Browsing by Author "Vythilingum, B."

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    Olfactory reference syndrome in DSM-V
    (Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG), 2009-09) Flegar, S. J.; Vythilingum, B.; Stein, D. J.; Lochner, C.
    To the Editor: We read with interest Dr A Lawrence’s recent SAMJ case report of a young man who presented with persistent preoccupation with personal body odour in the absence of any physical abnormalities
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    Risk factors for substance use in pregnant women in South Africa
    (HPMG, 2012-11) Vythilingum, B.; Roos, A.; Faure, S. C.; Geerts, L.; Stein, D. J.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objectives. To study the prevalence of alcohol and substance use in a South African antenatal population and its correlates with sociodemographic factors, depression and perceived stress. Methods. A prospective self-report study on all women presenting for their first antenatal visit who consented to the study at a midwife obstetric unit (MOU) in the East Metropole district, Cape Town, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analyses using the chi-square test, separate one-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression analyses were performed as appropriate. Outcome measures were depression, alcohol use and substance use. Results. The questionnaire was completed by 323 women. During pregnancy 36.8% of women smoked, 20.2% used alcohol and 4% used substances. Using EDS cut-off scores of 12 and 15, respectively, 48.9% and 33.6% of the sample had scores consistent with major depression. An EDS cut-off score of 12 was significantly associated with both alcohol use (25.9% v. 15.2%, p=0.019) and risky drinking (76.9% v. 36.8%, p=0.04), while an EDS cut-off score of 15 was significantly associated with substance use (8.2% v. 1.4%, p=0.004) as well as alcohol dependence (23.1% v. 3.1%). Conclusions. We found high rates of both alcohol abuse and antenatal depression, and a significant association between depression, substance use and alcohol abuse; EDS scores greater than 12 could be used to identify women at risk of alcohol dependence and/or substance abuse.
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    SSRI use in pregnancy : evaluating the risks and benefits
    (AOSIS Publishing, 2015) Du Toit, El.; Thomas, E.; Koen, L.; Vythilingum, B.; Grobler, S.; Smith, N.; Niehaus, D.
    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are considered the primary pharmacological treatment for moderate to severe depression during pregnancy. Data regarding the safety of their use during pregnancy remain controversial and conflicting. Decisions regarding the prescription of antidepressant treatment are often fraught with concern around potential harmful medication effects on the pregnancy, fetus and infant. Information on potential risks remains extremely varied and inconsistent across sources. This lack of clarity regarding drug safety brings significant uncertainty not only for treating physicians, but also for women seeking information about depression during pregnancy. This review aims to summarise and evaluate the current evidence base and to aid clinicians in performing a risk/benefit analysis for SSRI use during pregnancy and lactation.