P.V. Bhandary’s scientific contributions

Stress induced cardiomyopathy, which is also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a cardiac syndrome of a transient, reversible left ventricular dysfunction that is caused by emotional and/or physical stress. Its clinical manifestations are similar to those of myocardial ischemia without a coronary artery lesion. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy is more common in middle-aged women, and the prognosis is favorable. We report the case of a 54-year-old female who had consulted a psychiatrist regarding her problematic son and were in the process of venting her feelings when she had an episode of cardiomyopathy. She fulfilled the ICD criteria for a Double Depression. Implications of condition are discussed.

Reminiscence is a free-flowing process of thinking or talking about one’s experiences in order to reflect on and recapture significant events of a lifetime. Life review offers a chance to re-examine one’s life, pursue remote memories, recall past events and accomplishments, and seek personal validation. Life review, as a formal concept, is widely used in counseling therapy as people search for meaning, solve problems and strive for emotional resolutions. It also tends to occur when a person is confronted with critical decisions or is faced with the end of their life. Remembering the past can bring a new awareness to the present. This paper intends to throw light on some of the aspects of Reminiscence therapy and its clinical applications. Key words: Reminiscence therapy, Life review, End of care & Reminiscence

Caring for persons affected with dementia is associated with substantial psychological strain as evidenced by high rates of psychiatric morbidity and high levels of caregiver strain. Dementia care in developing countries will continue to be provided by immediate family members at home and is unlikely to be taken over by institutions due to socio-cultural reasons. This study aims to examine the relationship of selected factors of patients affected with dementia and their caregivers that were associated with the burden and coping of family caregivers. This is a cross sectional study of a long term project by the author (RJ), involves face-to-face interview with questionnaires with family caregivers of patients with dementia. Burden was related to patient's behavioral problems, gender, family type and the years of care giving. Principal component analysis of Brief Cope revealed 6 major dimensions: acceptance, humor, religion, substance use, behavioral disengagement and self blame as significant coping skills. Care giving was associated with more psychological complaints and a poor quality of life both physical and psychological. Self blame, behavioral disengagement, venting & emotional support emerged as an important variable as the care giver relation differ in the kind of care giving and care giving burden. Results highlight the importance of improving the mixed coping skills in burdened caregivers. Interventions need to designed and tailored to the specific needs of caregivers.