bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of a psychiatric register in predicting the outcome “revolving door patient”
Authors: Kastrup M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A nation‐wide cohort of all first admitted patients to all Danish psychiatric institutions over a 1 year period and aged 15 years or more was followed for 10 years in the Danish psychiatric register. Revolving door patients were defined as patients with a minimum of four admissions and 1) no admission or discharge period lasting for more than 1/4 of the observation period or 2) at least four admissions over the first 1/4 of the observation period. The revolving door population comprised 1,397 patients with an incidence rate of 0.42 males and 0.32 females per 1,000. Forty‐three point five percent belonged to the same diagnostic group at first and last diagnostic assessment ranging from 28.3% in “organic psychosis” to 57.6% in “neurosis”.

A multiple contingency analysis showed a number of variables at first admission significantly associated with the outcome “revolving door”. Many were conditioned by others and the independent variables were “age group”, “main diagnosis” and “sex”. Patients aged 15‐24 years constituted a high risk group among schizophrenics. The 15‐24 age group was further at high risk among females with personality disorder or abuse and males with manic depressive and psychogenic psychosis. Living close to a psychiatric institution was in males associated with the outcome independently of age and diagnosis, in females it was restricted to personality disorder. Revolving door patients were significantly younger than others and more likely to suffer from schizophrenia or alcohol/substance abuse.
Neuropsychological test performance and CSF levels of monoamine metabolites in healthy volunteers and patients with Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Nybäck H. , Nyman H. , Schalling D.
Published: August 2007

Fifteen patients (51–78 yrs) with mild to moderately severe Alzheimer's dementia and 18 healthy subjects of the same age were examined by clinical rating scales and a battery of neuropsychological tests. Levels of the monoamine metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA), 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenyl glycol (MHPG) and 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) were determined in the lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Correlations between clinical, psychological and biochemical measures were calculated in order to elucidate whether monoaminergic mechanisms are of importance for the maintenance of cognitive abilities in normal and pathological aging. The patients’ performance was severely impaired in all neuropsychological tests. The mean levels of monoamine metabolites, however, did not differ between patients and volunteers. The correlations between psychological test scores and CSF metabolite levels were generally low, but mostly negative, associating a poor performance to a high activity of brain monoaminergic neurons. Thus, among the volunteers high 5‐HIAA and MHPG levels correlated with poor performance in the Picture completion and the Trail making tests ‐ measures of visuo‐perceptual and visuo‐motor skills. In the demented patients poor performance in the memory tests was associated with high levels of HVA and 5‐HIAA. The results indicate that monoamine neuron acticity is not a primary determinant for cognitive abilities in healthy elderly subjects or in demented patients. The slight negative correlation between cognitive function and metabolite concentrations in the patients may reflect a disturbance in a dopaminergic‐cholinergic balance due to degenerative changes of central cholinergic pathways.
Mania with associated organic factors
Authors: Cook B. L. , Shukla S. , Hoff A. L. , Aronson T. A.
Published: August 2007

Thirty‐nine patients with bipolar illness preceded by organic factors were compared to age and sex matched bipolar controls. The patients with pre‐existing organic factors were older at onset of their bipolar illness, had fewer depressive episodes, less family history of affective disorder, and were symptomatically different in a number of respects. The nosology of such disorders is discussed and the literature reviewed.
Adolescents who make suicide attempts repeatedly
Authors: Kotila L. , Lönnqvist J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: Four hundred and six consecutive suicide attempts made by 15–19 year‐old adolescents in 1973–1982 were examined. Two hundred and twenty‐six cases were first, 180 repeated suicide attempts. Repeaters came from poorer social situations and less well integrated families than first‐timers. Repeaters had many adaptating problems typical of personality disorders and had previously been in psychiatric treatment. Their level of adaptive functioning (GAS) and overall functioning (DSM III: s axis V) were poorer than within first‐timers. They were not psychotic more often than first‐timers and did not make more difficult suicide attempts. Their psychiatric after‐care was more intensive and prognosis with regard to subsequent suicide was poorer than within first‐timers. At the end of follow‐up time (approx. 5 years) 1% of first‐timers and 4% of repeaters had committed suicide. Observed‐expected ratio for first‐timers was 0.58 and for repeaters 1.73.
Neurotics at risk and suicidal behaviour in the Hungarian population
Authors: Kopp M. S. , Skrabski Á. , Magyar I.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: On the basis of a study of 5,871 persons representative of the Hungarian population over the age of 20 by age, sex, place of residence and occupation, an analysis was made of the relationships between neurosis risk, suicidal behaviour, drinking habits and social and lifestyle characteristics. Measured by the Juhász Neurosis Rating Scale, the proportion of those at neurosis risk in the population was 23.6%, but considerable regional differences were found. Suicide attempts and the suicide rate by county proved relatively independent of each other. In the counties with higher suicides rates (South‐East Hungary) and in the counties around the capital which have high rates of suicide attempts the proportion of those at neurosis risk was very high. The closest correlation with suicide attempts was found in the case of suicide in the family. Where there had been a suicide in the family, 26% of the subjects attempted suicide in the course of their life and where there had been no suicide, the proportion of persons making attempts was only 1%.
Birth cohort analysis of changing suicide risk by sex and age in Sweden 1952 to 1981
Authors: Åsgård U. , Nordström P. , Råbäck G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: The study aims at exploring the sex and age shift in suicide in Sweden. Data from the Causes of Death Register comprising suicides occurring in 1952 to 1981 among persons born in 1877 to 1966 were included. Analysis of linear regression of cumulative suicide incidence in successive birth cohorts yielded a shift toward younger ages and a general increase in female suicide risk. The statistical suicide risk in the 20 to 24 male age group has increased 3.6 times. The male to female suicide risk sex ratio has decreased for those older than 45, while it has increased among young adults. There is an urgent need of explanatory studies.
Aetiology and mechanisms of anxiety disorders
Authors: Humble Mats
Published: August 2007

Theories on the aetiology of pathological anxiety abound. A critical review is given of the most influential apporaches (e.g. psychonalytical, “somatogenic” behavioural, psychophysiological and “biological theories), with emphasis on panic and agoraphobic disorders. Eviudence is presented from epidemiological and genetic research and from observations on the course of illness. A surprisingly constant prevalence of anxiety syndormes, and a familial distribution suggesting a pivotal importance of genetic factors, speak in favour of a biological model. The course of illness, however, points to the importance of environmental influences as triggering factors, and to congnitive and behavioural mechanisms for the perpetuation of the symptoms. Treatment responses hitherto documented support the biological and behagioural concepts, but the cognitive and psychophysiological theories are also supported to some extent. An attempt is made to combine these findings with biochemical and pharmacological findings in an intergrated model of panic and agoraphobia. This model takes the form of a vicious circle, and is compatible with biological and neuropharmacological as well as evolutionary and psychological concepts.
Comments
Authors: Stafseng Ola
Published: August 2007

Abstract The need for classification of the relationship between theory and practice in the prevention of mental illness is stressed. At present, there is a loose and approximate relationship between theory and practice, and the author warns against just mixing a dash of medical and social theories of mental illness, a dash of practical and semi‐professional reason, and a dash of political progressivism. This leaves open the questions of who are the actors of prevention and which professions contain the skills, knowledge and language of prevention. Practitioners and scientists have to clarify the distinctions between therapy and primary prevention on the one hand and prevention and politics on the other. The importance ofre‐examining thoughts on the relationship between the individual and society is also emphasized. In primary prevention there has to be a shift of focus from the passive victimized patient to the active individual trying to influence environment and society.
Social network stimulation. Health promotion in a high risk group of middle‐aged women.
Authors: Benum Kirsten , Anstorp Trine
Published: August 2007

Abstract The article focuses on presenting methods developed in a network stimulation program among a high‐risk group of middle‐aged women living in Oslo, Norway.

The aim of the program was to initiate in the women a process of getting acquainted, and even making friends, ‐ and thus establishing new self‐sustaining social networks. In the long run we believed such new relations would increase the quality of life and improve the overall mental health of the participants.

During the program period of one year different groups and social activities were established in the neighborhood. Out of 50 women in the experimental group, 26 became active participants. Evaluation of the process was made at certain stages during the entire program.

After one year of group participation, the progress of the experimental group (n = 50) was compared to that of the control group (n = 50). The results show that the women participating in the intervention program have improved their social networks and increased their quality of life and self‐esteem compared to the control group. As to mental symptoms, it seems that their change depends on the degree of activity in the groups: the most active participants make friends, improve their existing networks, increase quality of life, and improve mental status. The passive participants, on the contrary, do not seem to have profited from the program so far. The full effect of the program will be evaluated in a later follow‐up.
A strategy for preventive psychosocial action in work settings
Authors: Ebeltoft Arne
Published: August 2007

Abstract An action research strategy for approaching psychosocial problems at work is described. It is based on the Norwegian Environment Act and uses broad participation, networks of supporting organizational units and a common arena, usually a work conference, as its main ingredients. By broad participation is meant organizational settings including workers and management, where discussions promote testing out of peoples theories towards a commonly agreed upon understanding of causal relations and remedies. It may be arranged several times in order to report and test different solutions tried out by the parties between sessions. It involves little or no outside expertise, only skill in designing the conference. It differs therefore from the‐one‐by one patient approach common to physicians, and uses the organization as its unit of intervention.
Eleven year follow‐up of 300 young opioid addicts
Authors: Haastrup S. , Jepsen P.W.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A cohort of 300 young opioid addicts (203 male and 97 female) attending the City of Copenhagen Drug Treatment Service (200) or the Nordvang Hospital (100) for first‐time treatment during 1973 was personally followed up in 1980 and 1984. In both studies about 90% were traced. Outcome was classified on a four‐step scale according to current drug status and occupational status. In 1984 24% of the cohort were classified in the best outcome class while 26% were dead, yielding an average mortality of 2.4% per year. Sixteen per cent were classified as substance users, including persons mostly abusing alcohol or tranquilizers. In contrast to our predictions in 1980 the number of persons achieving stable abstinence does not turn out to be steadily increasing with time. The number of active drug addicts declines mainly because they die, not because they achieve abstinence. According to more strict criteria less than 20% would be classified as truly recovered. Another 5 — 10% achieve some unstable abstinence. The long‐term prognosis seems to be highly unfavourable for the study population as a whole.
Self rated depression in relation to DSM‐III classification: A statistical isolinear multiple components analysis
Authors: Maes M. , Ruyter M. De , Claes R. , Suy E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was presented to 99 depressed inpatients. The patients were categorized according to DSM‐III as suffering from minor depression, major depression without melancholia and major depression with melancholia and/or with psychotic features. Differences in self‐reported symptoms between these categories were studied with multivariate statistical techniques including linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and statistical isolinear multiple components analysis (SIMCA). Patients with minor depression rate themselves significantly less depressed than those with major depression. Patients with major depression without melancholia are less depressed than those with melancholia and/or psychotic features. The three DSM‐III depressive categories can be regarded as belonging to a clinical continuum in which they form relevant levels with quantitative differences in self‐reported symptoms. These differences are not only defined by gradual shiftings in the overall severity of illness, but also by quantitative differences in the severity of some target symptoms, i.e. agitation, retardation, diurnal variation, loss of libido, fatiguability. insomnia, anorexia, sadness and anhedonia.
Reliability and validity of a Chinese computerized diagnostic instrument
Authors: Zheng Y. , Yang W. , Phillips M. R. , Dai C. , Zheng H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— This paper reports on the development and testing of a new Chinese diagnostic instrument — the Adult Diagnostic Interview Schedule‐Present (ADIS‐P). This instrument uses a selection of items adapted from DIS and SADS. It is administered within approximately 25 min by a trained clinician using a small portable computer that provides an immediate diagnosis. The instrument was tested on 1,331 patients from six large mental hospitals acorss the country. The concurrent validity was good: compared to the concensus diagnosis of two senior clinicians (who were blinded to the ADIS‐P result), the overall diagnostic accuracy was 83% and the weighted Kappa value was 0.60. The 1 month test‐retest reliability was satisfactory (weighted Kappa = 0.55). We conclude that ADIS‐P is a convenient, reliable and valid diagnostic instrument.
Mental health in the population approaching retirement age in relation to physical health, functional ability and creativity
Authors: Matilla V. , Joukamaa M. , Salokangas R. K. R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— This is the second paper dealing with a Finnish long‐term prospective study, the objective of which is to shed light on adjustment to retirement and old age. At this point, only the results of the initial survey carried out in 1982 are available. The material consisted of a random sample of 200 individuals born in 1920 and living in Turku, and a corresponding sample of 189 persons living in rural areas in the neighborhood of Turku. The method consisted of a structured interview, certain questionnaires and a physical examination. There was a considerable discrepancy between the subjects’ subjective working disability and the frequency of evident and handicapping physical illnesses found by the physician. This difference was largely explained in terms of mental problems. Dissatisfaction with life was clearly more common in subjects receiving a disability pension and in those classified as psychiatric cases than in others.
Somatization, depression and medical illness in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Chandler J. D. , Gerndt J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— In a study to determine the relationship between somatic symptoms and psychiatric diagnosis, 206 consecutively admitted inpatients at the University of Iowa Psychiatric hospital were given a structured medical history (MH) and physical examination (PE). Depressed patients were significantly older, had an increase in number of medical diagnoses (NDX), and were found to have a significant increase in somatic symptoms in which there was no confirmatory evidence on the PE and in which there was confirmation on the PE. When age, sex, and NDX were controlled for, depressed patients did not have an increase in either of the types of somatic symptoms noted above but did have a slight increase in the vague somatic symptoms in which PE findings would be unlikely. Our results suggest that the majority of the increases in somatic symptoms in depressed patients may not be due to depressive psychopathology but rather to their increased number of medical problems and increased age.
Cognitive disturbances in schizophrenics: What are they, and what is their origin?
Authors: Rund B.R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT—Cognitive disorders are neither a unique nor a constant phenomenon in schizophrenia. Among the dysfunctions that may be observed at times, primarily during acute phases and in patients with a non‐paranoid symptomatology, certain disturbances in attention‐focusing and information processing seem to be most conspicuous. Some of these cognitive dysfunctions may have been transmitted from parent(s) to the patient, either genetically or through simple forms of learning. The empirical evidence for this assumption is to be found in the fact that some of the same cognitive deficits as those found in schizophrenic patients are also found in their first‐degree relatives, although usually in a milder form. Other forms of cognitive dysfunction may have developed as complementary strategies in response to communication deviances and cognitive behavior found in their parents. A developmental model, in which genetic, physiological and environmental factors are included is described as a way of illustrating how predisposing factors, as well as intermediating and stress factors, contribute to the debut and maintenance of cognitive disorders in schizophrenics.
A comparative investigation of the principal component structure of the 28 item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)
Authors: Elton M. , Patton G. , Weyerer S. , Diallina M. , Fichter M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The 28‐item version of the General Health Questionnaire of 15‐year‐old schoolgirls obtained under identical conditions in two separate studies was subjected to principal component analysis (PCA). Varimax rotation produced different numbers of components for the different groups, but restricting the number of components to be rotated to four produced similar component structures, as supported by the coefficient of factor similarity, for both Turkish and Greek groups in their home countries and a heterogenous non‐British group in London in comparison to British girls. Different structures were obtained in schoolgirls from Greece, in Munich, and from the Indian subcontinent in London. Analysis of variance of the factor scores of a combined PCA produced significant overall group differences for all components and specific group differences for anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. Somatic symptoms and anxiety and insomnia subscales, either alone or in combination with other subscales, contributed most frequently to morbidity.
The effect of neuroleptics on prolactinoma growth in a Jordanian schizophrenic girl
Authors: Daradkeh T.K. , Ajlouni K.M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— We describe a case of a schizophrenic girl who developed prolactinoma while being treated with neuroleptics. The clinical history and special investigations of the pituitary tumor suggest that neuroleptic medications may have enhanced the growth of the tumor in our patient. The author suggests that the relationship between the occurrence of prolactinoma and neuroleptic medications ought to be investigated in a large controlled study.
Adolescent suicide attempts: Sex differences predicting suicide
Authors: Kotila L , Lönnqvist J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— Four hundred and twenty‐two consecutive hospitalized suicide attempts made by 15‐19 year old girls and boys in Helsinki area were investigated. One hundred and twenty suicide attempts were made by 115 boys and 302 by 247 girls. Differences between sex were analyzed. Boys had more severe adaptive problems. Their overall level of functioning was poorer than was that of the girls. Their physical health was not as good as that of the girls. Boys did not carry out more severe suicide attempts as concerns the estimated lethality and intent of the attempt, but their suicide attempts seemed to be connected with more severe physical, mental and social problems. Boys were more susceptible to alcohol provoked suicidal behaviour than girls, and they presented less appealing motives. The outcome of the boys was much worse than the outcome of the girls. Risk ratio for suicide during the 5‐year follow‐up was 2.0 for boys and 0.55 for girls. Risk ratio concerning violent death was 2.43 for boys and 0.33 for girls. Young male adolescents attempting suicide should be taken very seriously as a risk group for subsequent suicide.
Sociodemographic characteristics and length of psychiatric hospital stay: Application of a proportional hazards model
Authors: Laessle R.G. , Yassouridis A. , Pfister H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A proportional hazards model was used to analyze effects of sociodemographic variables on length of hospital stay in psychiatric patients. Marital status and socioeconomic status had a significant influence in psychotic patients, but not in neuroses. A significant time dependency of hazard rate was also found.
Suicide trends in Canada, 1956–1981
Authors: Dyck R. J. , Newman S. C. , Thompson A. H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT—Using official suicide statistics, this study examined suicide rates in Canada over a 25‐year span (1956 to 1981) as a function of age, gender, and geographical region. The analysis revealed that, for both sexes, the risk of suicide among the 15‐24 year‐olds increased at a faster rate than in any other age group. Male and female age‐standardized suicide rates demonstrated an overall increase between 1956 and 1981. The trend for males was one of continuous increase, whereas female rates reached a maximum in 1976 and then decreased. Regional differences in suicide rates were also apparent. Although not strictly observed, a trend toward increasing risk of suicide in males as one proceeds westward across Canada was found. For females, a pattern of increasing suicide with more westerly location was also found, except that Ontario and the Prairie Provinces were in reverse order. Several possible explanations for these findings are presented.
Psychosocial correlates of premenstrual dysphoric subtypes
Authors: Rosen L. N. , Moghadam L. Z. , Endicott J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A modified version of the Premenstrual Assessment Form (PAF) was administered to 737 military wives as part of a study of stress and well being. A factor analysis of the responses suggests three main subtypes of premenstrual change — hostile depressive, atypical depressive, and anxious — as well as two minor subtypes — organic and hypomanic. Demographic and psychosocial correlates of factor scores are discussed.
Retrospective psychiatric assessment of 200 suicides in Budapest
Authors: Arató M. , Demeter E. , Rihmer Z. , Somogyi E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— Based on an interview with the closest family member, using the Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia — SADS, a retrospective psychiatric assessment and diagnostic classification was carried out on 200 completed suicides. Eighty‐one per cent of the victims had a recent psychiatric disorder, in 63% depression. The prevalence of psychiatric illnesses was similar to that of other studies from countries with lower suicide rates.
Outcome of reactive psychosis: A prospective study from India
Authors: Chavan B. S. , Kulhara P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— In a prospective study, 22 patients diagnosed to have “Reactive Psychosis” were followed‐up for 6 months. Clinical and social recovery was seen in 16 cases, three patients had relapsed, and in three patients the diagnosis of “Reactive Psychosis” was changed to either major depressive disorder or schizophrenia. The results of the study suggest that “Reactive Psychosis” has good outcome and stability of diagnosis over a short period of time.
Suicidal behaviour in schizophrenic day patients
Authors: Prasad A. J. , Kellner P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A survey of non‐hospitalised schizophrenics was conducted to test the hypothesis that schizophrenics who had attempted suicide are phenomenologically and demographically different from the ones that do not. On comparison, it emerged that the former had significantly higher incidence of psychiatric morbidity in the family, were on the whole younger and had a much larger number of Present State Examination (PSE) depressive symptoms.
Anorexia nervosa occurring in pregnancy
Authors: Milner G. , O'Leary M. M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A case of Anorexia nervosa presenting during pregnancy is described. Problems in the management of this condition during pregnancy are outlined.
Psychiatric Munchausen's syndrome
Authors: Bhugra D.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The present study reviews the literature on Munchausen's syndrome. In a psychiatric hospital, out of a total of 775 admissions under the age of 65 in 1986, four patients were diagnosed as having Munchausen's syndrome (0.5%). The underlying pathology of these cases is discussed and suggestions for management and further research made.
Completed suicides and traffic accidents: Longitudinal analysis in France
Authors: Souètre E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— In order to assess the relationship between suicidal behavior and traffic accidents, we analyzed the seasonal patterns of completed suicides and deaths related to traffic accidents in France over a period of 8 years. We found a clear seasonal rhythm of completed suicides with a peak in May, and an additional peak in September. The traffic accident rate also underwent seasonal variations with maximum values occurring in the fall. No positive covariation between the seasonal patterns of suicide and traffic accidents was detected. The lack of temporal relationship between suicide and traffic accident is consistent with recent epidemiological studies. and suggests that fatal traffic accidents and suicidal behavior may not be related.
Bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Dewan M. J. , Haldipur C. V. , Lane E. E. , Ispahani A. , Boucher M. F. , Major L. F.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— Based on clinical similarities with schizophrenics and previous computed tomography (CT) studies that found distinct structural abnormalities in the brains of bipolar patients, we evaluated 26 DSM‐III bipolar patients and 22 controls by CT, using quantitative measures of ventricular and sulcal size and of cerebral parenchymal density. Third ventricle size was increased, as was periventricular and cortical density. Comparison is made with results found in other psychotic conditions and the possible etiopathological significance discussed.
Locus ceruleus morphometry in aging and schizophrenia
Authors: Lohr J. B. , Jeste D. V.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The locus ceruleus (LC), a pigmented brainstem nucleus rich in noradrenergic neurons, has been proposed to be involved in the pathophysiology of aging and schizophrenia. We undertook a quantitative neuropathological study of the LC in these two conditions. A computing planimeter was employed to count the total number of neurons and measure the volume of the LC, neuronal cross‐sectional area, and percent of neuronal area occupied by neuromelanin in the brains of 39 subjects; 13 “normative”, 15 leucotomized schizophrenic (most had died in the preneuroleptic era), and 11 leucotomized non‐schizophrenic control patients, ranging in age from 11 to 94 years. There was a significant inverse correlation between age and total number of LC neurons, neuronal size, and LC volume, and a significant positive correlation between age and the percentage of neuronal area occupied by neuromelanin. Although schizophrenics did not differ significantly from control groups on any of the parameters of LC morphology, there was a trend for reduced LC volume in schizophrenic brains. Also, the LC of leucotomized patients tended to have increased neuromelanin content and slightly increased cell counts compared to normals, although the importance of this finding is not clear.
Brain morphology in schizophrenia by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Authors: Rossi Alessandro , Stratta Paolo , Gallucci Massimo , Passariello Roberto , Casacchia Massimo
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— We report an in vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Study of the brain in male schizophrenics and individually matched controls. Due to the multiplanar imaging capabilities of MRI we have obtained both midsagittal and axial scans. On the axial plane schizophrenics showed a significant increase of Ventricular Brain Ratio and on the sagittal plane a significant reduction of corpus callosum to brain ratio. In a factor analysis these two abnormalities loaded on components statistically independent suggesting different dimension of brain pathology in schizophrenia.
Does 3H‐imipramine binding asymmetry indicate psychiatric illness?
Authors: Demeter E. , Tekes K. , Majorossy K. , Arato M. , Somogyi E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— We have accepted that serotonin is essentially an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the human brain, so we propose that it is precisely this inhibiting effect that has weakened in psychiatric cases. We have investigated the asymmetry of tritiated imipramine binding sites (Bmax) in the frontal cortices of homicide victims (n= 6) and controls (n= 6) who died of natural causes. Of these homicide victims examined in our experiment, five proved to have been psychiatric cases and one case had no psychiatric record. The two groups were comparable in age, gender and postmortem delay. The number of imipramine binding sites (Bmax) in the frontal cortices of controls was significantly higher in the right hemisphere than in the left hemisphere. But the homicide victims who were psychiatric cases had significantly higher (Bmax) values in the left hemisphere. While we only found higher Bmax values in the left hemisphere of homicide victims with mental diseases, our data may serve to prove the direct role of the serotonergic mechanism in the development of psychiatric cases.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitor withdrawal phenomena: symptoms and pathophysiology
Authors: Dilsaver S. C.
Published: August 2007

The author reviews the literature reporting the untoward effects of withdrawing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). The withdrawal of these agents can result in severe anxiety, agitation, pressured speech, sleeplessness or drowsiness, hallucinations, delirium and paranoid psychosis. MAOI withdrawal phenomena resemble the symptoms produced by the discontinuation of chronically administered psychostimulants. The capacity of MAOI to exert amphetamine‐like effects presynaptically, and the propensity of somatic treatments for depression to subsensitize presynaptic receptors regulating the release of catecholamines, can provide a basis for the development of psychotic syndromes upon the withdrawal of MAOIs. Evidence for this hypothesis is reviewed.
Vitamin B12 and folic acid serum levels in obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Hermesh H. , Weizman A. , Shahar A. , Munitz H.
Published: August 2007

Vitamin B12 and folate serum levels were studied in 30 patients with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and in two control groups comprised of 30 chronic schizophrenics and 30 normal healthy subjects. Six patients (20%) of the OCD group had abnormal low levels of vitamin B12. This prevalence was significantly higher than that of the control groups. No clinical neurological or haematological abnormalities accompanied the reduced vitamin B12 levels. Possible implication of this finding for the pathophysiology of OCD in a subgroup of patients and the possibility that the B12 deficiency could be the consequence rather than the cause of OCD are suggested.
Characteristic changes in psychiatric symptoms, cortisol and melatonin but not prolactin in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Linder J. , Brismar K. , Granberg P.‐O. , Wetterberg L. , Werner S.
Published: August 2007

Psychiatric symptoms in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are usually characterized as depressive. In this study 13 patients with PHPT and six control patients with atoxic nodular goiter underwent psychiatric ratings with the comprehensive psychopathological rating scale (CPRS) the day before surgery. The 21 items in this scale were grouped into clusters. The ratings were repeated after successful removal of a parathyroid adenoma. Diurnal serum concentrations of cortisol, melatonin and prolactin were studied pre‐ and postoperatively in eight of the patients. Patients with PHPT had significantly higher CPRS total scores, 8.5 ± 1.3, compared with goiter controls, 1.9 ± 0.8, and showed a significant improvement of psychiatric symptoms after excision of the parathyroid adenoma, to 3.3 ± 0.9. The preoperative diurnal and peak levels of cortisol and melatonin were higher (P< 0.05) than after surgery. Serum melatonin fell to levels lower than those in healthy controls. Correlations were found between some clusters or items and cortisol or melatonin. Serum prolactin levels were normal and unaltered by parathyroid surgery. It is concluded that patients with PHPT show well defined psychiatric symptoms many of which are correlated to alterations in serum cortisol and melatonin accompanying PHPT. The improvement of symptoms seen after successful surgery further suggests that PHPT is associated with a specific psychiatric disorder similar to but distinguishable from major depressive disorder.
A double blind comparative study of remoxipride and thioridazine in the acute phase of schizophrenia
Authors: McCreadie R. G. , Todd N. , Livingston M. , Eccleston D. , Watt J. A. G. , Tait D. , Crocket G. , Mitchell M. J. , Huitfeldt B.
Published: August 2007

This is the first comparative double blind study of remoxipride. Sixty‐one patients with acute schizophrenia received either remoxipride (75–375 mg daily) or thioridazine (150‐750 mg daily) for 6 weeks. There was no statistically significant between‐drug difference in improvement in mental state, as measured by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, although the trend favoured thioridazine; global assessment of illness severity at the last rating also, favoured thioridazine. Sedation, anti‐cholinergic effects, autonomic dysfunction and weight gain were significantly more common in patients receiving thioridazine. Both drugs produced few extrapyramidal effects, but both produced cardiovascular changes in two patients; neither drug produced significant abnormalities in laboratory tests.
Electroencephalographic correlates of electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Kolbeinsson H. , Pétursson H.
Published: August 2007

The aim of this investigation was to study the detailed profile and persistence of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)‐induced EEG correlates. Subjects were submitted to a detailed clinical evaluation as well as automated, computerized EEG recordings. Analysis was performed of different frequency bands, mean frequency and total power as well as a detailed study of cortical auditory‐evoked responses. Age and sex‐matched control subjects comprised a group of comparable patients, none of whom had received ECT, a second control group of healthy volunteers and a third group of amitriptyline‐treated patients. No statistically significant EEG changes were found among patients who had been treated with ECT from several months to several years prior to the investigation. During ECT, highly significant cumulative effects were observed in most of the EEG measures, particularly increased slow‐wave activity and a corresponding reduction in fast‐wave activity. Predictably, significant changes also occurred in mean EEG frequency and total power. No significant changes were observed in the cortical‐evoked responses. EEG abnormalities were still significant one week following the completion of a course of ECT, but reverted to baseline levels within four weeks.
Abnormal diurnal weight gain among chronically psychotic patients compared to a control population
Authors: Vieweg W. V. R. , Godleski L. S. , Goldman F. , Burtner B. A. , Hundley P. L. , Yank G. R.
Published: August 2007

We report inappropriate antidiuresis as manifested by abnormal diurnal weight gain among 29 male and female chronically psychotic patients compared to a control population. Abnormal diurnal weight gain may be a new metabolic marker for chronically psychotic patients.
Aggressive behavior in hospitalized psychogeriatric patients
Authors: Nilsson K. , Palmstierna T. , Wistedt B.
Published: August 2007

The frequency and characteristics of aggressive and hostile behavior in 40 psychogeriatric inpatients was investigated using the Staff Observation Aggression Scale (SOAS). Most aggressive acts were directed towards nursing staff when providing help with activities of daily living. A positive correlation was found between age and the frequency of aggressive behavior, while severity was most strongly correlated to length of admission. A significant decrease in frequency was observed during the six weeks of observation. The causes of this decrease are discussed together with the implications for future studies on the treatment of aggressive behavior in this group of patients.
Functional somatic symptoms and hypochondriasis among general practice patients: a pilot study
Authors: Pålsson N.
Published: August 2007

Within a sample of 78 general practice patients, 13 patients were diagnosed as having functional somatic symptoms (FSS). In eight of these 13 patients, the FSS were associated with hypochondriasis, as indicated through a screening instrument (the Whitely index). In the remaining five patients, the FSS were associated with various other basic problems. Different subtypes of hypochondriasis with clinical relevance could be identified among the hypochondriac FSS patients. During a 3‐year follow‐up period, the FSS patients with hypochondriasis demonstrated considerably elevated general practice clinic utilization, compared with FSS patients without hypochondriasis. One of the FSS patients developed a serious physical disease during the follow‐up period.
Use of lithium and early relapse in manic‐depressive illness
Authors: Mander A. J.
Published: August 2007

The proportion of manic‐depressive patients readmitted within three months of an index episode was the same irrespective of lithium prescription. The data supports the view that short‐term lithium prescription is ineffective, and because of the possibility of difficulties when it is withdrawn, it is suggested that lithium be reserved for long‐term prophylaxis.
Plasma levels of ß‐endorphin, cortisol, prolactin and growth hormone in depressed patients
Authors: Galard R. , Gallart J. , Arguello J. M. , Schwartz S. , Castellanos J. M. , Catalán R.
Published: August 2007

Basal serum cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin and immunoreactive (IR) plasma ß‐endorphin levels were measured in 31 depressed patients (14 endogenous, 17 nonendogenous) undergoing the dexamethasone suppression test. The endogenously depressed patients had significantly higher (22.55 ± 1.34 μg/dl) predexamethasone cortisol levels than the nonendogenous patients (16.34 ± 1.93 μg/dl). The mean serum prolactin and growth hormone values of these two groups were not significantly different, while plasma IR‐ß‐endorphin levels of the endogenous group (40.11 ± 3.57 pg/ml) were significantly lower than those of the nonendogenous group (120.33 ± 27.98 pg/ml). Neither group showed a significant correlation between plasma IR‐ß‐endorphin and serum cortisol values. These results indicate that measurement of predexamethasone serum cortisol values and plasma IR‐ß‐endorphin could be valuable laboratory tests in the diagnosis of depression.
Neuropsychological assessment of functional central nervous system disorders
Authors: Bellini L. , Gambini O. , Palladino F. , Scarone S.
Published: August 2007

The neuropsychological characteristics of a group of schizophrenic and affective patients were assessed by mean of a comprehensive neuropsychological tool, the Luria‐Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery (LNNB), to determine the lateralized hemispheric neurofunctional characteristics in major functional central nervous system disorders. The results showed that schizophrenics had more right‐hemisphere impairment than affectives. They do not substantiate the hypothesis of right hemisphere‐lateralized malfunctioning in functional mood disorders. Psycho‐pharmacological treatment influences neuropsychological test performance, neuroleptics having the greatest effects. Pharmacological effects other than anticholinergic ones are responsible for the negative influence on neuropsychological test performance.
An ethological analysis of depression: comparison between ethological recording and Hamilton rating of five endogenously depressed patients
Authors: Schelde J. T. M. , Pedersen J. , Hannibal E. , Behnke K. , Nielsen B. M. , Hertz M.
Published: August 2007

Five patients who had all been diagnosed as endogenously depressed at admission were rated twice a week and observed ethologically for 4 h/week during the entire hospitalization (4–11 weeks). Observations were carried out in the actual social environment of the ward. Data were analysed based on the parameters of behaviour diversity, behaviour activity, and marker elements. Depression was scored as low values of diversity and activity; improvement corresponded to higher values of these parameters. As possible markers of improvement, 8 behavioural elements have been singled out. One patient constituted a special case: at discharge she was rated as completely recovered; however, the ethological data indicated a serious aggravation. The day after discharge the patient attempted to commit suicide. It is concluded that ethological psychiatric research may be able to supplement traditional psychiatry with decisive information in the areas of diagnosis and treatment assessment.
Admission pattern and diagnostic stability of patients with functional psychoses in Denmark during a two‐year observation period
Authors: Jørgensen P. , Mortensen P. B.
Published: August 2007

This register‐based study shows that the incidence of first‐admitted patients to psychiatric hospital who were diagnosed as having functional psychoses was 55 per 100,000 inhabitants in Denmark in 1984. During a two‐year observation period, half of the patients were readmitted and two‐fifths had their diagnosis changed. Young and schizophrenic patients were especially liable to readmission. Reactive psychosis and paranoia were the most unstable diagnostic concepts, as half of the patients were classified differently at the latest readmission compared to the first admission. Schizophrenic patients are still to a great extent treated as inpatients. Comparisons between two catchment areas are made. It is necessary to be very careful when one is using patients’ first diagnosis from the present nosologic classification for prediction of clinical and diagnostic course. Studies based on phenomenology and on diagnoses made using operational criteria are badly needed.
Urinary excretion of albumin and retinol‐binding protein in lithium‐treated patients
Authors: Jensen H. V. , Holm J. , Hemmingsen L. , Thiesen S. , Andersen J.
Published: August 2007

Urinary excretion of albumin and retinol‐binding protein was measured by means of sensitive and specific immunochemical methods in a transverse study of 20 lithium‐treated patients and 24 apparently healthy individuals. Albumin creatinine clearance ratios were significantly higher in the lithium‐treated patients, which may indicate glomerular lesions. Microalbuminuria correlated highly to duration of lithium therapy. No significant difference between the retinol‐binding protein creatinine clearance ratios in the two groups could be shown. This suggests that the catabolism of low‐molecular‐mass proteins in the proximal tubules was normal.
A comparative clinical trial of fluoxetine, mianserin and placebo in depressed outpatients
Authors: Muijen M. , Roy D. , Silverstone T. , Mehmet A. , Christie M.
Published: August 2007

Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, was compared with mianserin and placebo in a double‐blind study. In total, 81 depressed patients were included. Patients were rated weekly on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and the Montgomery & Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). The duration was 6 weeks, and 52 patients completed the study. Significantly more patients on fluoxetine improved than patients on placebo. For mianserin no significant differences were found with either fluoxetine or placebo. Mean HDRS at the end of the study was also statistically significantly lower for fluoxetine, but not for mianserin, than placebo. Subscores of the MADRS showed improved sleep on mianserin at weeks 2 and 3. Suicidal feelings were reduced to a greater degree on fluoxetine than on mianserin and placebo at weeks 6 and 7. Fluoxetine induced weight loss, while patients on mianserin gained weight. Side effects were present in most patients on the two active drugs; those on fluoxetine experienced nausea and vomiting, and those on mianserin drowsiness.
Prevalence of depression in an elderly population in Finland
Authors: Kivelä S.‐L. , Pahkala K. , Laippala P.
Published: August 2007

The prevalence of depression by sex, age and certain sociodemographic variables was investigated in a sample of elderly Finns (60 years or over) living in the semi‐industrialized municipality of Ähtäri (n= 1529). The study was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, depressive symptoms were screened with the Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale (ZSDS). In the second phase, persons scoring ≥ 40 points in the ZSDS and a random sample of persons scoring < 40 ZSDS points were examined by a general practitioner. The prevalence of depression was determined on the basis of DSM‐III criteria. The estimated prevalence for men was 22.4%, and for women 29.7%. The estimated prevalence for different categories of depression was as follows: dysthymic disorder, men 17.2% and women 22.9%; major depression, men 2.6% and women 4.5%; atypical depression, men 2.2% and women 2.5%; and cyclothymic disorder, men 0.4% and women 0%. No cases of bipolar disorder were found. A high risk of depression was associated with female sex, widowhood and being in long‐term institutional care or receiving home nursing and/or home help. The occurrence of depression was not related to age, education or occupation.