Study Of Prevalence and Nature of Psychological Disturbances in Adolescents Attending Junior College in The Semi-Rural Area

A cross sectional survey was conducted initially followed by a prospective cohort study was undertaken to explore the prevalence and nature of psychological disturbance in the adolescents attending junior college in the semi-rural area of Palghar-Boisar. Also, the study includes the understanding of homoeopathic correspondence for the psychological disturbances prevalent. Random selection of three colleges was considered for the study including both science and commerce stream of both sexes. A survey was conducted with the orientation of the students and teachers in individual college for their approval in the study. Sample selection was done on the basis of positive scoring in GHQ 28 questionnaire. According to Goldberg ‘s method, individual scoring 4 and above are considered positive for the study. Total students oriented and attempted questionnaire were 509 students. Of which 250 were positive with scorings 4 and above. Considering the huge sample size, a cut-off point was admitted as 9 and above for exploring the nature of psychological disturbance. The total numbers of students scoring 9 and above were 90 students of the total 250 students. These 90 students were considered highly positive for the study and considered as a sample for undertaking the study. Of which 81 students were screened to explore the pattern of illness. Remaining students showed disapproval for the study. Various nature of psychological disturbances were explored with the help of the screening tool consisting a list of symptomatology representing various disorders from DSM-IV-TR. The prevalence of various combinations of psychological disturbances was elicited amongst the students. Difference between the students attending science stream and commerce stream was studied individually. Also, the difference between the gender predominance in the affection of psychological disturbances was studied. A cohort of 43 students was identified with prominent Anxiety state related to exam from the screened 81 students. Homoeopathic intervention was done as per the indication. The predominant remedies which were indicated for the Anxiety state were Aethusa, Kali Phosphoricum, Gelsemium, Lycopodium and Silicea. Prospective study was undertaken to study the remedy response with the specific follow up criteria. Difference in the remedy response before and after taking the homoeopathic medicines was studied. Homoeopathic correspondence was studied for the remaining 38 students individually. From the 81 students, 10 students volunteered for detail exploration. The pattern and nature of psychological disturbances were studied in detail in them. Homoeopathic correspondence for the nature of psychological disturbances in these cases was Silicea, Natrum Mur, Carcinosin, Natrum Sulphur, Lachesis, Pulsatilla, Arsenic Alb and Tuberculinum. Comprehensive understanding of all the cases was done with the help of diagnostic net tool from Standardized Case Record. Personality understanding was done with help of Eysenck ‘s Dimensions of personality with various personality factors. These dimensions were co-related with Homoeopathic concept of temperament. Thus, homoeopathic correspondence was studied with different dimensions of personality and temperament.