Research Article
Psychological Distress Among General Medicine Students at the Faculty of Health Sciences of Brazzaville
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
122-127
Received:
24 September 2025
Accepted:
5 October 2025
Published:
22 November 2025
Abstract: Introduction: Psychological distress (PD) refers to a unique and uncomfortable emotional state experienced by an individual in response to a specific stressor. Objective: To assess psychological distress among general medicine students (GMS) at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FSSA) of Marien NGOUABI University in Brazzaville. Patients and methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study. It was carried out over a period of 4 months at the FSSA. It focused on GMSs from the first to the seventh year of medicine who consented to participate in the study (653). The variables studied were sociodemographic, academic, related to lifestyle and the medical educational environment, related to psychological distress and related to the need for psychological help and stress management. Results: The prevalence of psychological distress among medical students was 63.4%. The average age of medical students was 21.5±2.8 years and the sex ratio was 0.6 in favor of women. Regular physical activity concerned 22.05% of GMSs and sleep duration was insufficient for 92.04% of them. The overall perception of the educational environment was satisfactory for 62.9% of EMGs and poor for 9.3% of them. The need for psychological help concerned 63.1%. Conclusion: The high prevalence of psychological distress among GMSs at the Faculty of Health Sciences in Brazzaville represents a real public health problem. Awareness-raising in this area appears to be necessary, and reforms would be important.
Abstract: Introduction: Psychological distress (PD) refers to a unique and uncomfortable emotional state experienced by an individual in response to a specific stressor. Objective: To assess psychological distress among general medicine students (GMS) at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FSSA) of Marien NGOUABI University in Brazzaville. Patients and methods: ...
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Case Report
Exploring Psychiatric Heterogeneity in Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
128-131
Received:
11 October 2025
Accepted:
22 October 2025
Published:
26 November 2025
Abstract: Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD), newly recognized in ICD-11, is characterized by a persistent inability to control intense sexual impulses, leading to repetitive behaviours that cause significant distress or impairment. Previously misclassified as “sex addiction,” CSBD is now understood as an impulse-control disorder, with emerging evidence challenging addiction-based models and emphasizing emotional dysregulation and psychiatric comorbidities as key factors. Such factors play a pivotal role in informing our assessment and tailoring the therapeutic approach. This case series presents three adult males diagnosed with Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), each exhibiting distinct clinical profiles and comorbidities. Case 1 involved a 45-year-old with coronary artery disease, seizure disorder, and a history suggestive of conduct disorder, who presented with hypersexuality and moderate depressive symptoms; remission was achieved with sertraline (150 mg) over 14 weeks. Case 2 described a 25-year-old factory worker experiencing distress due to escalating sexual urges post-marriage; he responded well to fluoxetine (60 mg) and six sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy within 8 weeks. Case 3 featured a 55-year-old with schizophrenia and longstanding paraphilic interests, who achieved remission following inpatient treatment with long-acting antipsychotics and fluoxetine (60 mg) over 18 weeks. These cases highlight CSBD’s diverse manifestations and underscore the importance of nuanced diagnosis and individualized treatment with a significant role for the medication class SSRIs. Recognizing CSBD as distinct from addiction reshapes clinical perspectives and informs more effective interventions.
Abstract: Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSBD), newly recognized in ICD-11, is characterized by a persistent inability to control intense sexual impulses, leading to repetitive behaviours that cause significant distress or impairment. Previously misclassified as “sex addiction,” CSBD is now understood as an impulse-control disorder, with emerging evid...
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Case Report
From Genetics to Psychiatry: Long-Term Psychiatric Management of Williams Syndrome with a Rare Variant of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 4, December 2025
Pages:
132-137
Received:
29 October 2025
Accepted:
7 November 2025
Published:
9 December 2025
Abstract: This case report presents a 19-year-old male with an exceptionally rare co-occurrence of Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) and 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, a form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Diagnosed with CAH in infancy due to hypertension, hypokalaemia, and ambiguous genitalia, and later confirmed to have WBS via fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the patient exhibited global developmental delays, intellectual disability, recurrent seizures, and poor medication adherence. Psychiatric referral at age 18 was prompted by escalating aggression, self-injurious behaviour, and functional decline. A multidisciplinary intervention was initiated, combining behavioural therapy based on the Antecedent-Behaviour-Consequence (ABC) framework, low-dose risperidone, psychoeducation for caregivers, and vocational rehabilitation. Over six months, the patient demonstrated marked improvement in aggression, seizure control, and compliance with daily routines. He remained seizure-free on sodium valproate and began contributing to household income through structured vocational engagement. This case underscores the importance of integrated psychiatric care in managing syndromic intellectual disability, particularly when compounded by rare endocrine disorders. The estimated statistical frequency of this genetic overlap is approximately 1 in 500 million, posing unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The report highlights the need for early genetic evaluation, coordinated interdepartmental care, and family-centered interventions to optimize outcomes. It also emphasizes the utility of structured behavioural frameworks and low-dose antipsychotics in managing irritability and aggression in syndromic populations. In resource-limited settings, sustained caregiver involvement and interdisciplinary collaboration are critical to improving quality of life and long-term prognosis. This case advocates for enhanced training in syndromic psychiatry and integrated care models to address the complex needs of individuals with overlapping genetic and endocrine conditions.
Abstract: This case report presents a 19-year-old male with an exceptionally rare co-occurrence of Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) and 17α-hydroxylase deficiency, a form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Diagnosed with CAH in infancy due to hypertension, hypokalaemia, and ambiguous genitalia, and later confirmed to have WBS via fluorescence in situ hyb...
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Mpandzou Ghislain Armel
