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Background Both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are early neurodevelopmental disorders that present notable diagnostic problems and share clinical features. The current research intends to clarify the sensory profile, visual-evoked potential (VEP), and auditory-evoked potential of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and typically developing children (TD). We have observed sensory processing problems in 42–88% of children diagnosed with autism and approximately 50% of children diagnosed with ADHD. Results The parents of 37 children diagnosed with ASD, 41 children diagnosed with ADHD, and 43 children who were typically developing completed the short sensory profile (SSP) along with standardized questionnaires used to assess the symptoms and autistic behaviors. We assessed intellectual functioning and evoked potential in all the groups. There were more sensory problems in the ASD and ADHD groups than in the control group ( P  < 0.001); however, autism and ADHD differed in all subscales except unresponsiveness, auditory filtering, and visual/auditory subscales. Also, the ASD group and ADHD group showed a more significant delay in visual-evoked potential VEP than the control group (mean and SD of right eye p100 latency 150.85 ± 48.70 in ASD vs 119.28 ± 18.06 in ADHD vs 103.42 ± 5.19 in typically developing group, left p100 latency 141.09 in ASD ± 32.55 vs 116.51 ± 10.1 in ADHD vs 103.0 ± 5.91 typically developing group). Additionally, the ASD group significantly deviated from norms in the absolute latency of waves I, III, and V, as well as the inter-wave intervals of I–III and III–V in the auditory-evoked potential. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant distinction between the ADHD and the TD groups in terms of left wave III and V latency and left interpeak latency between I–III and III–V. Conclusion Children diagnosed with ASD and ADHD have a greater likelihood than typically developing children to experience sensory processing abnormalities; as a result, we recommend basic assessment, follow-up, and designing the most appropriate intervention.

Background Feeding and eating disorders are major factors in nutrition problems. Mothers have a big role in shaping feeding and eating behaviors. This study aimed at estimating the prevalence of feeding and eating disorders among children in pediatric outpatient clinics (6–12 years old) and comparing personality factors among mothers of children with feeding and eating disorders versus those without feeding and eating disorders. Results This study included 528 children who were screened for feeding and eating disorders using the DSM-5. For the detected children, their mothers’ personalities were assessed using Cattell’s 16 personality factor test after history was taken using a child psychiatric sheet. The resulting prevalence of feeding and eating disorders is 13%, and the major mother’s personality factor that contributed is the control factor. Conclusions Certain personality factors of the studied mothers (controlled, tender-minded, imaginative, forthright, and apprehensive) correlate with the prevalence of feeding and eating disorders among their children, compared with those without feeding and eating disorders. Mothers’ personalities should be assessed in children with feeding and eating disorders, especially when these factors seem likely.

Background Infections with Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo), a protozoan that can infect the brain, have been reported to alter behavior in rodents and humans; several investigators have related Toxo infection to personality traits such as novelty seeking in humans. We investigated human personality traits in relation to Toxo in Egypt, where such infection is common. Results In a community-based sample of Egyptian adults ( N  = 255), Toxo infection were indexed by levels of IgG antibodies. Viruses like hepatitis C virus (HCV) have also been associated with cognitive dysfunction and mood disorders; therefore, HCV antibody titers were also assayed for comparison. The antibody levels were analyzed in relation to the Arabic version of the NEO personality inventory (NEO-FFI-3), accounting for demographic variables. No significant correlations were noted with Toxo or HCV antibody levels, after co-varying for demographic and socio-economic factors and following corrections for multiple comparisons. Conclusions Infection with Toxo or HCV infection was not associated with variations in personality traits in a sample of Egyptian adults. The possible reasons for the discordance with prior reported associations are discussed.

Background This study aimed to understand the association of child behavior and parenting practices with chronic habitual hyperfunctional childhood dysphonia (CHCD) for a better understanding of the nature of the psychological background of the problem. The study involved 52 Egyptian children aged 4 to 14 years old of both genders; the case group included 26 children diagnosed with (CHCD) based on auditory perceptual assessment using the modified GRBAS scale and laryngeal examination using an indirect laryngoscope, and the control group included 26 healthy children of the same age and gender. All of the children in the study had their histories were taken (demographic data, child vocal behavior history, and family vocal behavior history), the social class determined, SDQ for child behavior, and APQ for parenting practices.  Results The findings revealed that children with CHCD were more likely to engage in unhealthy vocal behavior and engage in street/sports activities. At the SDQ, children with CHCD had significantly higher emotional, conduct, and total difficulty scores. The degree of dysphonia was associated with prosocial behavior and emotional symptoms. The two groups’ parenting practices did not significantly differ from one another. Conclusion According to our research, CHCD is associated with several behavior problems, such as emotional symptom and conduct issues, but not with parenting practices.

Background In most developing countries, as in Egypt; postmenopausal breast cancer cases are offered a radical form of surgery relying on their unawareness of the subsequent body image disturbance. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of breast cancer surgical choice; Breast Conservative Therapy (BCT) versus Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM); on body image perception among Egyptian postmenopausal cases. Methods One hundred postmenopausal women with breast cancer were divided into 2 groups, one group underwent BCT and the other underwent MRM. Pre- and post-operative assessments of body image distress were done using four scales; Breast Impact of Treatment Scale (BITS), Impact of Event Scale (IES), Situational Discomfort Scale (SDS), and Body Satisfaction Scale (BSS). Results Preoperative assessment showed no statistical significant difference regarding cognitive, affective, behavioral and evaluative components of body image between both studied groups. While in postoperative assessment, women in MRM group showed higher levels of body image distress among cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects. Conclusion Body image is an important factor for postmenopausal women with breast cancer in developing countries where that concept is widely ignored. We should not deprive those cases from their right of less mutilating option of treatment as BCT.

Background The number of children diagnosed with psychiatric disorders has significantly increased over the past two decades. This study examined the pattern of psychiatric interventions prescribed for a sample of children with mental health problems in Egypt. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the pattern of psychotropic drug prescribing and intervention (medication, doses, duration, side effects, and improvement) in children aged 2-12 years old in primary and secondary health settings, presented to Mansoura University Hospitals in Egypt over 1 year. The identified patterns were compared with the Maudsley guidelines to detect any significant deviations. Results Among the 272 cases presented to the clinic, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behavior disorders were the most prevalent diagnoses (85.3%) followed by intellectual disability (7.8%) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD; 5.1%). Antipsychotic drugs and ADHD medications (atomoxetine and methylphenidate) represented the most commonly prescribed medications (56.6% and 44.5% respectively), whereas behavioral therapy was among the least chosen (8.5%) treatment options. About 1/3 of the sample received multiple psychotropic medications. The prescribed intervention strategies did not match the Maudsley’s guidelines in 76% of the cases with the absence of psychotherapeutic interventions being the most frequently observed factor (95.7%). Although still inadequate, psychiatrists’ intervention strategies were more likely to follow the Maudsley’s guidelines (38.3%), whereas pediatricians and neurologists were almost oblivious to them. Conclusions Current pattern of psychiatric interventions prescribed for a sample of children with mental health problems in Egypt are not in accordance with standard guidelines, such as “Maudsley’s,” rendering it imperative to provide relevant educational programs for health care providers.