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Introduction: Depression is a vital issue to be concerned about because it is anticipated to be one of the major health issues confronting Malaysia in the coming years. Social media has emerged as one of the main contributors to depression due to the increased use of technology in modern society. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between social media use and depression among IIUM students. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 227 students of IIUM Kuantan from three Kulliyyahs; Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences (KAHS), Science (KOS) and Dentistry (KOD). Convenience sampling was applied and self-administered questionnaires were distributed. Data was analysed using Statistical Package Software for Social Sciences (SPSS), where descriptive frequency table, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Correlation test were applied. Results: This study indicated that the level of social media-related depression among students in selected kulliyyah in IIUM Kuantan was low (n=61, 26.9%). Body image dissatisfaction, online harassment, sleep disturbance and high self-esteem were significantly associated with low depression. Socio-demographic factors, which are the types of kulliyyah and working part-time, were significantly associated with depression, with a p-value of 0.002 and 0.012, respectively. Conclusion: Social media use and depression were associated considerably, involving body image, online harassment, sleep, and self-esteem. A guideline and education for better and safe use of social media in our country should be proposed as part of preventive action in future.

Introduction: Significant evidences from functional studies have shown that DISC1 gene has a role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, although the basis of the genetic defect has yet to be established. There has been a shift of emphasis from DISC1 gene variations to other types of genetic defects namely copy number and epigenetic, both of which have not been well investigated. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the DNA methylation status of DISC1 gene in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: In this study, 239 subjects were included, 117 schizophrenia patients and 122 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was derived from peripheral blood and bisulfite converted. The DNA methylation level was quantitatively measured by Methylight Taqman analysis. Sociodemographic and the clinical parameters were noted. The severity of the clinical symptoms was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Results: The mean age and gender distribution between the study groups were similar. There was no significant difference in the methylation level of DISC1 between the patients and control group. When patients were compared by age, duration of illness, age at diagnosis, body mass index, smoking status, PANSS score and types of antipsychotic treatment, the DNA methylation level of DISC1, did not show any significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusions: This study found no significant difference in methylation level of DISC1 gene between schizophrenia patients and healthy control. Therefore, it is suggested that aberrant DNA methylation of DISC1 most probably does not contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Introduction: The dopamine hypothesis has earlier dominated the theories for the development of schizophrenia based on the early pharmacologic evidence. The antipsychotic drugs, among others, is thought to interfere with the function of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) resulting in clinical improvement. Accumulating evidence suggest the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Despite this, specific evidence linking the DRD2 DNA methylation with schizophrenia is insufficient mainly due to the poor accessibility and limited brain samples. Of late, new data has suggested the global impact of DNA methylation in the development of schizophrenia, thus methylation in the peripheral blood could infer changes in the brain. The aim of this study was to assess the DRD2 DNA methylation in the peripheral blood of schizophrenia. Materials and method: The case control study consisted of 138 schizophrenia patients and 132 healthy controls. The genomic DNA from the peripheral blood was bisulfite converted. The DRD2 DNA methylation level was quantitatively measured by using the MethyLight Taqman® assay and normalized with the ALU reference control to give the percentage methylation ratio. The demographic data was calculated using descriptive statistics while parametric variables were compared using independent samples t-test or analysis of covariance. Results: There was a significant hypomethylation of DRD2 in schizophrenia compared to the control group (p=0.001). The hypomethylation was also significant in males (p=0.007) and females (p=0.036) patients. Conclusion: This study supports the possible role of DNA methylation of DRD2 gene could contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

Introduction: Since the recognition of psychiatry as a medical specialty back in the 19th century, many theories, therapies and treatment were much influenced by Western findings and practice. In general, spirituality and religion had little input or mentioning. Recently in 2012, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (London) affirmed the value of considering spirituality and religion as a part of good clinical practice which would benefit both the patient and the psychiatrist throughout the treatment period. In the Malaysian context, the general postgraduate training of psychiatrists in Malaysia does not specifically integrate religious or spiritual values in the curriculum. Methods: At IIUM, the undergraduate students are exposed to basic and essential psychology during the first year. During their fourth year they are introduced to subject of psychiatry for a short two weeks. Later in their final year, they exposed to an extensive and comprehensive 7 weeks posting covering all major topics and disorders in psychiatry. Results: In this paper, we would like to share our experience throughout the 15 years, this program has been running and discuss the challenges, limitations and future expectation in order to realize the objective of integrating Islamic input into the psychiatry curriculum in IIUM hence producing doctors who are may then treat and heal patients holistically; physically, psychologically and spiritually. Conclusions: Studies on the outcome of the integrated Islamic input in the psychiatry curriculum among the clinical students and graduates are to be carried out further in the future.