Journal of Pakistan Psychiatric Society

Sufi Healing and Mental Health and Wellbeing: Tradition, Evidence and Future Directions

2026-01-01T17:43:09+00:00

Nearly half (47%) of the Low-Income countries and one third (30%) of the Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) spend less than 1% of their health budget on mental health (1). There are 600 psychiatrists and an equal number of psychologists in Pakistan, serving a population of 250 million. This compares to some high-income countries, such as Canada, which has nearly 5,000 psychiatrists for a population of 41 million, and the United Kingdom, which has 13,000 psychiatrists for a population of 70 million. 80% of the world population living in LMICS has high rates of mental illness and has poor access to mental healthcare (2). So, where do people go to seek help for their emotional and mental health problems?

Gut–Brain Axis and Gut–Mind Interaction: Clinical, Psychosomatic, and Public Health Perspectives from Pakistan

2026-01-01T17:43:48+00:00

The gut-brain axis is a two-way transmission system between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system via neural, hormonal, immunological and microbial pathways. Accumulating evidence is showing that gastrointestinal physiology has a strong impact on mood, thinking, and behaviour while psychological stress can have a strong impact on gut motility, secretion, permeability, immune activation and microbiota composition. Functional gastrointestinal disorders, in particular, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional dyspepsia are the best established clinical models for this interaction. Data from Pakistan, but not abundant, seem to persistently show a high prevalence of functional gut pathology with significant psychiatric co-morbidity (particularly anxiety and depression). Emerging local evidence has also mostly suggested associations between gut health and cognitive performance. This brief review in the discussion highlights role of biological mechanisms, clinical presentation, regional epidemiology and public health implications of gut - mind interactions with special reference to Pakistan.

Impostor Phenomenon - Prevalence and Impact on Undergraduate Medical Students in Islamabad; a Cross-sectional Study.

2026-01-01T17:44:28+00:00

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of Impostor Phenomenon among undergraduate Medical Students in Islamabad. The primary objectives include assessing the impact of IP across different academic years, exploring gender-based variations, and examining the influence of residential status on IP prevalence.

Methods: This study employs a cross-sectional observational design, involving 230 MBBS students from the first to fifth year. Data collection utilises the Clance IP Scale, with online and physical questionnaires distributed using convenience sampling. The study acknowledges potential participant bias and focuses on a single-centre medical institution.

Results: Findings reveal a significant prevalence of IP across all academic years, with a heightened incidence among first-year students. Gender disparities show a higher prevalence amongst females, and residential status additionally influences IP prevalence, with day scholars exhibiting a higher susceptibility.

Conclusion: This study describes the urgent need for increased awareness and targeted interventions to address the psychological impact of IP on medical students. Recognizing specific challenges related to academic years and gender allows for tailored support mechanisms. While acknowledging study limitations, these findings advocate for broader, multi-institutional investigations.

Exploring the Relationship between Screen Time (Academic and Recreational) and Physical Activity Levels in Medical Students.

2026-01-01T17:44:09+00:00

Objective: To explore the relationship between academic and recreational screen time and physical activity levels among medical students in Pakistan, taking into account demographic and lifestyle factors.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital and Nishtar Medical University from October 2024 to March 2025.

Subjects and Methods: A stratified random sample of 374 medical students was selected, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire that assessed screen time and physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression performed using SPSS version 23, with a significance threshold set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: The participants reported an average academic screen time of 2.43 ± 1.39 hours per day and recreational screen time of 3.58 ± 1.48 hours per day. Recreational screen time negatively impacted academic performance for 59.9% of students, with only 5.6% engaging in physical activities concurrently. Physical activity levels were low among 65% of participants. Barriers to physical activity included a lack of motivation (47.9%) and academic commitments (35.6%). Male students and those over the age of 20 exhibited higher levels of physical activity. Excessive academic screen time was strongly associated with low physical activity (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Medical students in Pakistan demonstrate low levels of physical activity, which are further exacerbated by excessive screen time, particularly for academic purposes. Interventions aimed at promoting balanced screen use and encouraging physical activity are essential.

The Frequency and type of Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) in Patients with known Psychiatric Illness

2026-01-02T03:37:36+00:00

Objective

To determine the frequency and types of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among psychiatric outpatients in Karachi, Pakistan, and assess associations with sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Study Design Cross-sectional analysis of 300 psychiatric outpatients from January to May 2025.

Place and Duration of Study

Conducted at the Psychiatry Outpatient Department of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, over five months.

Methods

Participants completed a culturally adapted Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), which assesses 13 ACE domains. ICD-11-diagnosed patients(excluding active psychosis) were evaluated. Data analysis using SPSS v23.0 included chi-square tests to examine associations between ACEs, diagnoses, and sociodemographics.

Results

Emotional neglect was the most prevalent ACE (26.57%), followed by physical abuse (17.87%) and emotional abuse (17.87%). Sexual abuse was underreported (6.7%). Household dysfunction included physical neglect (11.11%) and household mental illness (11.11%), while parental separation/divorce was rare (0.48%). Major depressive disorder patients reported higher emotional abuse/neglect, and generalized anxiety disorder patients showed elevated physical abuse, though no ACE reached statistical significance across diagnoses (p > 0.05). Preliterate participants had higher emotional neglect rates (p = 0.019), and parental conflicts marginally correlated with suicidal attempts in schizophrenia (p = 0.019).

Conclusion
ACE patterns in Pakistani psychiatric patients reflect cultural norms, including normalized emotional neglect and familial preservation despite dysfunction. Trauma-informed careaddressing these culturally mediated adversities is critical for improving mental health outcomes.

Keywords

Adverse childhood experiences; Mental disorders; Cross-sectional studies; Pakistan; Trauma-

informed care.

Lipid Profile Improvements: Omega-3 Fatty Acids vs. Aripiprazole as Adjuncts to Olanzapine Therapy

2026-01-01T17:42:50+00:00

Abstract: Schizophrenia is a psychiatric illness. Pharmacological treatment includes typical and atypical antipsychotics (Olanzapine). Olanzapine causes derangements of lipid profile and glucose metabolism. This study was designed to compare the effects of omega 3 fatty acids (FA) and add on aripiprazole on these metabolic derangements.

Subjects and Methods: Sixty shizophrenic patients (both genders), taking olanzapine and having deranged serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol were recruited (two groups, Group I and Group II with 30 subjects in each group). Group I was administered 1000 mg omega 3 FA/day/oral at bed time for twelve weeks. Group II was administered aripiprazole 5 mg /day/oral at bed time. Body weight was measured at screening and after 12 weeks. Serum triglyceride and serum LDL cholesterol of both groups were measured at screening (0 day), 6 weeks and after 12 weeks. Collected data was analyzed using SPSS 20.

Results: After 12 weeks Group I showed 19% and Group II 15 % reduction in body weight. Group I showed 22 % reduction and Group II depicted 20 % reduction in serum triglyceride. Serum LDL cholesterol of Group I showed 20 % and group II 19 % reduction. Body weight, serum triglyceride and LDL cholesterol of Group I and Group II had significantly (≤0.05) reduced as compared to screening.

Conclusion: Treatment with omega 3 FA and aripiprazole successfully reduced body weight, serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

Exploring the Relationship between Meaning in Life and Psychological Distress in Male Patients with Substance Use Disorder in Pakistan

2026-01-01T17:42:30+00:00

Objectives: To assess relationship between psychological discomfort and life's purpose in Pakistani men with drug use disorders.

Study design: Correlational Study

Place and duration of study: The study was conducted at Bacha Khan Medical Complex/Gajju Khan Medical College Swabi in a duration of 5 months from march 2023 to July 2023.

Subjects and methods: One hundred male participants with a diagnosis of Substance use disorder (SUD) who were 18 years old were included in the research from local clinics and treatment facilities for addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers. Informed consent was taken from the participants. Psychological discomfort and sense of purpose were measured through The Purpose in Life Test (PIL) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) respectively.

Results: The results showed that participants' average age was 35.4 years (SD = 8.6) while average duration of drugs use was 9.2 years (SD = 4.3). The psychological distress among individuals was moderate, with a mean BSI score of 2.3 (SD = 0.7). The average PIL score was 42.1 (SD = 9.6), which indicated a moderate degree of life meaning.

OPPORTUNITY IN ADVERSITY

2026-01-01T17:44:46+00:00