Browsing by Author "Suliman, S."

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Assessing post-traumatic stress disorder in South African adolescents : using the child and adolescent trauma survey (CATS) as a screening tool
    (BioMed Central, 2005-01) Suliman, S.; Kaminer, D.; Seedat, S.; Stein, D. J.
    Background: Several studies have demonstrated that South African children and adolescents are exposed to high levels of violent trauma with a significant proportion developing PTSD, however, limited resources make it difficult to accurately identify traumatized children. Methods: A clinical interview (K-SADS-PL, selected modules) and self-report scale (CATS) were compared to determine if these different methods of assessment elicit similar information with regards to trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents. Youth (n = 58) from 2 schools in Cape Town, South Africa participated. Results: 91% of youth reported having been exposed to a traumatic event on self-report (CATS) and 38% reported symptoms severe enough to be classified as PTSD. On interview (K-SADS-PL), 86% reported exposure to a traumatic event and 19% were found to have PTSD. While there were significant differences in the rates of trauma exposure and PTSD on the K-SADS and CATS, a cutoff value of 15 on the CATS maximized both the number of true positives and true negatives with PTSD. The CATS also differentiated well between adolescents meeting DSM-IV PTSD symptom criteria from adolescents not meeting criteria. Conclusions: Our results indicate that trauma exposure and PTSD are prevalent in South African youth and if appropriate cut-offs are used, self-report scales may be useful screening tools for PTSD.
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    Dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder in general practice
    (Medpharm Publications, 2012) Suliman, S.; Stein, D. J.
    Traumatic experiences are prevalent in South Africa and may result in psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is accompanied by a range of psychobiological alterations, including changes in brain structure and functioning. General practitioners have an important role to play in identifying and assisting those in need of help. Efficacious psychotherapies and pharmacotherapies are available for PTSD, i.e. cognitive behavioural therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
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    The prevalence of mental health problems in sub-Saharan adolescents living with HIV : a systematic review
    (Cambridge University Press, 2020-09) Dessauvagie, A. S.; Jorns-Presentati, A.; Napp, A. -K.; Stein, D. J.; Jonker, D.; Breet, E.; Charles, W.; Swart, R. L.; Lahti, M.; Suliman, S.; Jansen, R.; van den Heuvel, L. L.; Seedat, S.; Groen, G.
    Despite the progress made in HIV treatment and prevention, HIV remains a major cause of adolescent morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. As perinatally infected children increasingly survive into adulthood, the quality of life and mental health of this population has increased in importance. This review provides a synthesis of the prevalence of mental health problems in this population and explores associated factors. A systematic database search (Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus) with an additional hand search was conducted. Peer-reviewed studies on adolescents (aged 10–19), published between 2008 and 2019, assessing mental health symptoms or psychiatric disorders, either by standardized questionnaires or by diagnostic interviews, were included. The search identified 1461 articles, of which 301 were eligible for full-text analysis. Fourteen of these, concerning HIV-positive adolescents, met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised. Mental health problems were highly prevalent among this group, with around 25% scoring positive for any psychiatric disorder and 30–50% showing emotional or behavioral difficulties or significant psychological distress. Associated factors found by regression analysis were older age, not being in school, impaired family functioning, HIV-related stigma and bullying, and poverty. Social support and parental competence were protective factors. Mental health problems among HIV-positive adolescents are highly prevalent and should be addressed as part of regular HIV care.
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    Rape survivors and the provision of HIV post-exposure prophylaxis
    (Health and Medical Publishing Group (HMPG), 2007-08) Killian, S.; Suliman, S.; Fakier, N.; Seedat, S.
    To the Editor: Rape and HIV/AIDS are two scourges of epidemic proportion in South Africa, which is known for high levels of sexual violence and one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world. While the link between rape and long-term physical and mental health problems is well established, the vast majority of rapes go unreported and only a small proportion of women attend health care services after rape, with many believing that their actions will not lead to punishment for the perpetrator. Another factor that may worsen matters even further is the latest version of the original bill on sexual offences (Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill) passed in 2003. The latest version of the Bill states that the provision of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is dependent on the ‘victim’ laying a charge. This is likely to have a major negative impact on rape survivors receiving PEP within 72 hours and may impede the ability of medical and police officials to obtain medical evidence that is crucial for the successful prosecution of the perpetrator.