This trial compared the effects of lavender and bitter orange on sleep quality in postmenopausal women. This trial was conducted in 2015. Eligible postmenopausal women were allocated into one of two intervention groups or a control group (n = 52 per group) in a 1:1:1 ratio using a randomized block design. Intervention groups received 500 mg capsules containing only bitter orange or lavender flower powder, and the control group received 500 mg capsules containing starch. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory was used before and eight weeks after starting the intervention. Data analyses were based on intention to treat. A one-way ANOVA showed a slightly significant difference in mean sleep score among the three groups before the intervention (p = .045). The general linear model, adjusted for baseline sleep score and confounding factors, showed significant differences among the groups in the mean sleep score after eight weeks of treatment (p < .001). Bitter orange and lavender significantly improved the mean sleep score compared with the control group (p < .001 and p = .003, respectively). The positive effect of bitter orange and lavender on sleep quality in postmenopausal women suggests that they can be used to improve sleep quality in such women.

Background The prevalence of psychiatric disorders by demographic characteristics in elderly people is poorly understood, at least in the northwest of Iran. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of various psychiatric disorders in the elderly population in East Azerbaijan Province, Tabriz. A total of 1000 aging people were randomly selected from the general population. Data were collected using valid structured instruments and face-to-face interviews by trained psychologists. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR (SCID-IV) and Abbreviated Mental Test Questionnaire were used. Chi-square (χ2) test was used for categorized variables, and an independent T-test was carried out for quantitative variables. Results Overall, 38.5% of the elderly had at least one mental disorder (47.2% women, 27.3% men). The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and any anxiety disorders was 16.6% (22.4% female and 9.3% male) and 16.7% (23.1% female and 8.6% male), respectively. Likewise, the overall prevalence of any depressive symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), general anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorders were 21.6%, 7%, 5.3%, and 5.9%, respectively. The prevalence of any mental disorder in the first, second, and third quartiles of the socio-economic level was 54.3%, 37%, and 17.8%, respectively. The prevalence of any mental disorders among the marginalized and the non-marginalized population is 55.3 and 31.5%, respectively. Conclusions We found 38.5% (47.2% women, 27.3% men) of the elderly people had any mental disorders, and 21.6% of them had any depressive disorders. The prevalence of mental disorders in elders was almost like adults and middle-aged people in this study. However, the prevalence of mental disorders was higher than in marginalized population and low socio-economic status.

Background: Fear of childbirth (FOC) is considered as one of the factors influencing the increase of elective cesarean section. The appropriate solution to reduce the FOC has not yet been identified. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of haptonomy intervention on FOC and maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) among primigravid women‎. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 68 primigravid women with a gestational age of 24-28 weeks who referred to health centers in Tabriz, Iran with a FOC score above 65. Participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. The intervention group (n=34) received haptonomy in 5 sessions, once a week for 45-60 minutes, and control group received an information pamphlet about pain management options in labor and fetal development during pregnancy. The data were collected using Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-version A, Cranley’s MFA Scale, and Revised Pregnancy Related Anxiety Questionnaire, before the intervention and at gestational age of 35-37 weeks. The data were analyzed using Chi-square, independent t-test, and ANCOVA. Findings: After intervention and controlling the effect of baseline score, the mean score of FOC in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group [Adjusted mean difference (AMD): -23.67, 95% CI: - 28.12 to -19.23, P =0.001]. Further, the mean score of MFA indicated a significant difference between the two groups [AMD: 10.12, 95% CI: 6.44 to 13.8, p <0.001]. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed the effectiveness of the haptonomy intervention in reducing FOC and increasing MFA. Therefore, the use of haptonomy intervention is recommended among mothers with high and severe FOC and low MFA.

Background: Hemodialysis-induced hypotension is one of the most common problems in patients, who undergo hemodialysis. Evidence suggests the positive impacts of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) on preventing hypotension during dialysis. The current study investigated the hypothesis that sertraline could effectively prevent hypotension during hemodialysis. Methods: In a clinical trial, 30 patients on hemodialysis with hypotension during hemodialysis, who were referred to Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were enrolled. Patients were treated with sertraline at a dose of 50 mg daily for 2 weeks. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate of patients before and after the intervention were measured and compared. Adverse events due to the administration of sertraline were also evaluated in the patients. Results: Of the 30 studied patients, 17 (56.7%) were male and 13 (43.3%) were female. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure increased significantly after sertraline administration (P = 0.001). Also, the mean heart rate of patients significantly decreased (P = 0.001). However, headache was seen in 7 (23.3%), dizziness in 3 (10.0%), and gastrointestinal complications in 2 (6.7%) patients. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, sertraline effectively and safely prevents hypotension during dialysis without causing serious side effects.