Faculty of Medicine

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    The Effect of Buprenorphine therapy on depressive symptomatology in heroin addicts
    (Scientific Institute of Management and Knowledge, 2025-04-16)
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    Danijela Janichevikj, Ivanovska
    Abstract: According to the World Health Organization, heroin addiction is one of the most widespread diseases, right behind cardiovascular and malignant diseases. Heroin addicts have a large number of comorbid somatic and psychological disorders, among which depressive states occupy a significant place. It is known that on the territory of North Macedonia, two substitutes are used in the treatment of heroin addiction: methadone, which is an opioid agonist, and buprenorphine, which is an opioid agonist and antagonist. Of particular importance is the effect of buprenorphine on kappa receptors, which have a major impact on mood and sexual functioning. So the goal of this research is to see the effectiveness of buprenorphine therapy on depression in heroin addicts. Materials and methods: In this prospective study, which was conducted at the Day Hospital for Addictions at the Psychiatric Hospital Skopje, 20 heroin addicts undergoing treatment with buprenorphine therapy were evaluated before treatment after three months and after six months of treatment. The study used a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data (gender, age, education, marital status, employment) specifically designed for the study. Depression scores were determined using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive method and by Student's t test. Statistical significance was considered p< 0.05. According to the data obtained, after three months of treatment with buprenorphine we had a decrease the score of depression but without statistical significance p= 0,43, while after six month of treatment we had a decrease with statistical significance p=0,034. However, in 5% of the respondents the score of depression was still high. Conclusion The results obtained in our study indicated that buprenorphine therapy affects the reduction of depressive symptomatology in heroin addicts. So, when we have a high depression score in patients, antidepressants should not be used immediately, but buprenorphine should be allowed to take effect first. If there is no improvement, then move on to the second step, including antidepressant therapy.
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    Antidepressant Therapy and Depression Disorder
    (Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts/Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2025-07)
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    Mitikj, Zora
    Introduction: Treatment-resistant depression represents a serious clinical problem and a significant public health challenge. Research highlights the importance of combining selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with antidepressants that act as antagonists of presynaptic α2-autoreceptors and α2-heteroreceptors, such as Mianserin, Trazodone, and Mirtazapine. Aim: to evaluate the effectiveness of combined therapy using Mirtazapine (α2-autoreceptor antagonist) and Sertraline (serotonin reuptake inhibitor) in treating depression. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 30 patients of both sexes, aged between 21 and 39 years, diagnosed with depressive disorder (F32). Patients were evaluated at the private psychiatric institution "Dr. Zora Mitic" over a period of three months. Participants were assessed at baseline and after one and three months of treatment with combined antidepressant therapy consisting of Mirtazapine (15-30 mg/day) and Sertraline (50-100 mg/day). Sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, marital status, education level, and employment) were collected using a specifically designed questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and sexual dysfunction was assessed using the Sexual Dysfunction Scale. Results: A Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated a statistically significant decrease in Hamilton Rating Scale (HRS) scores after one month (Z = -4.717, P ≤ 0.001) and three months (Z = -4.787, P ≤ 0.001) of treatment compared to pre-treatment scores. Additionally, the difference in HRS scores between one-month and three-month treatment periods was also significant (Z = -4.717, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate that initiating combined antidepressant therapy at the outset of treatment is highly effective.
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    Evaluated depressive symptoms in patients with hypothyroidism.
    (SHMSHM - AAMD, 2021)
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    Mitic, Zora
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    Janicevic, Danijela
    Some studies show that a varying degree of psychiatric disorders is common in patients with Thyroid dysfunction. Both hypo and hyperthyroidism can cause mood abnormalities such as emotions and cognition. Depression can also go with thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid hormone has important actions in the adult brain they effect the site of raphe nuclei which probably results in an reduction the release of serotonin from raphe neurons. So assessment of the thyroid function test can be a good predictor in the treatment of depression disorders. The AIM of this study is to fine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients with hypothyroidism. Materials and methods: This cross-section present study included groups of 50 patients of either sex between 26-55 years with diagnosis hypothyroidism evaluated in Private Psychiatric Institution Zora Mitic, Skopje and Psychiatric Hospital Skopje. The study was conducted for 6 month. All the patients was written informed consent. Exclusion criteria was exist depressive disorders before being diagnosed as hypothyroidism, patients with another psychiatric disorders and another organic disorders. The patients were assess using the sociodemographic information by semi-structured questionnaire specially designed for the study. Depression in patients was assess by Back Depression Inventory scale: 21 items graded ranging 0-4 . The results obtained were compared using the Chi-square test and Spearman’s coefficient correlation. The quantitative data were expressed in number and percentage. Results: In this study only 20% of patients with hyperthyroidism have score of BDI >10. The total group of observations had significantly higher number of patients older then 36, unmarried, higher educated with increased BDI over 10, but there were no significant difference in patient’s location of living. Also we got that the BDI score were not statistically significant when compare males and females p=0,474. Conclusion: The correlation between psychiatry disorders and thyroid status is a major area of concern. So the patients mast be monitored and treating by both endocrinologist and a psychiatrist.
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    Recognizing Perinatal Depression During COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned and Interventions Taken to Prevent Suicide/Infanticide
    (Ibn Sina Academy of Medieval Medicine & Sciences, 2021)
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    Hadzihamza, Kadri
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    Gjorgovska, Bojana
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    Objective: COVID-19 pandemics is a global mental health threat with increased rate of anxiety, panic disorders, depression and suicidal behavior in women who are in their perinatal period during COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of depression in women in perinatal period in Skopje during the COVID-19 pandemic period and possible interventions for early detection, prevention and adequate treatment with special emphasis on perinatal depression during events with highly stressful circumstances and conditions e.g. large catastrophes. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which included 494 pregnant women. The study was realized in a one-month period. Informed consent was obtained from participants of the study. The Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) was used as well as socio-demographic questionnaire regarding age, number of pregnancies, course of the pregnancy, education, marital and employment status. EPDS is a self-reported scale consisting of ten questions/items. The cutoff score was 11 and over since it is considered that for this value the sensitivity and specificity of the test is maximized: sensitivity 0.81 (from 0.75 to 0.87) and specificity 0.88 (from 0.85 to 0.91). Results: No depression was registered in 82.4% of pregnant women and in 17.2% depression was present. The percentage difference regarding presence or absence of depression during pregnancy was statistically significant for p<0.05 (Difference test, p=0.0000). Of the total number of subjects, almost 3% (15 participants) said that it had crossed their mind to hurt themselves which are (potentially) suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal behavior. Conclusion: In pandemic conditions particularly vulnerable group of women are those in perinatal period, with a special accent to pregnant women who previously had depressive disorders. They should be continuously monitored and advised either face-to-face or via telemedicine means in attempt to avoid suicide.
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    DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY FOLLOWING EARLY PREGNANCY LOSS – OCCURRENCE AND RISK FACTORS
    (Macedonian Association of Anatomists and Morphologists, 2023)
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    Ilkoski, Ana
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    Biljan, Aleksandra
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    Drogrishki, Marta
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    Simonovska, Biljana
    Early pregnancy loss is associated with various psychological symptoms shortly after the miscarriage which, in some patients, can persist a longer period of time. The main goal of our study is to establish the occurrence-rate and risk factors for development of these symptoms. Patients with early pregnancy lose, who came in hospital were enrolled in the study. The HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) was used to measure symptoms of depression and/or anxiety of these patients. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Out of total 70 patients, 60% reported symptoms of depression and/or anxiety at some point during the study. Half of them, i.e. 54.2% display the symptoms on the day of admission to the hospital, while 9.5% of the patients demonstrated onset of symptoms of depression and/or anxiety one month after the incident. The symptoms persisted at least one month following the miscarriage, in 64.3% of the patients. Regarding the studied variables (nationality, level of education, employment and marital status as well as number of previous pregnancy loss and the number of children), none of them shows statistically significant difference for developing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. 60% of women display symptoms of anxiety or/and depression following early pregnancy loss, majority of them immediate after the incident, so every hospital should be well-staffed by professionals and able to provide an adequate care and psychological support for these patients. The study failed to reveal any risk factor (among selected) significantly associated with development of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Hence, every woman with such diagnosis can potentially develop psychological stress, and should be monitored carefully.
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    Autizam, aging and depression
    (2022-11)
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    Autism was identified in the 1940s, but wasn’t widely recognized until the 1970s. This means some older autistic adults may have never have received a diagnosis. It’s also why we still don’t know much about the autism experience in later life. Experts are confident autism itself doesn’t get worse with age. But there is still a lot we don’t know about the experiences of older autistic people. It’s only now that those who were first diagnosed back in the 40s and 50s are reaching later life, and taking part in groundbreaking studies. Studies in America have found links between autism and an increased risk of diabetes, depression, or heart disease in later life. These risks is likely to be due to common autistic traits such as liking very particular foods, or feeling isolated or lonely. Research in North Macedonia was conducted to evaluate the link between autism and depression at older people.
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    Психолошки дисбаланс при хронифициран стрес-пандемија со Ковид 19
    (2021)
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    Introduction: The outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) poses an unprecedented threat to public health. Current measures to control the spread include social distancing, isolation and quarantine, which may trigger mental health problems and create psychological disturbance under this continuous stress. Method and material: The sample (N = 122) constituted two groups: people that have been isolated and people not been isolated. The Goldberg Depression and Anxiety Scale as measures of depression and anxiety, respectively, and Quality of life scale QOLS were administered. A qualitative analysis of the most common verbalizations was made also. Results and conclusion: Depression and anxiety were reported by all respondents. Isolated respondents reported a higher likelihood to exhibit symptoms of depression and anxiety than those not been in isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic, social distance as part of preventive measures, and especially isolation as a preventive and therapeutic method in certain situations of suspected and infected with the virus are undoubtedly associated with increased anxiety and depression, as well as reduced quality of life.
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    THE EFFECT OF OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON MENTAL HEALTH IN MEDICAL STUDENTS
    (Visoka škola za sport i zdravlje, 2021-05-15)
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    Regular moderate physical activity is well known as a beneficial factor for maintaining and improving individual general health including mental health, especially in adolescents during crisis. The aim of the study was to assess the levels of anxiety, depression and perceived stress and their connection with the weekly amount of physical activity in junior medical students during December 2020 COVID 19 restrictive public health measures. The investigation was carried out on 73 medical students (57 females and 16 males) aged 20-22 years, from Medical Faculty, University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius", in Skopje. They answered questionnaires containing biographic data, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) by e-mail. Female medical students showed significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to males (p0.05). Pearson correlation between levels of depression and the amount of vigorous physical activity in males was r = - 0.898 while in females it was r= - 0.3251. There was moderate to strong negative correlation between levels of anxiety, depression and perceived stress and the amount of performed moderate physical activity in male medical students. Physical activity could have beneficial effects in male medical students
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    LEVELS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN SECOND YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC SPRING LOCKDOWN IN SKOPJE, NORTH MACEDONIA
    (Research in Physical Education, Sport and Health, 2020-12)
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    Lence Aleksovska Velickovska
    The aim of the study was to assess levels of anxiety, depression and perceived stress in second year medical students during Covid -19 pandemic spring lockdown in 2020. A cohort of 280 second year medical students, aged 18-20 years, from Medical Faculty, University "Ss. Cyril and Methodius", in Skopje, received questionnaires containing biographic issues, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by e-mail. The response rate was 60 percent. One hundred sixty eight students (41 males and 127 females) completed and returned the questionnaires. Mean values of acquired BDI scores were 10.1 ± 7.6. Mean values for BAI were 15.7 ± 11.3 points. Mean values of acquired PSS scores were 19.5 ± 7.5. Using an arbitrarily defined BDI cutoff point of 21 or greater. Twelve percent of students showed depression accompanied by high anxiety and stress and consequent use of benzodiazepines. Female students showed higher anxiety, depression and levels of stress compared to males. Thirty nine percent of all students had depressive symptoms and 77% of all perceived stress. Almost 75% percent of female second year medical students showed anxiety symptoms, almost half of them showed depressive symptoms and 80% reported moderate to high levels of stress. The prevalence of high anxiety was 22 % in females, while the prevalence of depression was 12%, Seventeen percent of females showed high levels of stress. Continuous pastoral and psychological support as mandatory part of medical education is necessary, especially during major health crisis.
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    Current trends in epileptology: priorities, challenges, tasks and solutions
    (2019-11)
    Avakyan G.N.
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    Belousova E.D.
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    Burd S.G.
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    Vlasov P.N
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    Ermolenko N.A.
    Within a field meeting of experts from the Russian branch of the League Against Epilepsy (RLAE), diagnostic and treatment aspects of epilepsy were discussed with the emphasis on the female population (girls, women of childbearing and older ages). All experts underscored the special features and unique needs of female patients with epilepsy. Experimental and clinical studies on efficacy and safety of traditional and novel antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) applied to women with epilepsy were discussed. It was commonly agreed that the new generation of AEDs did not yet find an appropriate place in the clinical practice, and that they were mainly used as add-on therapy in order to overcome drug resistance. The current use of AEDs in the treatment of epilepsy is, by large, not gender-specific and is not related enough to age, sociodemographic characteristics, and comorbid disorders. It should be noted that the new AEDs are addressed specifically to individual, socio-demographic, gender and clinical features of the patient. The potential of some AEDs (lamotrigine), in fact, remains underestimated by practitioners. Due to the current restrictions in using valproic acid, lamotrigine is the alternative medication for women with epilepsy. Having a balanced profile of efficacy and safety, lamotrigine is recommended as the first choice drug for initial therapy, as well as an alternative monotherapy for epilepsy in women.