Lifestyle Changes that Impact Personal Quality of Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

Young Rong Bang,Seon-Cheol Park,Ok-Jin Jang,Joon Hee Kim,Eun Ok Kim,Seong Hwan Kim,Jae Hong Park 대한신경정신의학회 2021 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.18 No.7

Objective We investigated which factors in psychological changes positively or negatively affect the quality of life to suggest desirable directions in the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Online survey was conducted with 1,011 adults more than 19 years old in Busan, South Korea. Quality of life was measured using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Questions regarding the psychological changes were about COVID-19-related concerns, distress in complying with quarantine guidelines, and interest in seeking something to do alone. Results Quality of life was perceived to be below average (mean±SD, 2.86±0.53). The more economic worries there were, the lower the quality of life in psychological, social relationships and environmental domains. The more distress one experienced when maintaining their personal hygiene, the higher the quality of life related to their physical health. Likewise, the more difficult it was to maintain social distances, the higher the quality of life associated with psychological and social relationships. The more interested someone was in how to spend time alone, the higher the quality of life in all domains significantly. Conclusion We can minimize the negative impacts of COVID-19 by maintaining economic stability, maintaining prosocial behaviors related to personal hygiene and making good use of personal time.

Effect of Long-Term Benzodiazepines for Chronic Insomnia on Cognitive Function and Waking Electroencephalography: A Case-Control Study

Bang Young Rong,Jeon Hong Jun,Yoon In-Young 대한신경정신의학회 2022 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.19 No.4

Objective The relationship between benzodiazepine use and cognitive decline in insomnia patients has been reported, but still conflicting. Thus, we tried to determine whether long-term exposure of benzodiazepine might be associated with changes of cognition and electroencephalography (EEG) findings in patients with chronic insomnia.Methods Insomniacs using benzodiazepines (n=29), drug-free insomniacs (n=27), and age- and sex-matched controls (n=28) were recruited. Neurocognitive function tested with Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Packet Neuropsychological Assessment Battery, quantitative EEG in awake state, and information of benzodiazepine usage were obtained.Results Drug-free insomniacs reported more severe symptoms than insomniacs using benzodiazepine (p<0.001). Insomniacs using benzodiazepine showed a decrease of executive function in Trail Making Test A than drug-free insomniacs and controls (0.73±0.66 vs. 1.27±0.38 vs. 1.09±0.47, p<0.001) and in categorical fluency than drug-free insomniacs (-0.01±0.99 vs. 1.26±0.97, p=0.002). However, such decrease of executive function was not proportional to daily dose or cumulative dose of benzodiazepine. The EEG was not significantly different between insomniacs using benzodiazepine and drug-free insomniacs, while EEG of insomniacs showed low relative theta power in frontal and parietal regions but high relative beta power in frontal region than that of controls.Conclusion Benzodiazepine users with chronic insomnia showed an impairment of executive function compared to drug-free insomniacs and controls although they showed relatively decreased severity of insomnia symptoms. Chronic insomniacs showed a hyper-arousal manifestation in front-parietal region of brain regardless of benzodiazepine exposure.

두부 외상 후 발생한 기질성 정신장애 환자의 가족 부담에 미치는 요인

방영롱(Young-Rong Bang),김철권(Chul-Kwon Kim) 대한사회정신의학회 2013 사회정신의학 Vol.18 No.1

연구목적 : 두부 외상 후 기질성 정신장애를 앓는 환자를 돌보는 주 보호자들을 대상으로 그들이 경험하는 부담을 평가하고, 그 부담에 영향을 미치는 요인이 무엇인지를 규명하기 위함이다. 방 법 : 교통사고나 산업재해에 의한 두부 외상으로 ICD-10 진단기준상 기질성 정신장애로 진단되어, 동아대학교병원 정신건강의학과에서 외래 또는 입원 치료를 받고 있는 환자들의 주 보호자 50명을 대상으로 하였다. 대상 환자와 주 보호자들로부터 면담 혹은 자가 보고 방식으로 사회 인구학적 특성, 가족부담(정신질환자의 가족부담 척도), 우울(Beck 우울척도), 불안(Beck 불안 척도), 사회적지지(다면적 사회지지척도), 환자의 문제행동(BASIS-32) 등을 평가하였다. 자료 분석은 평가한 모든 요인들을 부담에 대한 설명변수로 고려하여 중회귀분석을 실시하였다. 결 과 : 두부 외상 후 기질성 정신장애를 앓고 있는 환자의 주 보호자가 느끼는 부담척도 점수는 평균 58.7점(표준편차 28.2)이었다. 주 보호자의 우울 점수는 평균 26.4점(표준편차 11.8)이었고 불안 점수는 평균 24.7점(표준편차 14.1)이었다. 22점을 절단점으로 하였을 때전체 보호자의 52%와 48%가 각각 우울과 불안을 경험하고 있었다. 가족부담을 설명하는 여러 요인들 중에서 환자 나이, 환자 성별, 흡연 여부, 음주 여부, 보호자가 지각하는 사회적 지지, 환자의 행동증상 등 6개 요인이 전체 가족부담의 80%를 설명하였다. 그 중 환자의 행동증상이 49%로 설명력이 가장 높았다. 행동증상척도(BASIS-32)의 5개 소영역, 즉 대인관계, 우울과 불안, 충동적 또는 중독 행동, 일상생활기능, 정신병적 증상 모두 주 보호자가 경험하는 부담과 유의한 상관을 보였다. 결 론 : 두부 외상 후 기질성 정신장애를 앓고 있는 환자의 주 보호자들은 환자를 돌보는데 있어 상당히 심한 부담과 우울, 그리고 불안을 경험하고 있었다. 이러한 가족부담에 영향을 미치는 요인은 환자의 행동증상, 음주, 흡연, 환자 나이, 보호자가 지각하는 사회적 지지, 환자 성별 등이었다. 이러한 가족부담 요인들 중에서 변화 가능한 요인들을 찾아내어 개선시킨다면, 주 보호자가 느끼는 부담을 효과적으로 줄일 수 있을 것으로 생각된다. Objectives : The purpose of this study is to evaluate the family burden in the primary caregivers of organic mental disorder patients after head trauma, and to investigate the factors influencing family burden. Methods : A total 50 primary caregivers of organic mental disorder patients after head trauma due to traffic or industrial accidents were participated in this study. All patients have attended the psychiatric outpatient clinic or inpatient ward of Dong-A university hospital. We collected data from the caregivers about socio-demographic characteristics, family burden (Family Burden Scale), family depression (BAI) and anxiety (BDI), family perceived social support (MSPSS), patients’ behavior and symptoms (BASIS-32) under several measures. For data analysis, all collected data were considered explanatory variables for burden, then multicollinearity was examined. Results : Total mean score of the family burden in the primary caregivers was 58.7 (SD 28.2). Each score of family depression and anxiety was 26.4 (SD 11.8) and 24.7 (SD 141), and measured up to 52% and 48% of total caregivers. Among several variables influencing the family burden, 6 variables (patients’ age, patients’ sex, patients’ smoking, patients’ alcohol drinking, family perceived social support and patients’ behavior and symptoms) accounted for 80% of the family burden. In particular, patients’ behavior and symptoms turned out to be the highest explanatory ability (49%). When dividing the patients’ behavior and symptoms into five subareas: Personal relationship, Depression and Anxiety, Impulsivity or Addiction behaviors, Daily-life function and Psychotic symptoms, we could see all the subareas were connected with the family burden in a statistically meaningful way. Conclusions : Primary caregivers of organic mental disorder patients after head trauma bore the considerable burden of caring for the patients and felt depressed and anxious. Factors influencing the family burden were patients’ behavior and symptoms, patients’ alcohol drinking, patients’ smoking, patients’ age, family perceived social support and patients’ sex. If we try to figure out the variable factors and improve them, we can decrease family burden effectively.

자살사망자의 연령과 성별에 따른 자살 방법과 원인

김동민(Dong Min Kim),김준희(Joon Hee Kim),방영롱(Young Rong Bang),김현수(Hyun Soo Kim),김성환(Seong Hwan Kim),박재홍(Jae Hong Park) 대한생물치료정신의학회 2022 생물치료정신의학 Vol.28 No.3

Objectives:South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with the highest rate reported in Busan metropolitan city in the past decade. Based on the data collected regarding the characteristics of suicide completers, we investigated gender- and age-related differences in the causes and methods of completed suicides. Methods:Information from 675 persons who committed suicide was included in the statistical analysis, and descriptive statistics were used to present the demographic variables. To ascertain the differences by gender and age, logistic regression analyses were also conducted. Age groups were stratified according to the stage in life: young, middle, and late adulthood. Additionally the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using gender and age as independent variables, and methods and causes as dependent variables. Results:The most frequent suicide method and cause were hanging and physical illness, respectively, with women were more likely to choose jumping as a suicide method than men. In terms of suicide causes, economic difficulties were more often related to men than women. While the young adulthood group was more likely to choose jumping and gassing than the late adulthood group, the latter was more likely to choose chemical poisoning as a suicide method. Furthermore, in terms of suicide causes, economic difficulty and psychiatric disorder were more often related to the young adulthood group than the late adulthood group. In addition, the middle adulthood group was more often associated with economic difficulty than the late adulthood group, while the latter was more often related with physical illness than the young adulthood group. Conclusions:The causes and methods of suicide in suicide completers differ according to age and gender. The results of our study underline the need to reflect age- and gender-related characteristics in establishing suicide prevention policies.

Genetic relationships and molecular authentication of plant origins and the commercial medicinal herbs in peony using RAPD markers

Bang, Kyong-Hwan,Jung, Jin-Ho,Kim, Ok-Tae,Chung, Jong-Wook,Ham, In-Hye,Seong, Nak-Sul,Luo, Rong,Zhang, Gui-Jun,Choi, Ho-Young Kyung Hee Oriental Medicine Research Center 2007 Oriental pharmacy and experimental medicine Vol.7 No.1

Genetic polymorphism and molecular authentication were investigated with the commercial medicinal herb, Peony (Paeonia spp.), using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. To identify the polymorphism of the RAPD patterns among plant origins, 20 different random primers were applied to the genomic DNA extracted from Paeonia spp. plants such as Paeonia (P.) lactiflora, P. officinale and P. japonica. Ten primers out of 20 primers could be used to discriminate the plant species in the same genus and 72 out of 81 scored DNA fragments (88.9%) generated with these primers were polymorphic. Especially, four primers, such as OPA1, OPA3, OP9, and OPA13, were useful to discriminate the plant origins among the species of Peony. In the results of cluster analysis using RAPD data obtained from the 10 primers, Peony (Paeonia spp.) plants used in this study were grouped into the two distinctive clusters, genetically. Herb medicine, especially P. lactiflora, were easily identified, when species-specific primers were applied to the investigation for discriminating herb medicine currently traded in domestic herb market, Kyungdongmart. Consequently, RAPD analysis was useful method to discriminate plant origins and the commercial medicinal herbs, Paeonia spp..

폐쇄성수면무호흡증에서 우울 증상이 양압기 치료의 효과와 순응도에 미치는 영향

이수영(Su Young Lee),김성환(Seong Hwan Kim),방영롱(Young Rong Bang),장세헌(Sae-Heon Jang),배우용(Woo Yong Bae),김상준(Sang jun Kim) 대한생물치료정신의학회 2021 생물치료정신의학 Vol.27 No.3

Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine how the efficacy and compliance of positive airway pressure (PAP) varies depending on the depressive symptom with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Methods:We collected data about baseline Apnea-Hyponea Index (AHI), sleep and mood state and demographic information from 125 obstructive sleep apnea patients prior to the start of positive airway pressure treatment. The Apnea-Hyponea Index and daytime sleepiness were examined as indicators of efficacy of positive airway pressure and daily average usage time and the utilization rate (%) for more than 4 hours were calculated as indicators of compliance of positive airway pressure at the time of 1, 3 or 9 months after the start of positive airway pressure. Repeated-measures ANOVA and linear mixed model (LMM) with adjusting age, body mass index and baseline Insomnia severity index were used for revealing any significant differences between groups over time passed. Results:This difference was confirmed at 9 months after starting positive airway pressure, between the two groups and the usage rate for more than 4 hours in depressive group was lower than that in non-depression group (56.2% vs. 67.5%). Conclusions:We demonstrated that there would be a difference in the compliance of positive airway pressure among patients with obstructive sleep apnea according to depressive state. Therefore, we suggest evaluating depressive symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea before starting positive airway pressure, to increase the compliance of the positive airway pressure, which is essential to maintain the efficacy of the positive airway pressure.

광섬유-탐침과 근적외선(NIR) 분광기를 이용한 약제분말 유동층 혼합공정의 인라인 모니터링 연구

박초롱 ( Cho Rong Park ),김아영 ( Ah Young Kim ),이민정 ( Min Jeong Lee ),이혜은 ( Hea Eun Lee ),서다영 ( Da Young Seo ),신상문 ( Sang Mun Shin ),최용선 ( Yong Sun Choi ),권병수 ( Byung Soo Kwon ),방규호 ( Kyu Ho Bang ),강호경 ( H 한국약제학회 2009 Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation Vol.39 No.1

반복적인 두개내 감염에서 유리대망피판을 이용한 경질막 재건

이훈영(Hoon Young Lee),은석찬(Seok Chan Eun),한정호(Jung Ho Han),방재승(Jae Seung Bang),김재용(Chae Yong Kim),박도중(Do-joong Park),백롱민(Rong Min Baek) 대한두개저학회 2011 대한두개저학회지 Vol.6 No.1

Purpose : Postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage after neurosurgery could lead to potentially lethal complications. Reoperations, multiple operations, cranial radiotherapy and poor vascularization of the dura graft may lead to delayed healing of the suture site and resultant persistent CSF leaks. In this report, we present a technical experience of duroplasty with omental free flap. Methods : Between 2007 and 2011, the authors performed duraplasty in nine patients with recurrent subdural empyema and intracranial infection. The omental free flap transfer was intended for patients who could not be cured with conventional surgical debridement and lyophilized dura appliance. Patient ages ranged from 14 to 47 years (mean, 31.5 yr). There were five men and four women. Treatment was required for malignant tumors (n=4), cerebral hematomas (n=3) and the result of traumas (n=2). After harvesting the omentum laparoscopically, the flap was sutured to the dural defect in a watertight fashion. The most commonly used recipient vessels were the superficial temporal artery and vein. Results : The postoperative course was uneventful and flap survival was excellent in all patients. Cerebrospinal fluid leaks were controlled successfully. Patients were discharged with no evidence of wound discharge and there were no reports of infection or CSF leakage recurrence. Conclusion : Duraplasty using omental flap is an effective technique to control CSF leaks, especially when dura is poorly vascularized and less viable. The delicate nature and great pliability of the omental flap make it unique and competent for reconstructions of dural defects.

The Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Associated Factors among the General Public during COVID-19 Pandemic: a Cross-sectional Study in Korea

Kim Dong Min,Bang Young Rong,Kim Joon Hee,Park Jae Hong 대한의학회 2021 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.36 No.29

Background: Since its first case confirmed on January 20, 2020, Korea has been through three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fears of the fourth wave persist as new cases continue to emerge. In such unpredictable times, the mental well-being of people is of crucial importance. This study examined the levels of depression and anxiety and their predictors among the Korean general public in Busan, Korea, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study via a self-reported questionnaire administered to 2,288 adult residents (aged 19–60 years) of Busan, Korea. Participants' depression and anxiety were assessed using the Korean version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4), which consists of PHQ-2 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2), with the cutoff score of 3. Results: The mean age of the participants was 39.71 years. COVID-19 had several psychosocial impacts on people. It was revealed that 80.3% had restrictions in outside activities, 47.3% reported financial difficulties, and 53.6% had a fear of death or fatal outcome when infected with COVID-19. We performed logistic regression analysis to identify the factors associated with depression and anxiety. A total of 30.7% participants were classified as at risk of depression based on cutoff score of 3 on PHQ-2. Logistic regression analysis revealed that changes in sleep pattern due to COVID-19 were most strongly associated with depression, followed by restrictions in outside activities due to social distancing and increased family conflicts due to COVID-19. Also, 22.6% participants were classified as at risk of anxiety based on a cutoff score of 3 on GAD-2. Analysis revealed that changes in sleep pattern due to COVID-19 were most strongly associated with anxiety, followed by spending a lot of time searching for COVID-19-related information and having a fear of death or fatal outcome when infected with COVID-19. Conclusion: The results are alarming; 30.7% had a PHQ-2 score of 3 or higher, indicating depression, and 22.6% had a GAD-2 score of 3 or higher, indicating anxiety. Changes in sleep pattern had the strongest association with both depression and anxiety. Our results can be used to formulate mental health policies tailored to the context of the city. Our findings suggest the high prevalence of depression and anxiety in the society during the COVID-19 pandemic, which places growing importance on early intervention for mental health problems during these times.

Preliminary Investigation of Association between Methylphenidate and Serum Growth Markers in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study

Woo Jin Kim,Young Rong Bang,Je-Wook Kang,Jae Ho Yoo,Seong Hwan Kim,Jae Hong Park 대한소아청소년정신의학회 2020 소아청소년정신의학 Vol.31 No.3

Objectives: It remains unclear whether methylphenidate (MPH) has yadverse effects on growth in children. This study aimed to investigate the association of MPH with serum biological markers of growth in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: The present study included 103 children with ADHD (64 drug-naive children, 39 MPH-treated children) and 112 control subjects. Children with ADHD were diagnosed on the basis of a semi-structured interview. Levels of biochemical markers of growth, including insulin-like growth factor-I, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and hematocrit were measured in these individuals. Results: Except in case of TSH, no intergroup differences were found in the levels of the growth markers. The levels of TSH were found to be lower in the MPH-treated boys with ADHD than in the drug-naive and control groups (p<0.05), although the levels of TSH in all the groups were within normal limits. Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, no significant association was found between MPH and growth markers. This calls for the need to carry out prospective longitudinal research studies in the future that investigate the effect of MPH on the growth trajectory in children.