morrone et al.[50] studied 18 male patients with DS in the Dermatology department who were from Bangladesh and India. The symptoms observed were mainly fatigue and nonspecific somatic symptoms. DS patients manifested several symptoms in psychosocial, religious, somatic, and other domains. The reasons provided by the patients for semen loss were urinary loss, nocturnal emission, and masturbation.
Dhat Syndrome. The Epidemiology The typical demographic profile of a DS patient has been reported to be a less educated, young male from lower socioeconomic status and usually from rural areas. In the earlier Indian studies by Carstairs,[51],[52],[53] it was observed that majority of the cases (52%âÂÂ66.7%) were from rural areas, belonged to âÂÂconservative families and posed rigid views about sexâ (69%-73%). De Silva and Dissanayake[8] in their study on semen loss syndrome reported the average age of onset of DS to be 25 years with most of them from lower-middle socioeconomic class. Chadda and Ahuja[9] studied young psychiatric patients who complained of semen loss.
They were mainly manual laborers, farmers, and clerks from low socioeconomic status. More than half were married and mostly uneducated. Khan[13] studied DS patients in Pakistan and reported that majority of the patients visited Hakims (50%) and Homeopaths (24%) for treatment. The age range was wide between 12 and 65 years with an average age of 24 years. Among those studied, majority were unmarried (75%), literacy was up to matriculation and they belonged to lower socioeconomic class.
Grover et al.[15] in their study of 780 male subjects showed the average age of onset to be 28.14 years and the age ranged between 21 and 30 years (55.3%). The subjects were single or unmarried (51.0%) and married (46.7%). About 23.5% of the subjects had graduated and most were unemployed (73.5%). Majority of subjects were lower-middle class (34%) and had lower incomes. Rao[17] studied 907 subjects, in which majority were from 18 to 30 years (44.5%).
About 45.80% of the study subjects were illiterates and very few had completed postgraduation. The subjects were both married and single. Majority of the subjects were residing in nuclear family (61.30%) and only 0.30% subjects were residing alone. Most of the patients did not have comorbid addictive disorders. The subjects were mainly engaged in agriculture (43.40%).
Majority of the subjects were from lower middle and upper lower socioeconomic class.Shakya[20] had studied the sociodemographic profile of 50 patients with DS. The average age of the studied patients was 25.4 years. The age ranges in decreasing order of frequency were 16âÂÂ20 years (34%) followed by 21âÂÂ25 years (28%), greater than 30 years (26%), 26âÂÂ30 years (10%), and 11âÂÂ15 years (2%). Further, the subjects were mostly students (50%) and rest were in service (26%), farmers (14%), laborers (6%), and business (4%), respectively. Dhikav et al.[31] conducted a study on 30 patients who had attended the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary care hospital with complaints of frequently passing semen in urine.
In the studied patients, the age ranged between 20 and 40 years with an average age of 29 years and average age of onset of 19 years. The average duration of illness was that of 11 months. Most of the studied patients were unmarried (64.2%) and educated till middle or high school (70%). Priyadarshi and Verma[43] performed a study in 110 male patients with DS. The average age of the patients was 23.53 years and it ranged between 15 and 68 years.
The most affected age group of patients was of 18âÂÂ25 years, which comprised about 60% of patients. On the other hand, about 25% ranged between 25 and 35 years, 10% were lesser than 18 years of age, and 5.5% patients were aged >35 years. Higher percentage of the patients were unmarried (70%). Interestingly, high prevalence of DS was found in educated patients and about 50% of patients were graduate or above but most of the patients were either unemployed or student (49.1%). About 55% and 24.5% patients showed monthly family income of <10,000 and 5000 Indian Rupees (INR), respectively.
Two-third patients belonged to rural areas of residence. Behere and Nataraj[45] found majority of the patients with DS (68%) to be between 16 and 25 years age. About 52% patients were married while 48% were unmarried and from lower socioeconomic strata. The duration of DS symptoms varied widely. Singh[46] studied patients those who reported with DS, impotence, and premature ejaculation and reported the average age of the affected to be 21.8 years with a younger age of onset.
Only a few patients received higher education. Bhatia and Malik[47] as mentioned earlier reported that age at the time of onset of DS ranged from 16 to 24 years. More than half of them were single. It was observed that most patients had some territorial education (91.67%) but few (8.33%) had postgraduate education or professional training. Finally, Bhatia et al.[48] studied cases of sexual dysfunctions and reported an average age of 21.6 years among the affected, majority being unmarried (80%).
Most of those who had comorbid DS symptoms received minimal formal education. Management. A Multimodal Approach As mentioned before, individuals affected with DS often seek initial treatment with traditional healers, practitioners of alternative medicine, and local quacks. As a consequence, varied treatment strategies have been popularized. Dietary supplements, protein and iron-rich diet, Vitamin B and C-complexes, antibiotics, multivitamin injections, herbal âÂÂsupplements,â etc., have all been used in the treatment though scientific evidence related to them is sparse.[33] Frequent change of doctors, irregular compliance to treatment, and high dropout from health care are the major challenges, as the attributional beliefs toward DS persist in the majority even after repeated reassurance.[54] A multidisciplinary approach (involving psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers) is recommended and close liaison with the general physicians, the Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy practitioners, dermatologists, venereologists, and neurologists often help.
The role of faith healers and local counselors is vital, and it is important to integrate them into the care of DS patients, rather than side-tracking them from the system. Community awareness needs to be increased especially in primary health care for early detection and appropriate referrals. Follow-up data show two-thirds of patients affected with DS recovering with psychoeducation and low-dose sedatives.[45] Bhatia[49] studied 60 cases of DS and reported better response to anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications compared to psychotherapy alone. Classically, the correction of attributional biases through empathy, reflective, and nonjudgmental approaches has been proposed.[38] Over the years, sex education, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, and medications have been advocated in the management of DS.[9],[55] In psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral and brief solution-focused approaches are useful to target the dysfunctional assumptions and beliefs in DS. The role of sex education is vital involving the basic understanding of sexual anatomy and physiology of sexuality.
This needs to be tailored to the local terminology and beliefs. Biofeedback has also been proposed as a treatment modality.[4] Individual stress factors that might have precipitated DS need to be addressed. A detailed outline of assessment, evaluation, and management of DS is beyond the scope of this article and has already been reported in the IPS Clinical Practice Guidelines.[56] The readers are referred to these important guidelines for a comprehensive read on management. Probably, the most important factor is to understand and resolve the sociocultural contexts in the genesis of DS in each individual. Adequate debunking of the myths related to sexuality and culturally appropriate sexual education is vital both for the prevention and treatment of DS.[56] Adequate treatment of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety often helps in reduction of symptoms, more so when the DS is considered to be a manifestation of the same.
Future of Dhat Syndrome. The Way Forward Classifications in psychiatry have always been fraught with debates and discussion such as categorical versus dimensional, biological versus evolutionary. CBS like DS forms a major area of this nosological controversy. Longitudinal stability of a diagnosis is considered to be an important part of its independent categorization. Sameer et al.[23] followed up DS patients for 6.0 ñ 3.5 years and concluded that the âÂÂpureâ variety of DS is not a stable diagnostic entity.
The authors rather proposed DS as a variant of somatoform disorder, with cultural explanations. The right âÂÂplaceâ for DS in classification systems has mostly been debated and theoretically fluctuant.[14] Sridhar et al.[57] mentioned the importance of reclassifying DS from a clinically, phenomenologically, psycho-pathologically, and diagnostically valid standpoint. Although both ICD and DSM have been culturally sensitive to classification, their approach to DS has been different. While ICD-10 considers DS under âÂÂother nonpsychotic mental disordersâ (F48), DSM-V mentions it only in appendix section as âÂÂcultural concepts of distressâ not assigning the condition any particular number.[12],[58] Fundamental questions have actually been raised about its separate existence altogether,[35] which further puts its diagnostic position in doubt. As discussed in the earlier sections, an alternate hypothesization of DS is a cultural variant of depression, rather than a âÂÂtrue syndrome.âÂÂ[27] Over decades, various schools of thought have considered DS either to be a global phenomenon or a cultural âÂÂidiomâ of distress in specific geographical regions or a manifestation of other primary psychiatric disorders.[59] Qualitative studies in doctors have led to marked discordance in their opinion about the validity and classificatory area of DS.[60] The upcoming ICD-11 targets to pay more importance to cultural contexts for a valid and reliable classification.
However, separating the phenomenological boundaries of diseases might lead to subsetting the cultural and contextual variants in broader rubrics.[61],[62] In that way, ICD-11 might propose alternate models for distinction of CBS like DS at nosological levels.[62] It is evident that various factors include socioeconomics, acceptability, and sustainability influence global classificatory systems, and this might influence the âÂÂnicheâ of DS in the near future. It will be interesting to see whether it retains its diagnostic independence or gets subsumed under the broader âÂÂnarrativeâ of depression. In any case, uniformity of diagnosing this culturally relevant yet distressing and highly prevalent condition will remain a major area related to psychiatric research and treatment. Conclusion DS is a multidimensional psychiatric âÂÂconstructâ which is equally interesting and controversial. Historically relevant and symptomatically mysterious, this disorder provides unique insights into cultural contexts of human behavior and the role of misattributions, beliefs, and misinformation in sexuality.
Beyond the traditional debate about its âÂÂseparateâ existence, the high prevalence of DS, associated comorbidities, and resultant dysfunction make it relevant for emotional and psychosexual health. It is also treatable, and hence, the detection, understanding, and awareness become vital to its management. This oration attempts a âÂÂbird's eyeâ view of this CBS taking into account a holistic perspective of the available evidence so far. The clinical manifestations, diagnostic and epidemiological attributes, management, and nosological controversies are highlighted to provide a comprehensive account of DS and its relevance to mental health. More systematic and mixed methods research are warranted to unravel the enigma of this controversial yet distressing psychiatric disorder.AcknowledgmentI sincerely thank Dr.
Debanjan Banerjee (Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore) for his constant selfless support, rich academic discourse, and continued collaboration that helped me condense years of research and ideas into this paper.Financial support and sponsorshipNil.Conflicts of interestThere are no conflicts of interest. References 1.2.3.Srinivasa Murthy R, Wig NN. A man ahead of his time. In. Sathyanarayana Rao TS, Tandon A, editors.
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[PUBMED] [Full text] 46.Singh G. Dhat syndrome revisited. Indian J Psychiatry 1985;27:119-22. [PUBMED] [Full text] 47.Bhatia MS, Malik SC. Dhat syndrome â A useful diagnostic entity in Indian culture.
Br J Psychiatry 1991;159:691-5. 48.Bhatia MS, Choudhry S, Shome S. Dhat syndrome - Is it a syndrome of Dhat only?. J Ment Health Hum Behav1997;2:17-22. 49.Bhatia MS.
An analysis of 60 cases of culture bound syndromes. Indian J Med Sci 1999;53:149-52. [PUBMED] [Full text] 50.Morrone A, Nosotti L, Tumiati Mc, Cianconi P, Casadei F, Franco G. Dhat Syndrome. An Analysis of 18 Cases.
Paper Presented in 11th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology &. Venerology. Prague. Czech. 2002.
51.Carstairs GM. Hinjra and jiryan. Two derivatives of Hindu attitudes to sexuality. Br J Med Psychol 1956;29:128-38. 52.Carstairs GM.
The Twice Born. Bloomington. Indiana University Press. 1961. 53.Carstairs GM.
Psychiatric problems of developing countries. Based on the Morison lecture delivered at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, on 25 May 1972. Br J Psychiatry 1973;123:271-7. 54.Sathyanarayana Rao TS. Some thoughts on sexualities and research in India.
Indian J Psychiatry 2004;46:3-4. [PUBMED] [Full text] 55.Prakash O, Rao TS. Sexuality research in India. An update. Indian J Psychiatry 2010;52:S260-3.
56.Avasthi A, Grover S, Rao TS. Clinical practice guidelines for management of sexual dysfunction. Indian J Psychiatry 2017;59 Suppl 1:S91-115. 57.Kavanoor Sridhar V, Subramanian K, Menon V. Current nosology of Dhat syndrome and state of evidence.
Indian J Health Sex Cult 2018;4:8-14. 58.APA (American Psychological Association). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. DSM-5. Washington.
DC. American Psychological Association. 2013. 59.Yasir Arafat SM. Dhat syndrome.
Culture bound, separate entity, or removed. J Behav Health 2017;6:147-50. 60.Prakash S, Sharan P, Sood M. A qualitative study on psychopathology of dhat syndrome in men. Implications for classification of disorders.
Asian J Psychiatr 2018;35:79-88. 61.Lewis-Fernández R, Aggarwal NK. Culture and psychiatric diagnosis. Adv Psychosom Med 2013;33:15-30. 62.Sharan P, Keeley J.
Cultural perspectives related to international classification of diseases-11. Indian J Soc Psychiatry 2018;34 Suppl S1:1-4. Correspondence Address:T S Sathyanarayana RaoDepartment of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore - 570 004, Karnataka IndiaSource of Support. None, Conflict of Interest. NoneDOI.
10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_791_20.
How to cite this brand cialis for sale article:Singh OP. Mental health in diverse India. Need for brand cialis for sale advocacy. Indian J Psychiatry 2021;63:315-6âÂÂUnity in diversityâ - That is the theme of India which we are quite proud of. We have diversity in terms of geography â From the brand cialis for sale Himalayas to the deserts to the seas.
Every region has its own distinct culture and food. There are so many varieties of dress and language. There is huge difference between the states in terms of development, attitude toward women, health infrastructure, child mortality, brand cialis for sale and other sociodemographic development indexes. There is now ample evidence that sociocultural factors influence mental health. Compton and Shim[1] have described in their model of gene environment interaction how public policies and social norms act on the distribution of opportunity leading to social inequality, exclusion, poor environment, discrimination, brand cialis for sale and unemployment.
This in turn leads to reduced options, poor choices, and high-risk behavior. Combining genetic vulnerability and early brain insult with low access to health care leads to poor mental health, disease, and morbidity.When we come to the field of mental health, brand cialis for sale we find huge differences between different states of India. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was markedly different while it was 5.8 and 5.1 for Assam and Uttar Pradesh at the lower end of the spectrum, it was 13.9 and 14.1 for Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra at the higher end of the spectrum. There was also a huge difference between the rural areas and metros, particularly in terms of psychosis and bipolar disorders.[2] The difference was distinct not only in the prevalence but also in the type of psychiatric disorders. While the more developed southern states brand cialis for sale had higher prevalence of adult-onset disorders such as depression and anxiety, the less developed northern states had more of childhood onset disorders.
This may be due to lead toxicity, nutritional status, and perinatal issues. Higher rates of depression and brand cialis for sale anxiety were found in females. Apart from the genetic and hormonal factors, increase was attributed to gender discrimination, violence, sexual abuse, and adverse sociocultural norms. Marriage was found to be a negative prognostic indicator contrary to the western norms.[3]Cultural influences on the brand cialis for sale presentation of psychiatric disorders are apparent. Being in recessive position in the family is one of the strongest predictors of psychiatric illnesses and psychosomatic disorders.
The presentation of depressive and anxiety disorders with more somatic symptoms results from inability to express due to unequal power equation in the family rather than the lack of expressions. Apart from culture bound syndromes, the role of cultural idioms of distress in manifestations of psychiatric symptoms is well acknowledged.When we look into suicide data, suicide in lower socioeconomic strata (annual income <1 lakh) was 92,083, in annual income group of 1âÂÂ5 lakhs, it was 41,197, brand cialis for sale and in higher income group, it was 4726. Among those who committed suicide, 67% were young adults, 34% had family problems, 23.4% of suicides occurred in daily laborers, 10.1% in unemployed persons, and 7.4% in farmers.[4]While there are huge regional differences in mental health issues, the challenges in mental health in India remain stigma reduction, conducting research on efficacy of early intervention, reaching the unreached, gender sensitive services, making quality mental healthcare accessible and available, suicide prevention, reduction of substance abuse, implementing insurance for mental health and reducing out-of-pocket expense, and finally, improving care for homeless mentally ill. All these require sustained advocacy aimed at promoting rights of mentally ill brand cialis for sale persons and reducing stigma and discriminations. It consists of various actions aimed at changing the attitudinal barriers in achieving positive mental health outcomes in the general population.
Psychiatrists as Mental Health Advocates There is a debate whether psychiatrists who are overburdened with clinical care could or should be involved in the advocacy activities which require skills in other areas, and sometimes, they find themselves at the receiving end of mental health advocates. We must be involved and pathways should be to build technical evidence for mapping out the problem, cost-effective interventions, and their brand cialis for sale efficacy.Advocacy can be done at institutional level, organizational level, and individual level. There has been huge work done in this regard at institution level. Important research work done brand cialis for sale in this regard includes the National Mental Health Survey, National Survey on Extent and Pattern of Substance Use in India, Global Burden of Diseases in Indian States, and Trajectory of Brain Development. Other activities include improving the infrastructure of mental hospitals, telepsychiatry services, provision of free drugs, providing training to increase the number of service providers.
Similarly, at organizational level, the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) brand cialis for sale has filed a case for lacunae in Mental Health-care Act, 2017. Another case filed by the IPS lead to change of name of the film from âÂÂMental Hai Kyaâ to âÂÂJudgemental Hai Kya.â In LGBT issue, the IPS statement was quoted in the final judgement on the decriminalization of homosexuality. The IPS has also started helplines at different levels and media interactions. The Indian Journal of Psychiatry has also come out with editorials highlighting the need brand cialis for sale of care of marginalized population such as migrant laborers and persons with dementia. At an individual level, we can be involved in ensuring quality treatment, respecting dignity and rights of the patient, sensitization of staff, working with patients and caregivers to plan services, and being involved locally in media and public awareness activities.The recent experience of Brazil is an eye opener where suicide reduction resulted from direct cash transfer pointing at the role of economic decision in suicide.[5] In India where economic inequality is increasing, male-to-female ratio is abysmal in some states (877 in Haryana to 1034 in Kerala), our actions should be sensitive to this regional variation.
When the brand cialis for sale enemy is economic inequality, our weapon is research highlighting the role of these factors on mental health. References 1.Compton MT, Shim RS. The social determinants of mental brand cialis for sale health. Focus 2015;13:419-25. 2.Gururaj G, Varghese M, Benegal V, Rao GN, Pathak K, Singh LK, et al.
National Mental Health Survey of India, brand cialis for sale 2015-16. Prevalence, Patterns and Outcomes. Bengaluru. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, NIMHANS Publication No. 129.
2016. 3.Sagar R, Dandona R, Gururaj G, Dhaliwal RS, Singh A, Ferrari A, et al. The burden of mental disorders across the states of India. The Global Burden of Disease Study 1990âÂÂ2017. Lancet Psychiatry 2020;7:148-61.
4.National Crime Records Bureau, 2019. Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India. 2019. Available from. Https://ncrb.gov.in.
[Last accessed on 2021 Jun 24]. 5.Machado DB, Rasella D, dos Santos DN. Impact of income inequality and other social determinants on suicide rate in Brazil. PLoS One 2015;10:e0124934. Correspondence Address:Om Prakash SinghDepartment of Psychiatry, WBMES, Kolkata, West Bengal.
AMRI Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal IndiaSource of Support. None, Conflict of Interest. NoneDOI. 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_635_21Abstract Sexual health, an essential component of individual's health, is influenced by many complex issues including sexual behavior, attitudes, societal, and cultural factors on the one hand and while on the other hand, biological aspects, genetic predisposition, and associated mental and physical illnesses. Sexual health is a neglected area, even though it influences mortality, morbidity, and disability.
Dhat syndrome (DS), the term coined by Dr. N. N. Wig, has been at the forefront of advancements in understanding and misunderstanding. The concept of DS is still evolving being treated as a culture-bound syndrome in the past to a syndrome of depression and treated as âÂÂa culturally determined idiom of distress.â It is bound with myths, fallacies, prejudices, secrecy, exaggeration, and value-laden judgments.
Although it has been reported from many countries, much of the literature has emanated from Asia, that too mainly from India. The research in India has ranged from the study of a few cases in the past to recent national multicentric studies concerning phenomenology and beliefs of patients. The epidemiological studies have ranged from being hospital-based to population-based studies in rural and urban settings. There are studies on the management of individual cases by resolving sexual myths, relaxation exercises, supportive psychotherapy, anxiolytics, and antidepressants to broader and deeper research concerning cognitive behavior therapy. The presentation looks into DS as a model case highlighting the importance of exploring sexual health concerns in the Indian population in general and in particular need to reconsider DS in the light of the newly available literature.
It makes a fervent appeal for the inclusion of DS in the mainstream diagnostic categories in the upcoming revisions of the diagnostic manuals which can pave the way for a better understanding and management of DS and sexual problems.Keywords. Culture-bound syndrome, Dhat syndrome, Dhat syndrome management, Dhat syndrome prevalence, psychiatric comorbidity, sexual disordersHow to cite this article:Sathyanarayana Rao T S. History and mystery of Dhat syndrome. A critical look at the current understanding and future directions. Indian J Psychiatry 2021;63:317-25 Introduction Mr.
President, Chairpersons, my respected teachers and seniors, my professional colleagues and friends, ladies and gentlemen:I deem it a proud privilege and pleasure to receive and to deliver DLN Murti Rao Oration Award for 2020. I am humbled at this great honor and remain grateful to the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) in general and the awards committee in particular. I would like to begin my presentation with my homage to Professor DLN Murti Rao, who was a Doyen of Psychiatry.[1] I have a special connection to the name as Dr. Doddaballapura Laxmi Narasimha Murti Rao, apart from a family name, obtained his medical degree from Mysore Medical College, Mysuru, India, the same city where I have served last 33 years in JSS Medical College and JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research. His name carries the reverence in the corridors of the current National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) at Bangalore which was All India Institute of Mental Health, when he served as Head and the Medical Superintendent.
Another coincidence was his untimely demise in 1962, the same year another Doyen Dr. Wig[2],[3] published the article on a common but peculiar syndrome in the Indian context and gave the name Dhat syndrome (DS). Even though Dr. Wig is no more, his legacy of profound contribution to psychiatry and psychiatric education in general and service to the society and Mental Health, in particular, is well documented. His keen observation and study culminated in synthesizing many aspects and developments in DS.I would also like to place on record my humble pranams to my teachers from Christian Medical College, Vellore â Dr.
Abraham Varghese, the first Editor of the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine and Dr. K. Kuruvilla, Past Editor of Indian Journal of Psychiatry whose legacies I carried forward for both the journals. I must place on record that my journey in the field of Sexual Medicine was sown by Dr. K.
Kuruvilla and subsequent influence of Dr. Ajit Avasthi from Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research from Chandigarh as my role model in the field. There are many more who have shaped and nurtured my interest in the field of sex and sexuality.The term âÂÂDhatâ was taken from the Sanskrit language, which is an important word âÂÂDhatuâ and has known several meanings such as âÂÂmetal,â a âÂÂmedicinal constituent,â which can be considered as most powerful material within the human body.[4] The Dhat disorder is mainly known for âÂÂloss of semenâÂÂ, and the DS is a well-known âÂÂculture-bound syndrome (CBS).âÂÂ[4] The DS leads to several psychosexual disorders such as physical weakness, tiredness, anxiety, appetite loss, and guilt related to the loss of semen through nocturnal emission, in urine and by masturbation as mentioned in many studies.[4],[5],[6] Conventionally, Charaka Samhita mentions âÂÂwaste of bodily humorsâ being linked to the âÂÂloss of Dhatus.âÂÂ[5] Semen has even been mentioned by Aristotle as a âÂÂsoul substanceâ and weakness associated with its loss.[6] This has led to a plethora of beliefs about âÂÂfood-blood-semenâ relationship where the loss of semen is considered to reduce vitality, potency, and psychophysiological strength. People have variously attributed DS to excessive masturbation, premarital sex, promiscuity, and nocturnal emissions. Several past studies have emphasized that CBS leads to âÂÂanxiety for loss of semenâ is not only prevalent in the Indian subcontinent but also a global phenomenon.[7],[8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16],[17],[18],[19],[20]It is important to note that DS manifestation and the psychosexual features are based on the impact of culture, demographic profiles, and the socioeconomic status of the patients.[7],[8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16],[17],[18],[19],[20] According to Leff,[21] culture depends upon norms, values, and myths, based on a specific area, and is also shared by the indigenous individuals of that area.
Tiwari et al.[22] mentioned in their study that âÂÂculture is closely associated with mental disorders through social and psychological activities.â With this background, the paper attempts to highlight the multidimensional construct of DS for a better clinical understanding in routine practice. Dhat Syndrome. A Separate Entity or a âÂÂCultural Variantâ of Depression Even though DS has been studied for years now, a consensus on the definition is yet to be achieved. It has mostly been conceptualized as a multidimensional psychosomatic entity consisting of anxiety, depressive, somatic, and sexual phenomenology. Most importantly, abnormal and erroneous attributions are considered to be responsible for the genesis of DS.
The most important debate is, however, related to the nosological status of DS. Although considered to a CBS unique to India, it has also been increasingly reported in China, Europe, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, and America.[11] The consistency and validity of its diagnosis have been consistently debated, and one of the most vital questions that emerged was. Can there be another way to conceptualize DS?. There is no single answer to that question. Apart from an independent entity, the diagnostic validity of which has been limited in longitudinal studies,[23] it has also been a cultural variant of depressive and somatization disorders.
Mumford[11] in his study of Asian patients with DS found a significant association with depressed mood, anxiety, and fatigue. Around the same time, another study by Chadha[24] reported comorbidities in DS at a rate of 50%, 32%, and 18% related to depression, somatoform disorders, and anxiety, respectively. Depression continued to be reported as the most common association of DS in many studies.[25],[26] This âÂÂcause-effectâ dilemma can never be fully resolved. Whether âÂÂloss of semenâ and the cultural attributions to it leads to the affective symptoms or whether low mood and neuroticism can lead to DS in appropriate cultural context are two sides of the argument. However, the cognitive biases resulting in the attributional errors of DS and the subsequently maintained attitudes with relation to sexuality can be explained by the depressive cognitions and concepts of learned helplessness.
Balhara[27] has argued that since DS is not really culture specific as thought of earlier, it should not be solely categorized as a functional somatic syndrome, as that can have detrimental effects on its understanding and management. He also mentions that the underlying âÂÂemotional distress and cultural contextsâ are not unique to DS but can be related to any psychiatric syndrome for that matter. On the contrary, other researchers have warned that subsuming DS and other CBS under the broader rubric of âÂÂmood disordersâ can lead to neglect and reductionism in disorder like DS that can have unique cultural connotations.[28] Over the years, there have been multiple propositions to relook and relabel CBS like DS. Considering it as a variant of depression or somatization can make it a âÂÂcultural phenotypeâ of these disorders in certain regions, thus making it easier for the classificatory systems. This dichotomous debate seems never-ending, but clinically, it is always better to err on over-diagnosing and over-treating depression and anxiety in DS, which can improve the well-being of the distressed patients.
Why Discuss Dhat Syndrome. Implications in Clinical Practice DS might occur independently or associated with multiple comorbidities. It has been a widely recognized clinical condition in various parts of the world, though considered specific to the Indian subcontinent. The presentation can often be polymorphic with symptom clusters of affective, somatic, behavioral, and cognitive manifestations.[29] Being common in rural areas, the first contacts of the patients are frequently traditional faith healers and less often, the general practitioners. A psychiatric referral occurs much later, if at all.
This leads to underdetection and faulty treatments, which can strengthen the already existing misattributions and misinformation responsible for maintaining the disorder. Furthermore, depression and sexual dysfunction can be the important comorbidities that if untreated, lead to significant psychosocial dysfunction and impaired quality of life.[30] Besides many patients of DS believe that their symptoms are due to failure of interpersonal relationships, s, and heredity, which might cause early death and infertility. This contributes to the vicious cycle of fear and panic.[31] Doctor shopping is another challenge and failure to detect and address the concern of DS might lead to dropping out from the care.[15] Rao[17] in their epidemiological study reported 12.5% prevalence in the general population, with 20.5% and 50% suffering from comorbid depression and sexual disorders. The authors stressed upon the importance of early detection of DS for the psychosexual and social well-being. Most importantly, the multidimensional presentation of DS can at certain times be a facade overshadowing underlying neurotic disorders (anxiety, depression, somatoform, hypochondriasis, and phobias), obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders and body dysmorphic disorders, delusional disorders, sexual disorders (premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction) and infectious disorders (urinary tract s, sexually transmitted diseases), and even stress-related manifestations in otherwise healthy individuals.[4],[14],[15] This significant overlap of symptomatology, increased prevalence, and marked comorbidity make it all the more important for physicians to make sense out of the construct of DS.
That can facilitate prompt detection and management of DS in routine clinical practice.In an earlier review study, it was observed that few studies are undertaken to update the research works from published articles as an updated review, systemic review, world literature review, etc., on DS and its management approach.[29],[32],[33],[34],[35] The present paper attempts to compile the evidence till date on DS related to its nosology, critique, manifestations, and management plan. The various empirical studies on DS all over the world will be briefly discussed along with the implications and importance of the syndrome. The Construct of Dhat Syndrome. Summary of Current Evidence DS is a well-known CBS, which is defined as undue concern about the weakening effects after the passage of semen in urine or through nocturnal emission that has been stated by the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10).[36] It is also known as âÂÂsemen loss syndromeâ by Shakya,[20] which is prevalent mainly in the Indian subcontinent[37] and has also been reported in the South-Eastern and western population.[15],[16],[20],[32],[38],[39],[40],[41] Individuals with âÂÂsemen loss anxietyâ suffer from a myriad of psychosexual symptoms, which have been attributed to âÂÂloss of vital essence through semenâ (common in South Asia).[7],[15],[16],[17],[32],[37],[41],[42],[43] The various studies related to attributes of DS and their findings are summarized further.Prakash et al.[5] studied 100 DS patients through 139 symptoms of the Associated Symptoms Scale. They studied sociodemographic profile, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and Postgraduate Institute Neuroticism Scale.
The study found a wide range of physical, anxiety, depression, sexual, and cognitive symptoms. Most commonly associated symptoms were found as per score âÂÂ¥1. This study reported several parameters such as the âÂÂsense of being unhealthyâ (99%), worry (99%), feeling âÂÂno improvement despite treatmentâ (97%), tension (97%), tiredness (95%), fatigue (95%), weakness (95%), and anxiety (95%). The common sexual disorders were observed as loss of masculinity (83%), erectile dysfunction (54%), and premature ejaculation (53%). Majority of patients had faced mild or moderate level of symptoms in which 47% of the patients reported severe weakness.
Overall distress and dysfunction were observed as 64% and 81% in the studied subjects, respectively.A study in Taiwan involved 87 participants from a Urology clinic. Most of them have sexual neurosis (Shen-K'uei syndrome).[7] More than one-third of the patients belonged to lower social class and symptoms of depression, somatization, anxiety, masturbation, and nocturnal emissions. Other bodily complaints as reported were sleep disturbances, fatigue, dizziness, backache, and weakness. Nearly 80% of them considered that all of their problems were due to masturbatory practices.De Silva and Dissanayake[8] investigated several manifestations on semen loss syndrome in the psychiatric clinic of Colombo General Hospital, Sri Lanka. Beliefs regarding effects of semen loss and help-seeking sought for DS were explored.
38 patients were studied after psychiatrically ill individuals and those with organic disorders were excluded. Duration of semen loss varied from 1 to 20 years. Every participant reported excessive loss of semen and was preoccupied with it. The common forms of semen loss were through nocturnal emission, masturbation, urinary loss, and through sexual activities. Most of them reported multiple modes of semen loss.
Masturbatory frequency and that of nocturnal emissions varied significantly. More than half of the patients reported all types of complaints (psychological, sexual, somatic, and genital).In the study by Chadda and Ahuja,[9] 52 psychiatric patients (mostly adolescents and young adults) complained of passing âÂÂDhatâ in urine. They were assessed for a period of 6 months. More than 80% of them complained of body weakness, aches, and pains. More than 50% of the patients suffered from depression and anxiety.
All the participants felt that their symptoms were due to loss of âÂÂdhatâ in urine, attributed to excessive masturbation, extramarital and premarital sex. Half of those who faced sexual dysfunctions attributed them to semen loss.Mumford[11] proposed a controversial explanation of DS arguing that it might be a part of other psychiatric disorders, like depression. A total of 1000 literate patients were recruited from a medical outdoor in a public sector hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. About 600 educated patients were included as per Bradford Somatic Inventory (BSI). Men with DS reported greater symptoms on BSI than those without DS.
60 psychiatric patients were also recruited from the same hospital and diagnosed using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-III-R. Among them, 33% of the patients qualified for âÂÂDhatâ items on BSI. The symptoms persisted for more than 15 days. It was observed that symptoms of DS highly correlated with BSI items, namely erectile dysfunction, burning sensation during urination, fatigue, energy loss, and weakness. This comparative study indicated that patients with DS suffered more from depressive disorders than without DS and the age group affected by DS was mostly the young.Grover et al.[15] conducted a study on 780 male patients aged >16 years in five centers (Chandigarh, Jaipur, Faridkot, Mewat, and New Delhi) of Northern India, 4 centers (2 from Kolkata, 1 each in Kalyani and Bhubaneswar) of Eastern India, 2 centers (Agra and Lucknow) of Central India, 2 centers (Ahmedabad and Wardha) of Western India, and 2 centers of Southern India (both located at Mysore) spread across the country by using DS questionnaire.
Nearly one-third of the patients were passing âÂÂDhatâ multiple times a week. Among them, nearly 60% passed almost a spoonful of âÂÂDhatâ each time during a loss. This work on sexual disorders reported that the passage of âÂÂDhatâ was mostly attributed to masturbation (55.1%), dreams on sex (47.3%), sexual desire (42.8%), and high energy foods consumption (36.7%). Mostly, the participants experienced passage of Dhat as âÂÂnight fallsâ (60.1%) and âÂÂwhile passing stoolsâ (59.5%). About 75.6% showed weakness in sexual ability as a common consequence of the âÂÂloss of Dhat.â The associated symptoms were depression, hopelessness, feeling low, decreased energy levels, weakness, and lack of pleasure.
Erectile problems and premature ejaculation were also present.Rao[17] in his first epidemiological study done in Karnataka, India, showed the prevalence rate of DS in general male population as 12.5%. It was found that 57.5% were suffering either from comorbid depression or anxiety disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric and sexual disorders was about three times higher with DS compared to non-DS subjects. One-third of the cases (32.8%) had no comorbidity in hospital (urban). One-fifth (20.5%) and 50% subjects (51.3%) had comorbid depressive disorders and sexual dysfunction.
The psychosexual symptoms were found among 113 patients who had DS. The most common psychological symptoms reported by the subjects with DS were low self-esteem (100%), loss of interest in any activity (95.60%), feeling of guilt (92.00%), and decreased social interaction (90.30%). In case of sexual disorders, beliefs were held commonly about testes becoming smaller (92.00%), thinness of semen (86.70%), decreased sexual capabilities (83.20%), and tilting of penis (70.80%).Shakya[20] studied a clinicodemographic profile of DS patients in psychiatry outpatient clinic of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
A total of 50 subjects were included in this study, and the psychiatric diagnoses as well as comorbidities were investigated as per the ICD-10 criteria. Among the subjects, most of the cases had symptoms of depression and anxiety, and all the subjects were worried about semen loss. Somehow these subjects had heard or read that semen loss or masturbation is unhealthy practice. The view of participants was that semen is very âÂÂprecious,â needs preservation, and masturbation is a malpractice. Beside DS, two-thirds of the subjects had comorbid depression.In another Indian study, Chadda et al.[24] compared patients with DS with those affected with neurotic/depressive disorders.
Among 100 patients, 50%, 32%, and 18% reported depression, somatic problems, and anxiety, respectively. The authors argued that cases of DS have similar symptom dimensions as mood and anxiety disorders.Dhikav et al.[31] examined prevalence and management depression comorbid with DS. DSM-IV and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were used for assessments. About 66% of the patients met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria of depression. They concluded that depression was a frequent comorbidity in DS patients.In a study by Perme et al.[37] from South India that included 32 DS patients, the control group consisted of 33 people from the same clinic without DS, depression, and anxiety.
The researchers followed the guidelines of Bhatia and Malik's for the assessment of primary complaints of semen loss through âÂÂnocturnal emissions, masturbation, sexual intercourse, and passing of semen before and after urine.â The assessment was done based on several indices, namely âÂÂSomatization Screening Index, Illness Behavior Questionnaire, Somatosensory Amplification Scale, Whitley Index, and Revised Chalder Fatigue Scale.â Several complaints such as somatic complaints, hypochondriacal beliefs, and fatigue were observed to be significantly higher among patients with DS compared to the control group.A study conducted in South Hall (an industrial area in the borough of Middlesex, London) included Indian and Pakistani immigrants. Young men living separately from their wives reported promiscuity, some being infected with gonorrhea and syphilis. Like other studies, nocturnal emission, weakness, and impotency were the other reported complaints. Semen was considered to be responsible for strength and vigor by most patients. Compared to the sexual problems of Indians, the British residents complained of pelvic issues and backache.In another work, Bhatia et al.[42] undertook a study on culture-bound syndromes and reported that 76.7% of the sample had DS followed by possession syndrome and Koro (a genital-related anxiety among males in South-East Asia).
Priyadarshi and Verma[43] performed a study in Urology Department of S M S Hospital, Jaipur, India. They conducted the study among 110 male patients who complained of DS and majority of them were living alone (54.5%) or in nuclear family (30%) as compared to joint family. Furthermore, 60% of them reported of never having experienced sex.Nakra et al.[44] investigated incidence and clinical features of 150 consecutive patients who presented with potency complaints in their clinic. Clinical assessments were done apart from detailed sexual history. The patients were 15âÂÂ50 years of age, educated up to mid-school and mostly from a rural background.
Most of them were married and reported premarital sexual practices, while nearly 67% of them practiced masturbation from early age. There was significant guilt associated with nocturnal emissions and masturbation. Nearly 27% of the cases reported DS-like symptoms attributing their health problems to semen loss.Behere and Nataraj[45] reported that majority of the patients with DS presented with comorbidities of physical weakness, anxiety, headache, sad mood, loss of appetite, impotence, and premature ejaculation. The authors stated that DS in India is a symptom complex commonly found in younger age groups (16âÂÂ23 years). The study subjects presented with complaints of whitish discharge in urine and believed that the loss of semen through masturbation was the reason for DS and weakness.Singh et al.[46] studied 50 cases with DS and sexual problems (premature ejaculation and impotence) from Punjab, India, after exclusion of those who were psychiatrically ill.
It was assumed in the study that semen loss is considered synonymous to âÂÂloss of something preciousâÂÂ, hence its loss would be associated with low mood and grief. Impotency (24%), premature ejaculation (14%), and âÂÂDhatâ in urine (40%) were the common complaints observed. Patients reported variety of symptoms including anxiety, depression, appetite loss, sleep problems, bodily pains, and headache. More than half of the patients were independently diagnosed with depression, and hence, the authors argued that DS may be a manifestation of depressive disorders.Bhatia and Malik[47] reported that the most common complaints associated with DS were physical weakness, fatigue and palpitation, insomnia, sad mood, headache, guilt feeling and suicidal ideation, impotence, and premature ejaculation. Psychiatric disorders were found in 69% of the patients, out of which the most common was depression followed by anxiety, psychosis, and phobia.
About 15% of the patients were found to have premature ejaculation and 8% had impotence.Bhatia et al.[48] examined several biological variables of DS after enrolment of 40 patients in a psychosexual clinic in Delhi. Patients had a history of impotence, premature ejaculation, and loss of semen (after exclusion of substance abuse and other psychiatric disorders). Twenty years was the mean age of onset and semen loss was mainly through masturbation and sexual intercourse. 67.5% and 75% of them reported sexual disorders and psychiatric comorbidity while 25%, 12.5%, and 37.5% were recorded to suffer from ejaculatory impotence, premature ejaculation, and depression (with anxiety), respectively.Bhatia[49] conducted a study on CBS among 60 patients attending psychiatric outdoor in a teaching hospital. The study revealed that among all patients with CBSs, DS was the most common (76.7%) followed by possession syndrome (13.3%) and Koro (5%).
Hypochondriasis, sexually transmitted diseases, and depression were the associated comorbidities. Morrone et al.[50] studied 18 male patients with DS in the Dermatology department who were from Bangladesh and India. The symptoms observed were mainly fatigue and nonspecific somatic symptoms. DS patients manifested several symptoms in psychosocial, religious, somatic, and other domains. The reasons provided by the patients for semen loss were urinary loss, nocturnal emission, and masturbation.
Dhat Syndrome. The Epidemiology The typical demographic profile of a DS patient has been reported to be a less educated, young male from lower socioeconomic status and usually from rural areas. In the earlier Indian studies by Carstairs,[51],[52],[53] it was observed that majority of the cases (52%âÂÂ66.7%) were from rural areas, belonged to âÂÂconservative families and posed rigid views about sexâ (69%-73%). De Silva and Dissanayake[8] in their study on semen loss syndrome reported the average age of onset of DS to be 25 years with most of them from lower-middle socioeconomic class. Chadda and Ahuja[9] studied young psychiatric patients who complained of semen loss.
They were mainly manual laborers, farmers, and clerks from low socioeconomic status. More than half were married and mostly uneducated. Khan[13] studied DS patients in Pakistan and reported that majority of the patients visited Hakims (50%) and Homeopaths (24%) for treatment. The age range was wide between 12 and 65 years with an average age of 24 years. Among those studied, majority were unmarried (75%), literacy was up to matriculation and they belonged to lower socioeconomic class.
Grover et al.[15] in their study of 780 male subjects showed the average age of onset to be 28.14 years and the age ranged between 21 and 30 years (55.3%). The subjects were single or unmarried (51.0%) and married (46.7%). About 23.5% of the subjects had graduated and most were unemployed (73.5%). Majority of subjects were lower-middle class (34%) and had lower incomes. Rao[17] studied 907 subjects, in which majority were from 18 to 30 years (44.5%).
About 45.80% of the study subjects were illiterates and very few had completed postgraduation. The subjects were both married and single. Majority of the subjects were residing in nuclear family (61.30%) and only 0.30% subjects were residing alone. Most of the patients did not have comorbid addictive disorders. The subjects were mainly engaged in agriculture (43.40%).
Majority of the subjects were from lower middle and upper lower socioeconomic class.Shakya[20] had studied the sociodemographic profile of 50 patients with DS. The average age of the studied patients was 25.4 years. The age ranges in decreasing order of frequency were 16âÂÂ20 years (34%) followed by 21âÂÂ25 years (28%), greater than 30 years (26%), 26âÂÂ30 years (10%), and 11âÂÂ15 years (2%). Further, the subjects were mostly students (50%) and rest were in service (26%), farmers (14%), laborers (6%), and business (4%), respectively. Dhikav et al.[31] conducted a study on 30 patients who had attended the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary care hospital with complaints of frequently passing semen in urine.
In the studied patients, the age ranged between 20 and 40 years with an average age of 29 years and average age of onset of 19 years. The average duration of illness was that of 11 months. Most of the studied patients were unmarried (64.2%) and educated till middle or high school (70%). Priyadarshi and Verma[43] performed a study in 110 male patients with DS. The average age of the patients was 23.53 years and it ranged between 15 and 68 years.
The most affected age group of patients was of 18âÂÂ25 years, which comprised about 60% of patients. On the other hand, about 25% ranged between 25 and 35 years, 10% were lesser than 18 years of age, and 5.5% patients were aged >35 years. Higher percentage of the patients were unmarried (70%). Interestingly, high prevalence of DS was found in educated patients and about 50% of patients were graduate or above but most of the patients were either unemployed or student (49.1%). About 55% and 24.5% patients showed monthly family income of <10,000 and 5000 Indian Rupees (INR), respectively.
Two-third patients belonged to rural areas of residence. Behere and Nataraj[45] found majority of the patients with DS (68%) to be between 16 and 25 years age. About 52% patients were married while 48% were unmarried and from lower socioeconomic strata. The duration of DS symptoms varied widely. Singh[46] studied patients those who reported with DS, impotence, and premature ejaculation and reported the average age of the affected to be 21.8 years with a younger age of onset.
Only a few patients received higher education. Bhatia and Malik[47] as mentioned earlier reported that age at the time of onset of DS ranged from 16 to 24 years. More than half of them were single. It was observed that most patients had some territorial education (91.67%) but few (8.33%) had postgraduate education or professional training. Finally, Bhatia et al.[48] studied cases of sexual dysfunctions and reported an average age of 21.6 years among the affected, majority being unmarried (80%).
Most of those who had comorbid DS symptoms received minimal formal education. Management. A Multimodal Approach As mentioned before, individuals affected with DS often seek initial treatment with traditional healers, practitioners of alternative medicine, and local quacks. As a consequence, varied treatment strategies have been popularized. Dietary supplements, protein and iron-rich diet, Vitamin B and C-complexes, antibiotics, multivitamin injections, herbal âÂÂsupplements,â etc., have all been used in the treatment though scientific evidence related to them is sparse.[33] Frequent change of doctors, irregular compliance to treatment, and high dropout from health care are the major challenges, as the attributional beliefs toward DS persist in the majority even after repeated reassurance.[54] A multidisciplinary approach (involving psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric social workers) is recommended and close liaison with the general physicians, the Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy practitioners, dermatologists, venereologists, and neurologists often help.
The role of faith healers and local counselors is vital, and it is important to integrate them into the care of DS patients, rather than side-tracking them from the system. Community awareness needs to be increased especially in primary health care for early detection and appropriate referrals. Follow-up data show two-thirds of patients affected with DS recovering with psychoeducation and low-dose sedatives.[45] Bhatia[49] studied 60 cases of DS and reported better response to anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications compared to psychotherapy alone. Classically, the correction of attributional biases through empathy, reflective, and nonjudgmental approaches has been proposed.[38] Over the years, sex education, psychotherapy, psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, and medications have been advocated in the management of DS.[9],[55] In psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral and brief solution-focused approaches are useful to target the dysfunctional assumptions and beliefs in DS. The role of sex education is vital involving the basic understanding of sexual anatomy and physiology of sexuality.
This needs to be tailored to the local terminology and beliefs. Biofeedback has also been proposed as a treatment modality.[4] Individual stress factors that might have precipitated DS need to be addressed. A detailed outline of assessment, evaluation, and management of DS is beyond the scope of this article and has already been reported in the IPS Clinical Practice Guidelines.[56] The readers are referred to these important guidelines for a comprehensive read on management. Probably, the most important factor is to understand and resolve the sociocultural contexts in the genesis of DS in each individual. Adequate debunking of the myths related to sexuality and culturally appropriate sexual education is vital both for the prevention and treatment of DS.[56] Adequate treatment of comorbidities such as depression and anxiety often helps in reduction of symptoms, more so when the DS is considered to be a manifestation of the same.
Future of Dhat Syndrome. The Way Forward Classifications in psychiatry have always been fraught with debates and discussion such as categorical versus dimensional, biological versus evolutionary. CBS like DS forms a major area of this nosological controversy. Longitudinal stability of a diagnosis is considered to be an important part of its independent categorization. Sameer et al.[23] followed up DS patients for 6.0 ñ 3.5 years and concluded that the âÂÂpureâ variety of DS is not a stable diagnostic entity.
The authors rather proposed DS as a variant of somatoform disorder, with cultural explanations. The right âÂÂplaceâ for DS in classification systems has mostly been debated and theoretically fluctuant.[14] Sridhar et al.[57] mentioned the importance of reclassifying DS from a clinically, phenomenologically, psycho-pathologically, and diagnostically valid standpoint. Although both ICD and DSM have been culturally sensitive to classification, their approach to DS has been different. While ICD-10 considers DS under âÂÂother nonpsychotic mental disordersâ (F48), DSM-V mentions it only in appendix section as âÂÂcultural concepts of distressâ not assigning the condition any particular number.[12],[58] Fundamental questions have actually been raised about its separate existence altogether,[35] which further puts its diagnostic position in doubt. As discussed in the earlier sections, an alternate hypothesization of DS is a cultural variant of depression, rather than a âÂÂtrue syndrome.âÂÂ[27] Over decades, various schools of thought have considered DS either to be a global phenomenon or a cultural âÂÂidiomâ of distress in specific geographical regions or a manifestation of other primary psychiatric disorders.[59] Qualitative studies in doctors have led to marked discordance in their opinion about the validity and classificatory area of DS.[60] The upcoming ICD-11 targets to pay more importance to cultural contexts for a valid and reliable classification.
However, separating the phenomenological boundaries of diseases might lead to subsetting the cultural and contextual variants in broader rubrics.[61],[62] In that way, ICD-11 might propose alternate models for distinction of CBS like DS at nosological levels.[62] It is evident that various factors include socioeconomics, acceptability, and sustainability influence global classificatory systems, and this might influence the âÂÂnicheâ of DS in the near future. It will be interesting to see whether it retains its diagnostic independence or gets subsumed under the broader âÂÂnarrativeâ of depression. In any case, uniformity of diagnosing this culturally relevant yet distressing and highly prevalent condition will remain a major area related to psychiatric research and treatment. Conclusion DS is a multidimensional psychiatric âÂÂconstructâ which is equally interesting and controversial. Historically relevant and symptomatically mysterious, this disorder provides unique insights into cultural contexts of human behavior and the role of misattributions, beliefs, and misinformation in sexuality.
Beyond the traditional debate about its âÂÂseparateâ existence, the high prevalence of DS, associated comorbidities, and resultant dysfunction make it relevant for emotional and psychosexual health. It is also treatable, and hence, the detection, understanding, and awareness become vital to its management. This oration attempts a âÂÂbird's eyeâ view of this CBS taking into account a holistic perspective of the available evidence so far. The clinical manifestations, diagnostic and epidemiological attributes, management, and nosological controversies are highlighted to provide a comprehensive account of DS and its relevance to mental health. More systematic and mixed methods research are warranted to unravel the enigma of this controversial yet distressing psychiatric disorder.AcknowledgmentI sincerely thank Dr.
Debanjan Banerjee (Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore) for his constant selfless support, rich academic discourse, and continued collaboration that helped me condense years of research and ideas into this paper.Financial support and sponsorshipNil.Conflicts of interestThere are no conflicts of interest. References 1.2.3.Srinivasa Murthy R, Wig NN. A man ahead of his time. In. Sathyanarayana Rao TS, Tandon A, editors.
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Cultural perspectives related to international classification of diseases-11. Indian J Soc Psychiatry 2018;34 Suppl S1:1-4. Correspondence Address:T S Sathyanarayana RaoDepartment of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore - 570 004, Karnataka IndiaSource of Support. None, Conflict of Interest. NoneDOI.
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Using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore multiperspectivesInterpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was originally developed in 1995 by Johnathan Smith as a method to undertake experiential research in psychology and has gained prominence across health and social sciences as a way to understand and interpret topics that are complex and emotionally laden, such as chronic illness experiences.1 2 IPA aims to uncover what a lived experience means to the individual through a process of in-depth reflective inquiry.3 The IPA draws on phenomenological thinking, with the purpose to cialis with viagra together return âÂÂto the things themselvesâÂÂ3 (p168). However, IPA also acknowledges that we are each influenced by the worlds in which we live and the cialis with viagra together experiences we encounter. Therefore, IPA is an interpretative process between the researcher and researched, influenced predominantly by HeideggerâÂÂs interpretive phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography.
Within IPA, it cialis with viagra together is typical for researchers to select a small homogenous sample to explore the shared perspectives on a single phenomenon of interest4. Within IPA studies, the focus has been on individual people living within diverse settings and populations such as chronic or long-term illnesses. The focus is on understandings of rich, lived experiences, and, given the small samples, IPA studies have cialis with viagra together typically not focused on those connected to the person living with diversity or disease.
Recently, there has been an interest within IPA to suggest the value of capturing more complex data through multiple perspectives using designs and processes to address this shortcoming in IPA.4 This may involve the use of multiple participants and a range of data collection methods such as the use of dyads or focus groups. The aim cialis with viagra together of this paper is to explore the utility of IPA approaches using multiperspectives through focusing on a specific case study to illustrate this approach.Case studyThis case study focuses on an IPA study that focused on the lived experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYA) and their family/significant other living with malignant melanoma (MM). Families and other people important to the experience can provide cialis with viagra together a logical and insightful perspectives on a shared psychosocial phenomenon.
Multiperspective designs are gaining increasing prominence among researchers who recognise that an experience such as living with a long-term disease âÂÂis not solely located within the accounts of those with the diagnosisâÂÂ4 (p182). For the purposes of this case study, the family/significant others were seen as cialis with viagra together integral to the experience for the AYA living with MM and their journey together in supporting one another through this experience.During the 1970s, melanoma in AYA was rare, but over the intervening decades, there has been a marked increase in the reported incidence of MM in AYA around the globe.5âÂÂ7 There is a significant amount of biomedical empirical research evidence on melanoma but a dearth of qualitative research around the lived experience for AYA and their family/significant other living with this disease.A purposive sample of young participants, 16âÂÂ26 years, were identified by the Clinical Nurse Specialists that ensured the participants were experiencing the same phenomenon.8âÂÂ10 Although the intention was to carry out individual interviews with all the participants following the typical IPA approach, most of the AYA lived at home and the young participants expressed the desire for a shared interview, which was accommodated by the first author. The four individuals (n=4) and three-dyad interviews (n=6) allowed for the shared experience and the phenomena to be captured and understood through data analysis and interpretation.4 Although the use of individual and joint interviews had implications for data collection and analysisâÂÂsuch as the parent wishing to have their voice heard over their childâÂÂthe researcher had to ensure that questions were also directed to the young participant in order to capture both voices.
In depth, semistructured interviews were undertaken within the AYAs primary treatment centre on the day of the cialis with viagra together outpatient appointment and they were often accompanied with someone who was significant in their journey. Interviews lasted between 90 and 120 min.This study was novel to the experiences of AYA and family/significant other living with MM, which offers a new perspective on the dynamics that are present within the MM experience. Our findings can be valuable for both an AYA, family/significant other cialis with viagra together and health and social care professionals.
Both AYA and the family/significant other seemed to consider the emotional implications of talking about the disease. Throughout this process, participants seemed to strive for a shared understanding of the MM experience, a story that unified rather than divided them.Strengths and challengesA social phenomenological perspective demands an emphasis cialis with viagra together on understanding the participantâÂÂs experience of the world from their situation and then interpreting how that understanding is intersubjectively constructed.4 11 In-depth semistructured interviews, therefore, offered an appropriate and compelling method to generate data that permitted such insights and reflections, allowing participants to reconstruct their understandings of a phenomenon3 through narrative. Qualitative researchers are increasingly using âÂÂoint interviewsâ (dyad) to explore the lived experiences in health and cialis with viagra together capture the multiperspective.
However, the decision of whether to interview participants separately or together as a dyad is an important consideration because it influences the nature of the data collected and having two different types of data. Each transcript was analysed separately both cialis with viagra together for the AYA and then the family/significant other, whether as an individual or dyad. This was important as the researcher (first author) was not sure whether the findings for the AYA would be different from that of the family/significant other.
There also needs to be time built into the study for the data analysis and IPA founders suggest following the IPA methodology, researchers should follow the key steps.3 Analysing the data individually allowed the narrative to âÂÂopen upâ and reveal the experiences of the participantâÂÂs as various âÂÂindividual partsâ and then as a âÂÂwholeâÂÂ.2 3 Throughout the data analysis, the six key steps supported the rigour, transparency and coherence of the cialis with viagra together findings.Findings of the case studyThis study was organised hierarchically into themes and following the iterative process of analysis, the 'Life interrupted' meta-narrative was identified from all the participantâÂÂs lives. ÃÂÂLife interruptedâ speaks to the various ways that participantsâ lives were interrupted due to the cancer diagnosis, and the journey this disease took them on as well as the unsettling emotions that were experienced during this journey. This is woven into the whole journey experience and figure 1 illustrates the core conceptual thread and the interconnection between AYA and cialis with viagra together the family/significant other.
The interconnection between the cialis with viagra together four super-ordinate and the 12 subthemes is also shown. The ebb and flow of familial relationships can, in some situations, magnify the impact of the physical disease, with the emotional turmoil often rivalling the physical manifestation of the disease.8 11 Conversely, relationships may help the AYA and the family/significant other cope with the disease in a more positive and supportive way. The importance of these unique cialis with viagra together and changing relationships in living with MM should not be underestimated, and psychosocial research about YPs experiences of cancer would be enhanced through the further use and development of the multiperspective approach underpinned by IPA as used in this study, which is able to capture these dynamic inter-relationships.
A visual representation is provided within figure 1 and how the individual voices were captured through the individual and dyad interview.Visual multi-perspective IPA design. IPA, interpretative phenomenological analysis." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 1 Visual multi-perspective cialis with viagra together IPA design. IPA, interpretative phenomenological analysis.ConclusionsThis paper presents experiences of life events and processes that are intersubjective and relational.
Meaning is âÂÂin betweenâ us but is rarely studied that way in phenomenological inquiry.4 The meanings of events and processes are often contested and can sometimes be understood in a more complex manner when viewed from the cialis with viagra together multiple perspectives involved in the system that constitutes them. Multiple perspective designs can be a useful way for IPA researchers to address research questions that engage with these phenomena.Ethics statementsPatient consent for publicationNot required..
Using interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore multiperspectivesInterpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was originally developed in 1995 by Johnathan Smith as a method to undertake experiential research in psychology and has gained prominence across health and social sciences as a way to understand and interpret topics that are complex and emotionally laden, such as chronic illness experiences.1 2 IPA aims to uncover what a lived experience means to the individual through a process of in-depth reflective inquiry.3 The IPA draws on phenomenological thinking, with the purpose to return âÂÂto the things brand cialis for sale themselvesâÂÂ3 (p168). However, IPA also acknowledges that we are each influenced by the worlds in which we live brand cialis for sale and the experiences we encounter. Therefore, IPA is an interpretative process between the researcher and researched, influenced predominantly by HeideggerâÂÂs interpretive phenomenology, hermeneutics and idiography. Within IPA, it is typical for researchers to select a small homogenous sample to explore the shared perspectives on a single brand cialis for sale phenomenon of interest4. Within IPA studies, the focus has been on individual people living within diverse settings and populations such as chronic or long-term illnesses.
The focus is on understandings of rich, lived experiences, and, given the small samples, IPA studies have brand cialis for sale typically not focused on those connected to the person living with diversity or disease. Recently, there has been an interest within IPA to suggest the value of capturing more complex data through multiple perspectives using designs and processes to address this shortcoming in IPA.4 This may involve the use of multiple participants and a range of data collection methods such as the use of dyads or focus groups. The aim of this paper is to explore the utility of brand cialis for sale IPA approaches using multiperspectives through focusing on a specific case study to illustrate this approach.Case studyThis case study focuses on an IPA study that focused on the lived experiences of adolescents and young adults (AYA) and their family/significant other living with malignant melanoma (MM). Families and other people important to the experience can provide a brand cialis for sale logical and insightful perspectives on a shared psychosocial phenomenon. Multiperspective designs are gaining increasing prominence among researchers who recognise that an experience such as living with a long-term disease âÂÂis not solely located within the accounts of those with the diagnosisâÂÂ4 (p182).
For the purposes of this case study, the family/significant others were seen as integral to the experience for the AYA living with MM and their journey brand cialis for sale together in supporting one another through this experience.During the 1970s, melanoma in AYA was rare, but over the intervening decades, there has been a marked increase in the reported incidence of MM in AYA around the globe.5âÂÂ7 There is a significant amount of biomedical empirical research evidence on melanoma but a dearth of qualitative research around the lived experience for AYA and their family/significant other living with this disease.A purposive sample of young participants, 16âÂÂ26 years, were identified by the Clinical Nurse Specialists that ensured the participants were experiencing the same phenomenon.8âÂÂ10 Although the intention was to carry out individual interviews with all the participants following the typical IPA approach, most of the AYA lived at home and the young participants expressed the desire for a shared interview, which was accommodated by the first author. The four individuals (n=4) and three-dyad interviews (n=6) allowed for the shared experience and the phenomena to be captured and understood through data analysis and interpretation.4 Although the use of individual and joint interviews had implications for data collection and analysisâÂÂsuch as the parent wishing to have their voice heard over their childâÂÂthe researcher had to ensure that questions were also directed to the young participant in order to capture both voices. In depth, semistructured interviews were undertaken within the AYAs primary treatment centre on the day of the outpatient appointment brand cialis for sale and they were often accompanied with someone who was significant in their journey. Interviews lasted between 90 and 120 min.This study was novel to the experiences of AYA and family/significant other living with MM, which offers a new perspective on the dynamics that are present within the MM experience. Our findings can be valuable for brand cialis for sale both an AYA, family/significant other and health and social care professionals.
Both AYA and the family/significant other seemed to consider the emotional implications of talking about the disease. Throughout this process, participants seemed to strive for a shared understanding of the MM experience, a story that unified rather than divided them.Strengths and challengesA social phenomenological perspective demands an emphasis on understanding the participantâÂÂs brand cialis for sale experience of the world from their situation and then interpreting how that understanding is intersubjectively constructed.4 11 In-depth semistructured interviews, therefore, offered an appropriate and compelling method to generate data that permitted such insights and reflections, allowing participants to reconstruct their understandings of a phenomenon3 through narrative. Qualitative researchers are increasingly using âÂÂoint brand cialis for sale interviewsâ (dyad) to explore the lived experiences in health and capture the multiperspective. However, the decision of whether to interview participants separately or together as a dyad is an important consideration because it influences the nature of the data collected and having two different types of data. Each transcript was analysed brand cialis for sale separately both for the AYA and then the family/significant other, whether as an individual or dyad.
This was important as the researcher (first author) was not sure whether the findings for the AYA would be different from that of the family/significant other. There also needs to be time built into the study for the data analysis and IPA founders suggest following the IPA methodology, researchers should follow the key steps.3 Analysing the data individually allowed the narrative to âÂÂopen upâ and reveal the experiences of the participantâÂÂs as various âÂÂindividual partsâ and then as a âÂÂwholeâÂÂ.2 3 Throughout the data analysis, the six key steps supported the rigour, transparency and coherence of the findings.Findings brand cialis for sale of the case studyThis study was organised hierarchically into themes and following the iterative process of analysis, the 'Life interrupted' meta-narrative was identified from all the participantâÂÂs lives. ÃÂÂLife interruptedâ speaks to the various ways that participantsâ lives were interrupted due to the cancer diagnosis, and the journey this disease took them on as well as the unsettling emotions that were experienced during this journey. This is woven into the whole journey experience and brand cialis for sale figure 1 illustrates the core conceptual thread and the interconnection between AYA and the family/significant other. The interconnection between the four super-ordinate and the 12 subthemes is also shown brand cialis for sale.
The ebb and flow of familial relationships can, in some situations, magnify the impact of the physical disease, with the emotional turmoil often rivalling the physical manifestation of the disease.8 11 Conversely, relationships may help the AYA and the family/significant other cope with the disease in a more positive and supportive way. The importance of these unique and changing relationships in living with MM should not be underestimated, and psychosocial research about YPs experiences of cancer would be enhanced through brand cialis for sale the further use and development of the multiperspective approach underpinned by IPA as used in this study, which is able to capture these dynamic inter-relationships. A visual representation is provided within figure 1 and how the individual voices were captured through the individual and dyad interview.Visual multi-perspective IPA design. IPA, interpretative phenomenological brand cialis for sale analysis." data-icon-position data-hide-link-title="0">Figure 1 Visual multi-perspective IPA design. IPA, interpretative phenomenological analysis.ConclusionsThis paper presents experiences of life events and processes that are intersubjective and relational.
Meaning is âÂÂin betweenâ us but is rarely studied that way in phenomenological inquiry.4 The meanings of events and processes are often contested and can sometimes be understood in a brand cialis for sale more complex manner when viewed from the multiple perspectives involved in the system that constitutes them. Multiple perspective designs can be a useful way for IPA researchers to address research questions that engage with these phenomena.Ethics statementsPatient consent for publicationNot required..
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