Dinesh Sharma | Himachal Pradeh University (original) (raw)

Papers by Dinesh Sharma

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, Sep 28, 2017

Background: The alcohol use disorders are frequently associated with other co-morbid psychiatric ... more Background: The alcohol use disorders are frequently associated with other co-morbid psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic variables, drinking history and psychiatric co-morbidity in alcohol dependent subjects. Methods: In this study, 40 consecutive patients were enrolled. After a minimum 1 month of sobriety, patients who fulfilled ICD-10 criteria of alcohol dependence were interviewed for data collection using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (Version-6.0) and a specially designed sociodemographic and clinical interview proforma. Subjects with substance use except tobacco were excluded from study. Main group comparison used chi-square test for categorical variables and the t-test for continuous variables. Results: Most of the patients studied were >40 years of age. Majority were employed (92%), lived in nuclear families (78%) and came from rural background (77.5%). Forty five percent of the patients initiated alcohol drinking between 16-25 years and reported peer pressure (50%) as most significant factor responsible for initiation of drinking alcohol. Mean age of developing alcohol dependence was 25.12 years (SD=4.28). Mean AUDIT score for subjects was 27.7 (SD=4.73). Lifetime psychiatric co-morbid disorders were detected in 45%. Psychiatric disorders most frequently associated with alcohol dependence were major depressive disorder (10%), bipolar affective disorder (7.5%), dysthymia (5%), anxiety disorders (7.5%) and antisocial personality disorder (5%). Conclusion: The study indicates that psychiatric disorders are prevalent in alcohol dependents and mood disorders are the most prevalent ones. It was also observed that co-morbid psychiatric disorders are associated with more severe alcohol problems.

Background: Cognitive impairment is a common clinical condition among elderly patients suffering ... more Background: Cognitive impairment is a common clinical condition among elderly patients suffering with depression and has a well-known aetiology. The present study planned to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and depression in geriatric patients attending Psychiatric outpatient department services. Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional one and carried out with a sound methodology on elderly patients attending the

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2020

Background: The present study was done in a tertiary care centre of North India to know the profi... more Background: The present study was done in a tertiary care centre of North India to know the profile of epilepsy.Methods: Total of 210 patients were selected during the period August, 2017 to July 2018 who attended outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Detailed clinical history was taken, general physical examination, and routine blood examination were carried out.Results: Of all the cases, sex ratio (male:female) was 2.39:1. A high proportion of cases (43.3%) were from lower-middle socio-economic group. 76.7% patients had generalized seizures. For 38.6% patients, frequency of seizures was more than 8 in the past 6 months. 71.9% of the patients were using only one anti-epileptic drug.Conclusions: Patients with seizures comprise a significant burden in inpatient department of developing countries.

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2018

Background: This descriptive, cross sectional study identified the occurrence of burnout and some... more Background: This descriptive, cross sectional study identified the occurrence of burnout and some associated factors among nurses working in various departments at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India which is a tertiary care health centre in the state.Methods: A total of 257 nurses screened in the hospital out of which 81 completed the study. Eighty-one nurses answered a self-administered questionnaire (sociodemographic aspects, working conditions, and Maslach Burnout Inventory). Mean scores were compared using ANOVA test. Student T-test was applied to compare mean scores between the groups.Results: All the participants were females (100%), with up to five years’ experience. High levels of emotional stress (45.7%) and depersonalization (24.7%) were identified, as well as low professional fulfilment (6.2%), and 8.6% presented burnout. The following factors were associated: high levels of emotional stress and always perform tasks very quickly (p=0.04) and re...

Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2011

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2010

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2010

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2016

Depression in association with dermatologic disease is not uncommon and increases the morbidity a... more Depression in association with dermatologic disease is not uncommon and increases the morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and treatment of depression associated with dermatological disorders can lead to improved therapeutic outcomes and avert disastrous consequences including suicide. We wish to report a case of a young man with Epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa who attempted suicide due to secondary depression and improved significantly after management of depression.

Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2006

This report describes an unusual presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with predomi... more This report describes an unusual presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with predominant religious obsessions and compulsions (scrupulosity) in which the patient starved himself by keeping fast excessively to the extent of emaciation and extreme weakness even in walking and became bedridden.

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2009

Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad sp... more Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad spectrum and once-daily dosing. Fluoroquinolones are associated with various neuropsychiatric side effects, such as seizures, insomnia, confusion, lightheadedness, psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman given gemifloxacin for an upper respiratory tract infection who developed acute dystonia on the third day following therapy initiation. The clinical implications are discussed.

Psychopharmacology bulletin, Jan 26, 2017

Two patients with opium dependence developed delirium during abstinence. The delirium resolved co... more Two patients with opium dependence developed delirium during abstinence. The delirium resolved completely within 48-58 hours of appropriate treatment. Caution needs to be exercised during opioid detoxification in timely detecting and treating potentially life-threatening condition like delirium.

Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2011

Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2010

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences

Background: Suicide is the result of an act deliberately initiated and performed by a person in t... more Background: Suicide is the result of an act deliberately initiated and performed by a person in the full knowledge or expectation of its fatal outcome. Suicide attempts are a significant public health problem. The present study aimed to explore the variousclinical characteristics of suicideattempters in a tertiary care hospital of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, a northern state of India.Methods: We conducted a descriptive study among patients with attempted suicide to the department of Psychiatry, Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla. A structured, self-designed interview schedule and short-form revised Eyseneck personality questionnaire-Hindi (EPQRS-H) was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using Epi info software v 7.2.0.Results: There were total 77 participants in the study out of which 44 (57.1%) were females. Mean age (Standard deviation) of participants was 30.8 years (9.9 years). Relationship problems were the most common (48.1%) recent life event followed by healt...

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences

Background: Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide and has a lifetim... more Background: Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide and has a lifetime prevalence of about 3% in general population. In patients with bipolar disorder there was 58 % lifetime prevalence of co-occurring alcohol abuse and a 38 % lifetime prevalence of co-occurring other substance abuse. Substance abuse interferes with treatment and management approaches of the bipolar disorder.Methods: A cross sectional observational study of 120 male patients divided in substance abusing (60) and non-substance abusing groups (60) with bipolar disorder according to DSM-V, who met the Inclusion criteria . A written informed consent was obtained from the patients and/ or their family members. Patient’s information was recorded on the socio-demographic and clinical profile sheet .Thereafter, YMRS or HAM-D scales were applied as per the phase of the illness.Results: Most of the patients were between 15-25 years in SAB group and 35-50 years in NSAB group, educated, semiskilled a...

Indian Journal of Medical …, 2009

Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad sp... more Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad spectrum and once-daily dosing. Fluoroquinolones are associated with various neuropsychiatric side effects, such as seizures, insomnia, confusion, lightheadedness, psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman given gemifloxacin for an upper respiratory tract infection who developed acute dystonia on the third day following therapy initiation. The clinical implications are discussed.

Late onset psychiatric disorders are often associated with organic factors, either medical or neu... more Late onset psychiatric disorders are often associated with organic factors, either medical or neurological. Mania occurring for the first time in the elderly population is rarely reported. We hereby report a patient with first episode mania who was investigated in detail, but no organic factors were found. He was diagnosed as first episode mania and was managed with divalproex and olanzapine.

This report describes an unusual presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with predomi... more This report describes an unusual presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with predominant religious obsessions and compulsions (scrupulosity) in which the patient starved himself by keeping fast excessively to the extent of emaciation and extreme weakness even in walking and became bedridden.

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, Sep 28, 2017

Background: The alcohol use disorders are frequently associated with other co-morbid psychiatric ... more Background: The alcohol use disorders are frequently associated with other co-morbid psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic variables, drinking history and psychiatric co-morbidity in alcohol dependent subjects. Methods: In this study, 40 consecutive patients were enrolled. After a minimum 1 month of sobriety, patients who fulfilled ICD-10 criteria of alcohol dependence were interviewed for data collection using Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (Version-6.0) and a specially designed sociodemographic and clinical interview proforma. Subjects with substance use except tobacco were excluded from study. Main group comparison used chi-square test for categorical variables and the t-test for continuous variables. Results: Most of the patients studied were >40 years of age. Majority were employed (92%), lived in nuclear families (78%) and came from rural background (77.5%). Forty five percent of the patients initiated alcohol drinking between 16-25 years and reported peer pressure (50%) as most significant factor responsible for initiation of drinking alcohol. Mean age of developing alcohol dependence was 25.12 years (SD=4.28). Mean AUDIT score for subjects was 27.7 (SD=4.73). Lifetime psychiatric co-morbid disorders were detected in 45%. Psychiatric disorders most frequently associated with alcohol dependence were major depressive disorder (10%), bipolar affective disorder (7.5%), dysthymia (5%), anxiety disorders (7.5%) and antisocial personality disorder (5%). Conclusion: The study indicates that psychiatric disorders are prevalent in alcohol dependents and mood disorders are the most prevalent ones. It was also observed that co-morbid psychiatric disorders are associated with more severe alcohol problems.

Background: Cognitive impairment is a common clinical condition among elderly patients suffering ... more Background: Cognitive impairment is a common clinical condition among elderly patients suffering with depression and has a well-known aetiology. The present study planned to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment and depression in geriatric patients attending Psychiatric outpatient department services. Methods: The study was a prospective cross-sectional one and carried out with a sound methodology on elderly patients attending the

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2020

Background: The present study was done in a tertiary care centre of North India to know the profi... more Background: The present study was done in a tertiary care centre of North India to know the profile of epilepsy.Methods: Total of 210 patients were selected during the period August, 2017 to July 2018 who attended outpatient clinic of the Department of Neurology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Detailed clinical history was taken, general physical examination, and routine blood examination were carried out.Results: Of all the cases, sex ratio (male:female) was 2.39:1. A high proportion of cases (43.3%) were from lower-middle socio-economic group. 76.7% patients had generalized seizures. For 38.6% patients, frequency of seizures was more than 8 in the past 6 months. 71.9% of the patients were using only one anti-epileptic drug.Conclusions: Patients with seizures comprise a significant burden in inpatient department of developing countries.

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 2018

Background: This descriptive, cross sectional study identified the occurrence of burnout and some... more Background: This descriptive, cross sectional study identified the occurrence of burnout and some associated factors among nurses working in various departments at Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India which is a tertiary care health centre in the state.Methods: A total of 257 nurses screened in the hospital out of which 81 completed the study. Eighty-one nurses answered a self-administered questionnaire (sociodemographic aspects, working conditions, and Maslach Burnout Inventory). Mean scores were compared using ANOVA test. Student T-test was applied to compare mean scores between the groups.Results: All the participants were females (100%), with up to five years’ experience. High levels of emotional stress (45.7%) and depersonalization (24.7%) were identified, as well as low professional fulfilment (6.2%), and 8.6% presented burnout. The following factors were associated: high levels of emotional stress and always perform tasks very quickly (p=0.04) and re...

Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2011

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2010

Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, 2010

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 2016

Depression in association with dermatologic disease is not uncommon and increases the morbidity a... more Depression in association with dermatologic disease is not uncommon and increases the morbidity and mortality. Early recognition and treatment of depression associated with dermatological disorders can lead to improved therapeutic outcomes and avert disastrous consequences including suicide. We wish to report a case of a young man with Epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa who attempted suicide due to secondary depression and improved significantly after management of depression.

Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2006

This report describes an unusual presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with predomi... more This report describes an unusual presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with predominant religious obsessions and compulsions (scrupulosity) in which the patient starved himself by keeping fast excessively to the extent of emaciation and extreme weakness even in walking and became bedridden.

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences, 2009

Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad sp... more Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad spectrum and once-daily dosing. Fluoroquinolones are associated with various neuropsychiatric side effects, such as seizures, insomnia, confusion, lightheadedness, psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman given gemifloxacin for an upper respiratory tract infection who developed acute dystonia on the third day following therapy initiation. The clinical implications are discussed.

Psychopharmacology bulletin, Jan 26, 2017

Two patients with opium dependence developed delirium during abstinence. The delirium resolved co... more Two patients with opium dependence developed delirium during abstinence. The delirium resolved completely within 48-58 hours of appropriate treatment. Caution needs to be exercised during opioid detoxification in timely detecting and treating potentially life-threatening condition like delirium.

Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2011

Journal of Neuropsychiatry, 2010

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences

Background: Suicide is the result of an act deliberately initiated and performed by a person in t... more Background: Suicide is the result of an act deliberately initiated and performed by a person in the full knowledge or expectation of its fatal outcome. Suicide attempts are a significant public health problem. The present study aimed to explore the variousclinical characteristics of suicideattempters in a tertiary care hospital of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, a northern state of India.Methods: We conducted a descriptive study among patients with attempted suicide to the department of Psychiatry, Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) Shimla. A structured, self-designed interview schedule and short-form revised Eyseneck personality questionnaire-Hindi (EPQRS-H) was used for data collection. Data was analyzed using Epi info software v 7.2.0.Results: There were total 77 participants in the study out of which 44 (57.1%) were females. Mean age (Standard deviation) of participants was 30.8 years (9.9 years). Relationship problems were the most common (48.1%) recent life event followed by healt...

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences

Background: Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide and has a lifetim... more Background: Bipolar disorder is the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide and has a lifetime prevalence of about 3% in general population. In patients with bipolar disorder there was 58 % lifetime prevalence of co-occurring alcohol abuse and a 38 % lifetime prevalence of co-occurring other substance abuse. Substance abuse interferes with treatment and management approaches of the bipolar disorder.Methods: A cross sectional observational study of 120 male patients divided in substance abusing (60) and non-substance abusing groups (60) with bipolar disorder according to DSM-V, who met the Inclusion criteria . A written informed consent was obtained from the patients and/ or their family members. Patient’s information was recorded on the socio-demographic and clinical profile sheet .Thereafter, YMRS or HAM-D scales were applied as per the phase of the illness.Results: Most of the patients were between 15-25 years in SAB group and 35-50 years in NSAB group, educated, semiskilled a...

Indian Journal of Medical …, 2009

Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad sp... more Gemifloxacin is a recently introduced fluoroquinolone antibiotic frequently used for its broad spectrum and once-daily dosing. Fluoroquinolones are associated with various neuropsychiatric side effects, such as seizures, insomnia, confusion, lightheadedness, psychosis, paranoia and hallucinations. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman given gemifloxacin for an upper respiratory tract infection who developed acute dystonia on the third day following therapy initiation. The clinical implications are discussed.

Late onset psychiatric disorders are often associated with organic factors, either medical or neu... more Late onset psychiatric disorders are often associated with organic factors, either medical or neurological. Mania occurring for the first time in the elderly population is rarely reported. We hereby report a patient with first episode mania who was investigated in detail, but no organic factors were found. He was diagnosed as first episode mania and was managed with divalproex and olanzapine.

This report describes an unusual presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with predomi... more This report describes an unusual presentation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with predominant religious obsessions and compulsions (scrupulosity) in which the patient starved himself by keeping fast excessively to the extent of emaciation and extreme weakness even in walking and became bedridden.