Civilization syndrome. New diagnosis and new therapeutic approach

Abstract

Introduction

Although the relationship between the content of stress and serious diseases, such as depression is not so obvious, underlying mechanisms encouraging more and more authors to define a ‘civilization syndrome’ as a link between our modern lifestyle, the civilization we live and psychosocial health problems. With regard to the ‘civilization syndrome’, there are several new candidates that have been spotted as the challenges for psychiatric research, like burnout, infertility and solitude. All these phenomena seem to increase epidemically and require urgent conceptual and therapeutic studies.

Aim

. The program was addressed to three groups of patients with burnout, infertility, and social relationship/loneliness crisis.

Method

Using the new stress reduction program (SRP), engaging both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic approach, and also several lifestyle factors, like physiotherapy, nutrition aspects, coaching, social media contact and monitoring, most of patients improved in terms of emotional and behavioral markers, in short- and long-term (4–6 months) observations.

Material

Patients and clients (N43) with F3.x-F4.x disorders according to ICD-10.

Results

A variety of PRS scales were used to assess patients’ improvement outcomes. Significant reductions (4–6 months) were observed at Maslach Burnout Inventory (–23.4%, P = 0.000), Fertility Problem Inventory (–34.5%, P = 0.000), UCLA Loneliness Scale, ver. 3 (–43.3%, P = 0.000), and Perceived Stress Scale (44.0%, P = 0.000).

Discussion

This program interplays between stress and mental health problems and opens up new possibilities for diagnosis and therapy, focusing on the challenges of civilization, and especially opens up preventive options in stress-related problems and diseases, which represent a growing health burdens in modern society.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.