Iranian journal of psychiatry and behavioral sciences 

About: Iranian journal of psychiatry and behavioral sciences is an academic journal published by Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Anxiety & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 1735-8639. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 900 publications have been published receiving 5681 citations.

The Elderly Population in Iran: An Ever Growing Concern in the Health System

Abstract: UNLABELLED The population ages 65 and over is expected to grow very rapidly in all parts of the world. Over the next decades, the elderly population is projected to grow much more quickly than the total population in all parts of the world. At the global level, the number of those over age 60 is projected by the UN Population Division to increase from just under 800 million in 2011 (representing 11% of world population) to just over 2 billion in 2050 (representing 22% of world population). World population is projected to increase 3.7 times from 1950 to 2050, but the number of those aged 60 and over will increase by a factor of nearly 10. Among the elderly, the "oldest old" - i.e., those aged 80 and over - is projected increase by a factor of 26. ACCOMPANYING THESE PROJECTED INCREASES IN ELDER SHARES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD IS ANOTHER SALIENT TREND: the "compression of morbidity". Anti-aging technologies - from memory-enhancing drugs to high-tech joint replacements - and healthier lifestyles have not merely increased longevity but have also made old age healthier. Although population aging is occurring in both developed and developing countries, the most rapid aging is taking place primarily in relatively newly industrialized or developing countries. Population aging generates many challenges and sparks concerns about the pace of future economic growth, the operation and financial integrity of health care and pension systems, and the well-being of the elderly. THE KEY IS ADAPTATION ON ALL LEVELS individual, organizational, and societal.

Relationship between self-efficacy and symptoms of anxiety, depression, worry and social avoidance in a normal sample of students

Abstract: Objective: Self-efficacy beliefs determine how people feel, think, motivate themselves and behave. Regarding to similar findings it is supposed that concept of self efficacy has a general role on mental health. The present study focused on examining the relationships between self-efficacy and symptoms of depression, anxiety, worry and social avoidance in a large sample of normal students (n=549). Methods: The sample included of 266 female and 283 male high school students from schools of distinct areas 6, 8 and 9 (Tehran, Iran). The schools were chosen randomly. Participants completed the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children and Social Avoidance & Distress Scale and also the scales measuring trait anxiety, depression, worry and social avoidance. Stepwise regression analyses were used as methods of analysis. Results: Main results distinguished that there is a significant and negative relationship between total selfefficacy, physical self-efficacy and academic self-efficacy and depression. Also significant and negative relationships were found between total self-efficacy, physical self-efficacy and emotional self-efficacy and anxiety. Emotional self-efficacy and physical self-efficacy had significantly a negative relationship to worry. On the other hand, social self-efficacy and physical self-efficacy were significantly and negatively related to social avoidance Conclusion: According to what is discussed the various aspects of mental health is influenced by the sense of self efficacy appraisal. So low self efficacy usually increases some problems such as emotional and social problems which involves in mental health. Declaration of Interest: None. Citation: Tahmassian K, Jalali Moghadam N. Relationship between self-efficacy and symptoms of anxiety, depression, worry and social avoidance in a normal sample of students. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci 2011; 5(2): 91-

Females Are More Anxious Than Males: a Metacognitive Perspective

Abstract: Objective: Previous studies have suggested that anxiety disorders are more prevalent among women than men. The purpose of this study was to compare the metacognitive perspective of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in females with males. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on the high school girls and boys who have been affected by GAD. The sample consisted of 100 high school students (50 boys and 50 girls) selected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GADS) and semi-structured interview. They filled the Metacognitive Thought Control Questionnaire (TCQ), and Anxiety Thoughts Inventory (AnTI). Results: Significant differences were observed between girls and boys in anxiety thoughts (health anxiety, social anxiety, and meta-worry). Anxiety thoughts affect girls more than boys; they have more metacognitive beliefs about uncontrollability of worry and believe that worry must be avoided. On the other hand, positive beliefs in worry are more common in girls and punishment and meta-worry are being implemented as control strategies in girls more than boys. Conclusion: Metacognitive beliefs in uncontrollability, advantages and avoidance of worry may contribute to the higher prevalence of anxiety in females than males. Declaration of Interest: None. Citation: Bahrami F, Yousefi N. Females are more anxious than males: A Metacognitive Perspective. Iran J Psychiatry Behav Sci 2011; 5(2): 83-90.

Reliability and validity of the persian version of templer death anxiety scale-extended in veterans of Iran-Iraq warfare

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the val idity and reliability of the Persian version of Templer Death Anxiety Scale-Extended (DAS-E) in veterans of Iran ‐Iraq Warfare. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 211 male veterans o f Iran ‐Iraq Warfare completed the 51 item DASE. Principal components analysis with varimax rotat ion was used to assess domain structure of the DAS- E. Internal consistency reliability was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha. Test‐retest reliability was asses sed with intra-class correlation coefficients for absolute a greement for the individual items and domains. Results: The construct validity of the scale was obtained us ing exploratory factor analysis that showed four factors with Eigen values of greater than 1 (1, 11 items, α = 0.83; 2, 7 items; α = 0.87; 3, 5 items, α = 0.73; and 4, 4 items, α = 0.75). Test‐retest and internal consistency (tot al alpha) was 0.91 and 0.89, respectively. Conclusion: The DAS-E demonstrated suitable validity and relia bility among the veterans under study. The factor analysis demonstrated that the DAS-E has a multi-dimensional structure. With consideration of t he proper psychometric characteristics, this scale can be use d to further research about death anxiety in this p opulation. Declaration of interest: None. Citation: Sharif Nia H, Ebadi A, Lehto RH, Mousavi B, Peyrovi H, Chan YH. Reliability and validity of the persian version of templer death anxiety scale-exte nded in veterans of Iran‐Iraq warfare. Iran J Psych iatry Behav Sci 2014; 8(4): 29-37.

Strengths-based approach for mental health recovery.

Abstract: Many health systems have traditionally adopted a vi ew of mental disorders based on pathologies and the risk individuals have towards mental disorders. However, with this approach, mental disorders continue to c ost billions a year for the healthcare system. This pap er aimed to introduce and explore what the strength s-based approach is in the psychiatric arena. Strengths-bas ed approach moves the focus away from deficits of p eople with mental illnesses (consumers) and focuses on th e strengths and resources of the consumers. The pap er also aligned the relevance of strength-based approach to mental health nursing and its contribution to ment al health recovery.