s.s. alavi

New information on the epidemiology of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents is essential for planning and management of health system. Despite the significance of recognizing the health status of children and adolescents, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in Iran has not been systematically investigated. This study, which is part of the National Survey of Iranian Children and Adolescents (IRCAP), examines the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents in Mazandaran province, northern Iran.

In a cross-sectional survey, 1051 children and adolescents residing in Mazandaran, aged 6 – 18 years, were selected by multistage cluster random sampling. In addition to demographic data, the Persian version of K-SADS-PL (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children--Present and Lifetime Version) was used to assess psychiatric disorders based on Axis I of the DSM-IV.

The overall prevalence of psychiatric disorders is 18% (20.42 – 15.78), mood disorders is 2% (3.15 – 1.38), psychotic disorders is 0.1% (0.2 – 55.02), anxiety disorders is 10.4% (12.8 – 36.67), separation anxiety disorder is 4.6% (6.3 – 01.46), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is 0.3% (0.8 – 0.1), behavioral disorders is 5.1% (6.3 – 65.96), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 2.9% (4.16 – 2.09), conduct disorder is 2.0% (0.0 – 8.1), neurodevelopmental disorders is 2.1% (3.1 – 15.38) and mental retardation is 0.8% (1.4 – 49.0). 42.9% of the cases with depressive disorders also have anxiety disorders. 17.4% of anxiety disorders are associated with behavioral disorders.

According to the results of this study, psychiatric disorders are considerably common among children and adolescents in Mazandaran. Anxiety disorders are the most common and psychotic disorders are the least common group of psychiatric disorders. Separation anxiety disorder is the most common and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the least common anxiety disorder. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common and conduct disorder the least common behavioral disorder. Among psychiatric disorders, the highest comorbidity is between depression and anxiety disorders.

Bioethanol production from agricultural residues is one of the promising methods, since the raw materials are abundant and unvalued. Pretreatment is the most important step in bioethanol production. In this study, saccharification percentage of steam and microwave pretreatment methods was investigated in sugarcane bagasse. Microwave pretreatment was studied in two factors of microwave power and retention time (170, 450 and 850 W and 2, 6 and 10 min, respectively). In addition, steam pretreatment was surveyed in two factors of sulfuric acid containing and retention time (0, 1, 2 and 3% and 7 and 14 min, respectively). After hydrolysis, saccharification percentage was up to 49.6% for steam pretreatment and 57.2% for microwave pretreatment, respectively, compared to 20.85% in non-pretreated bagasse. So, microwave was called the more effective pretreatment in this study.

Introduction &

Some researches have shown that 14% of internet users suffer from OCD behaviors, psychosis status, depression, and etc. Also, in other studies characteristics such as social withdrawal, low self esteem, etc have been considered. This study aims to investigate internet addiction and its relationship to psychiatric symptoms.

In order to perform this descriptive and cross-sectional research, a total of 120 students of Isfahan universities was selected based on quota sampling. The samples completed demographic questionnaires, YDQ, Internet Addiction Test(IAT), and Symptom Checklist-90-Revision(SCL-90-R). Finally, scores of psychiatric symptoms were predicted by internet addiction scores. Also, mean psychiatric symptoms in internet addicted and non addicted were compared. The data was analyzed using Multiple Logistic Regression & MANCOVA by SPSS12 Software.

Based on our findings, there are significant differences between mean psychiatric symptoms in all of SCL-90-R subscales and GSI,PSDI,PST in addicted and non addicted (P<0.05). Also, findings showed that there are positive and significant correlation between scores of psychiatric symptoms(such as depression, anxiety, hypochondriasis, OCD, Interpersonal Sensivity, aggression, paranoia, phobia and psychosis), and GSI,PSDI,PST and internet addiction.(P<0.01). Also, internet addiction (with controlling sex variable) influences on psychiatric symptoms.

The findings of this research suggest that internet addiction should be considered a serious health problem because of its side effects on the youth. Also, it is necessary for psychiatrists and psychologists practicing in mental health areas to be aware of mental problems due to internet addiction such as anxiety, depression, aggression, occupationl and educational dissatisfaction.