bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroconvulsive therapy and cerebral computed tomography
Authors: Bergsholm P. , Larsen J. L. , Rosendahl K. , Holsten F.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— Cerebral computed tomography (CT) was performed before and after right‐sided electroconvutsive therapy (ECT) in 40 patients aged 26–87 years with major affective disorders. Nine patients with a concomitant definite or possible non‐acute organic brain disorder were included. Several patients had long seizure durations, maximum 6.5 min, caused by hyperventilation‐induced hypocapnia. Twenty‐nine patients received at least 16 treatments (maximum 46). No CT changes occurred following ECT. A questionable dilatation of the left temporal horn in a 69‐year‐old hypertensive man who recovered completely without side effects after 3 ECT sessions was probably unrelated to the ECT. Provided sufficient oxygenation, even relatively long ECT series and seizures lasting several minutes do not cause any brain damage visible on CT.
The Scottish first episode schizophrenia study
Authors:   Scottish Schizophrenia Research Group, McCreadie R. G. , Wiles D. , Grant S. , Crockett G. T. , Mahmood Z. , Livingston M. G. , Watt J. A. G. , Greene J. G. , Kershaw P. W. , Todd N. A. , Scott A. M. , Loudon J. , Dyer J. A. T. , Philip A. E. , Batchelor D.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— Of 49 schizophrenic patients followed up 2 years after their first admission to hospital, 37% were well, 47% had been readmitted to hospital at some time over the 2 years, and 18mo showed schizophrenic symptoms at follow‐up. A poor outcome at 2 years was associated with male sex, poor outcome after the first 5 weeks of the first admission, negative schizophrenic symptoms on first admission, and a diagnosis of definite or probable schizophrenia using the Feighner criteria. Only 23% were in employment. A small double‐blind discontinuation study of maintenance antipsychotic medication during the second year found more relapses in those switched to placebo medication. Repeat psychometric assessment at 2 years confirmed modest improvements found at 12 months; that is, there was no evidence of intellectual decline. Relatives showed no more psychosocial distress than that found in a normal community sample; what distress there was correlated with patients’ schizophrenic symptoms.
The use of case vignettes in studies of interrater reliability of psychiatric target syndromes and diagnoses
Authors: Hjortsø S. , Butler B. , Clemmesen L. , Jepsen P. W. , Kastrup M. , Vilmar T. , Bech P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— This study is part of the ICD‐10 field trials in which the use of case vignettes for interrater agreement has been examined. From our electronic database of 880 consecutively admitted inpatients we selected 24 cases that were transcribed to vignettes covering the first 5 ICD‐10 target syndromes of dementia, substance use disorders, schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders. ICD‐10 was compared with ICD‐8 and DSM‐III. The results showed that all 3 standard classification systems obtained an acceptable interrater agreement. Among the diagnoses, depressive disorders gave rise to most disagreement between the raters. Discrepancies between the methods of measuring interrater agreement were found when intraclass reliability was compared with consensus calculations for the individual patient.
A fatal toxicity index for antidepressant poisoning
Authors: Henry Dr John A.
Published: August 2007

Since depressed patients are liable to attempt suicide by self‐poisoning, fatal poisoning from overdose is an important part of the overall assessment of any antidepressant drug. Because prescription figures for drugs are available in Britain, a Fatal Toxicity Index can be calculated in terms of deaths (from national mortality data) per million National Health Service prescriptions.

This was carried out for the years 1975–1984 (Cassidy and Henry 1987), and has since been updated. The older tricyclic antidepressants as a group had a higher Fatal Toxicity Index than the mean for this drugs studied. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors had intermediate toxicity, and newer drugs introduced since 1973 had lower toxicity than the mean figure for all drugs, which was 34.9 deaths per million prescriptions. If drugs are equally effective clinically, serious consideration should be given to prescribing antidepressants with a lower fatal toxicity as a contribution to suicide prevention.
A study of behavioural response to an industrial disaster
Authors: Weisæth Lars
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT ‐Based upon 7 response variables we categorized the impact behaviour of 123 industrial employees who had been exposed to a disastrous factory explosion and had survived without suffering severe injuries. The subjects were personally examined and the data controlled by cross‐interviews shortly after the disaster. In the analysis the subjects were divided into a high stress (n= 64) and a medium stress exposure group (n= 59) based upon their closeness to the explosion centre.

The 7 variables were cognitive function, inadequate behaviour, help received, leadership, cooperative activity, absolute and relative rescue efforts. While about 50% of the total number reported some disturbance in their cognitive control, and 34% of the high stress exposure group experienced a near total loss of cognitive control, severe inadequate behaviour did not occur. Modelling and corrective social interactions may have played an important role in this. Still, 20% of the high stress exposure group had some behavioural response that increased the risk to their life or that of others.

The 7 scores were added to an index and cut‐off points established to separate 3 different groups of behavioural responses: 29% of the high stress group displayed Maladaptive Disaster Behaviour; inhibited behaviour and uncontrolled flight behaviour dominated in this group. Adaptive Disaster Behaviour was rated in 34% and Optimal Disaster Behaviour in 37%. The following background variables correlated strongly to Optimal Disaster Behaviour: high level of disaster training/experience, male sex, age above 40, maritime occupational background, above average intellectual ability, a life history without mental health problems. A discriminant analysis with 8 variables predicted correctly whether the response would be Optimal or less than that in 84% of the 121 subjects tested in the analysis. A high level of disaster training/experience yielded an overall correct prediction rate of 63.6%, and a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 85.9% and positive predictive power of 70.7% in predicting Optimal Disaster Behaviour.
The validity of the General Health Questionnaire in a sample of accidentally injured adults
Authors: Malt U. F.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT ‐The 20‐item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) was given to 110 accidentally injured adults during the hospital stay. The patients were asked to rate their mental state prior to the accident. They also filled in the GHQ twice during a follow‐up period of 28 months. All patients were twice examined by a psychiatrist who was blind to the patients' GHQ response. The overall values for sensitivity and specificity were good during the follow‐up period and only slightly better using Chronic scoring procedure (80%‐80%). The optimal cutting point for case screening varied across the different time‐periods (2/3 pre‐accident, 3/4 follow‐up). Patients with permanently higher case‐scores at follow‐up than at pre‐accident were among those most severely affected by the injuries from a psychosocial point of view. The nine subjects who scored as a case at each of the three points of time all qualified for a DSM‐III diagnosis. Sixty‐three percent of the patients with a case score on two occasions qualified for a DSM‐III diagnosis. The study indicates that GHQ‐20 would be a useful measure of the psychosocial state of trauma patients seen in the course of rehabilitation.
Importance of high response rates in traumatic stress research
Authors: Weisæth Lars
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Non‐response and psychological resistance, i.e. degree of unwillingness to undergo the primary examination (screening), and its implications for estimation of PTSD prevalences was measured in a longitudinal study of 246 employees exposed to an industrial disaster (explosion/fire). Resistance including refusal, was measured by counting the number of contacts needed in the calling‐in procedure to secure cooperation. Resistance to the primary examination related to severity of exposure (24.2% in the high exposure versus 6.8% in the medium exposure and 4.2% in the low exposure group). If those who initially resisted had been lost to the 7 month follow‐up the total response rate would have been 82.8%, with an estimated frequency of high PTSS scores of 15. By increasing the response rate to 100%, the true prevalence of high PTSS scores increased to 22.4%. The initial resistance related strongly (P < 0.001) to the severity of outcome at 7 months. The potential loss to the follow‐up would have included 42% of the PTSD cases, and 64% of the severe PTSD cases would have fallen out, resulting in distorted prevalence rates of PTSD.

The high potential loss to follow‐up in the high exposure category would reduce the predictor value of belonging to that exposure group. The initial resistance in many who later developed PTSD was found to relate to the psychological defences such as avoidance against the re‐experiences in the acute post‐traumatic stress syndrome. For traumatic stress studies on the after‐effects of shock traumas the implication of findings is that response rates need to be high. For primary and secondary prevention the implication may be that early outreach must be very active.
Clinical melperone treatment blocks D2‐dopamine receptors in the human brain as determined by PET
Authors: Wiesel F.‐A. , Farde L. , Halidin C.
Published: August 2007

Positron emission tomography and 11‐C‐labelled raclopride was used to determine central D2‐dopamine receptor occupancy in three melperone treated patients. Treatment with melperone in daily doses of 250 and 300 mg for 3 to 6 weeks, resulted in a receptor occupancy above 70%. Thus, clinical doses of melperone as we previously demonstrated for several classical neuroleptics cause a substantial D2‐dopamine receptor blockade in the human brain in vivo.
An overview of the animal pharmacology of paroxetine
Authors: Johnson A. M.
Published: August 2007

Animal studies show that paroxetine is a potent and selective inhibitor of 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) neuronal uptake. It shows excellent activity after oral administration, and pharmacological studies on its principal metabolites indicate that they are much less active than the parent compound. Paroxetine possesses no overt sedative or antihistaminergic properties and it does not potentiate the effects of alcohol. Weak activating properties are observed in EEG studies in animals at doses generally greater than those required to inhibit 5‐HT uptake in the CNS, and the activated EEG in rats is associated with slight locomotor stimulation. However, specific studies indicate that this activation is not amphetamine‐like. Paroxetine does not inhibit monoamine oxidase in vitro. Paroxetine is well tolerated by the cardiovascular system, being qualitatively and quantitatively less cardiotoxic than amitriptyline. The weak affinity of paroxetine for muscarinic cholinergic receptors in vitro is associated with mydriasis in vivo, but only at doses well in excess of those required to potentiate the effects of 5‐HT in the CNS. It is therefore concluded that paroxetine should be an effective antidepressant with a reduced propensity to induce the adverse events that are characteristic of the tricyclic class of antidepressants.
Paroxetine in the treatment of depression: a comparison with imipramine and placebo
Authors: Feighner J.P. , Boyer W.F.
Published: August 2007

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor, which is being investigated as an antidepressant. In this double‐blind, six‐week study 120 outpatients with DSM‐I11 major depression were randomly assigned to treatment with paroxetine, imipramine, or placebo. Results showed a statistically significant superiority of paroxetineover placebo on almost all outcome measures. Paroxetine was significantly superior to imipramine on the HAMD total score and was generally better tolerated than imipramine. The results support paroxetine's effectiveness in the treatment of major depression and suggest that further studies with this compound are warranted.
The incidence of specific DIS/DSM‐III mental disorders: data from the NIMH Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program
Authors: Eaton W. W. , Kramer M. , Anthony J. C. , Dryman A. , Shapiro S. , Locke B. Z.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Incidence data are presented for the 7 most frequent specific categories of mental disorder available in the NIMH Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) program (major depressive disorder; panic disorder; phobic disorder; obsessive‐compulsive disorder; drug abuse/dependence; alcohol abuse/dependence; cognitive impairment). The DSM‐III case definitions in the ECA Program are according to the implementation of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS). Rates of incidence are presented specific for age, sex, and site, and pooled smoothed curves for the relationship of age to incidence, specific for sex are shown. The 7 disorders have distinctly different relationships to sex and age of onset.
Blood serotonin levels in suicidal schizophrenic patients
Authors: Bräunig P. , Rao M. L. , Fimmers R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT A decrease in central serotonin metabolism has been found in suicidal patients. In schizophrenic patients suicidality is predominantly observed as a transient phenomenon being most pronounced during an acute psychotic episode. We investigated blood serotonin levels as a paradigm for serotonin metabolism in suicidal schizophrenic women who were psychotic and compared their data with those of nonsuicidal psychotic schizophrenic women and healthy controls. Blood serotonin was lower in suicidal female schizophrenic patients (0.44 ± 0.05 μmol/1, n= 17) than in nonsuicidal female schizophrenic patients (0.94 ± 0.07 μmol/1, n= 17; P < 0.001) or in healthy women (0.90 ± 0.02 μmol/1, <n= 26; P <0.001). These findings support the hypothesis that decreased serotonin metabolism may be associated with suicidal behavior in schizophrenic women.
Lactate infusions in panic disorder patients and normal controls: autonomic measures and subjective anxiety
Authors: Yeragani V. , Balon R. , Pohl R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The anxiety symptoms, heart rate and blood pressure of 61 patients who panicked during lactate infusions were compared with 25 control nonpanickers. There was no significant difference in the increase in heart rate and blood pressure over baseline between patients and controls. There appeared to be no significant correlation between the subjective anxiety ratings and the measures of heart rate and blood pressure during lactate‐induced panic. The symptoms of shortness of breath, feeling frightened or afraid, feeling dizzy and fear of losing control were significantly associated with lactate‐induced panic. In addition, the cognitive symptoms of fear of losing control and fear of going crazy appear to be important determinants of lactate‐induced panic.
Nonregressive schizophrenia ‐ a long‐term comparative follow‐up investigation
Authors: Nyman A. K.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT A 14–17 year follow‐up study of a first admission sample of nonregressive schizophrenic cases revealed a phenomenological and diagnostic consistency over time. Some improved and adapted well in society but a considerable proportion developed into chronic schizophrenic syndromes. Schizophrenic deterioration was also manifested among those who adhered to a nonregressive course without ever revealing frank psychotic decompensation. Treatment consumption and disability were high. Prognosis and outcome were, in the main, similar to a parallel series of regressive schizophrenic first‐admission cases of similar set and age composition. The set difference noted in the intermediate‐term outcome study in 1973, with a more favourable outcome among the women, was no longer present. The findings added further support to the validity of the concept of nonregressive schizophrenia and to the hypothesis of a joint nosology with classical schizophrenia.
Suicide in England and Wales 1946–1985: an age‐period‐cohort analysis
Authors: Surtees P. G. , Duffy J. C.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Four decades of suicide mortality data for England and Wales were analysed within an age‐period‐cohort framework. Marked differences in results were found by sex. The analysis of the male data showed that the risk of suicide increased with age until men were in their mid‐fifties (after allowing for period and cohort effects), and that suicide risk declined for males born from 1876 to 1915, but had increased over 4‐fold for certain later‐born cohorts. Female suicide risk was found to decline with later nativity (after adjusting for age and period effects). The identification of period effects in terms of known changes in the carbon monoxide (CO) content of domestic gas successfully accounted for temporal variation in male suicide risk, but fitted less well to the data for females.
Completed suicide in psychiatric inpatients and former inpatients A comparative study
Authors: Modestin J. , Hoffmann H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A total of 49 psychiatric inpatient suicides were compared with 53 former psychiatric inpatients who had committed suicide within one year after their discharge. Significant differences were found in the diagnostic distribution of both groups, especially the predominance of schizophrenics among inpatient suicides, and of alcoholics and drug abusers among suicides of former inpatients. Furthermore, some other important differences between the groups emerged that bore practical implications. In different diagnostic groups suicide occurs for different reasons and based on different psychosocial backgrounds. In the investigation of suicide in psychiatric patients, homogeneity of the population studied in terms of patient status should be strived for.
Personal violence (suicide and homicide) in South Africa
Authors: Lester D.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– An examination of recent suicide and homicide rates in the United States and South Africa showed quite similar patterns, with whites having higher rates of suicide and nonwhites having higher rates of homicide. In recent years, suicide rates for white males have risen in South Africa while remaining stable in the United States. In contrast, homicide rates have risen for nonwhites in South Africa.
Mortality among psychiatric patients ‐ the groups at risk
Authors: Zilber N. , Schufman N. , Lerner Y.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– This study examined standardized mortality ratios (SMR) among the patients who had undergone psychiatric hospitalization in Israel in 1978. The size of the sample (83,175 person‐years) allowed us to calculate simultaneously SMR by age, sex, diagnosis and cause of death. The global SMR was 2.3 and decreased with age. Excess mortality was found in patients from all diagnostic groups for death from both natural and unnatural causes. Excess mortality from cancer was found only among patients aged under 40. The SMR for death by suicide was lower than that reported in the literature. The highest excess mortality was due to respiratory and infectious diseases in all groups and especially among young alcoholics and drug addicts (SMR = 273). This points to the importance of an ongoing follow‐up of the physical health of psychiatric patients.
Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in Florence
Authors: Faravelli C. , Degl'Innocenti B. Guerrini , Biardinelli L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A structured interview designed to diagnose anxiety disorders according to DSM‐III (plus infrequent panic attacks and generalized anxiety disorder using DSM‐III‐R criteria) was given to 1110 people registered with 6 general practitioners (CPs), whether they consulted the doctor or not. As each citizen in Italy has to be registered with a GP, the sample was representative of the population. The interviews were carried out by the GPs, who were also third‐ or fourth‐year trainees in psychiatry. The lifetime prevalence and point prevalence were: 0.36% and 0.27% for agoraphobia; 0.90% and 0.72% for agoraphobia with panic; 1.35% and 0.27% for panic disorder; 0.63% and 0.45% for simple phobia; 0.49% and 45% for social phobia, 5.41% and 2.79% for generalized anxiety disorder; and 0.72% and 0.63% for obsessive‐compulsive disorder. These figures are lower than those reported in other surveys; possible explanations may be the use of a hierarchical diagnostic model and the fact that diagnosticians were psychiatrists instead of lay interviewers as in most studies in the United States. On the whole, 62% of anxiety cases consult a GP, 50% consult a psychiatrist and 7% are hospitalized.
Positive changes in the premenstrual period
Authors: Stewart D. E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Positive or creative changes in the premenstrual week have been described. This study examines the perceptions of 100 healthy women as to whether they experience positive premenstrual changes and to what extent these occur alone or in combination with negative changes. Sixty‐six percent of the women reported at least one positive premenstrual change, most frequently increased sexual interest and enjoyment, tendency to clean and tidy, tendency to get things done, more attractive breasts, more energy and more creative ideas. There was a weak negative correlation between the number of negative premenstrual changes and the number of positive changes reported. There were no statistically significant associations for age (under or over 30 years), marital status, oral contraceptive use or cycle regularity for positive, negative or total number of premenstrual changes. To complement the current interest in negative symptoms, further studies of positive premenstrual changes are required.
Mania precipitated by benzodiazepine withdrawal
Authors: Rigby J. , Harvey M. , Davies D. R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A case of mania following abrupt benzodiazepine withdrawal in an 83‐year‐old woman is described. It is argued that the withdrawal state acted as a significant life event in precipitating the manic episode.
Adolescent chemical use and dependence: current issues in epidemiology, treatment and prevention
Authors: Kaminer Y. , Bukstein O.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– This review provides a pragmatic and clinical orientation to current issues in adolescent chemical dependence in addition to exploring legitimate and relevant unanswered questions about chemical dependence. The lack of research on adolescent chemical dependence is addressed in light of the updated epidemiology. Patterns of use, abuse and dependence among adolescents are reviewed. The article examines treatment issues as well as prevention strategies among children and adolescents. Future clinically oriented research directions are suggested to promote further investigation into these areas.
Suicidal ideation in a young adult population
Authors: Goldney R. D. , Winefield A. H. , Tiggemann M. , Winefield H. R. , Smith S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Depending on the manner in which the data were interpreted, as many as 17.5% of women and 20.2% of men, or as few as 3.0% of women and 3.3% of men in a young Australian adult population reported some degree of suicidal ideation in the few weeks prior to testing. Using a suicidal ideation score derived from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), 11.7% of men and 9.7% women could be considered to have suicidal ideation. These findings and the diversity of results from other studies emphasize the need for standardized methods of assessment of suicidal ideation. The GHQ could be usefully employed for this purpose, particularly as it is widely used and further analysis of existing data could provide valuable comparisons.
Aggressive thoughts and behavior: another symptom of panic disorder?
Authors: George D. T. , Anderson P. , Nutt D. J. , Linnoila M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– We report on 3 individuals who describe aggressive thoughts and behaviors that frequently occurred in association with panic symptoms. It is theorized that the seemingly paradoxical emotions of fear and aggression may actually share a similar etiology. Of clinical interest, the subjects improved in both their panic and aggressive symptoms when they were treated with antidepressant medication.
Delirium among elderly persons admitted to a psychiatric hospital: clinical course during the acute stage and one‐year follow‐up
Authors: Koponen H. , Stenbåck U. , Mattila E. , Soininen H. , Reinikainen K. , Riekkinen P. J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Seventy elderly patients meeting the DSM‐III criteria for delirium were examined during the acute stage and followed up to one year. The mean age of the patients was 75 years (range 60–88), their delirium lasted on average 20 days (range 3–81) and the psychiatric hospitalization on average 30 days (range 8–365). The most common etiologies for delirium were stroke, infections and metabolic disorders. For 57 cases (81%) a predisposing structural brain disease was found. During the index admission, the cognitive dysfunction associated with delirium ameliorated significantly (the mean±SD Mini‐Mental State Examination score 9.7±6.6 at admission and 13.9±7.2 at discharge; P<0.001), but during the one‐year follow‐up progression of the basic central nervous system disease was seen together with declining cognition and deterioration of functions of daily living.
The incidence of negative symptoms in early schizophrenia, mania and other psychoses
Authors: Montague L. R. , Tantam D. , Newby D. , Thomas P. , Ring N.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Despite increasing interest in negative symptoms in schizophrenia there has been little work on their incidence in early schizophrenia or in other psychoses. This study examined 79 nondepressive psychotics within 2 years of onset of illness, diagnosed by Research Diagnostic Criteria and assessed for negative symptoms using the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms. Marked negative symptoms were observed in nearly half of patients diagnosed as suffering definite schizophrenia and were rarely found in other psychoses. Negative symptoms were not significantly correlated with positive symptoms, depression or exposure to neuroleptics, but were correlated with developing extrapyramidal side effects.
Platelet 5‐HT uptake in post‐stroke depression
Authors: Barry S. , Phillips O. M. , Williams D. C. , Dinan T. G.
Published: August 2007

Serotonin (5‐HT) uptake into platelets is reduced in functionally depressed patients. Depression following stroke (cerebrovascular accident; CVA) is common and severe. Sixteen patients who had suffered a CVA within 6 to 12 months and who were medication‐free had blood taken for measurement of platelet 5‐HT uptake. Seven of these patients were depressed. These were compared with age‐ and sex‐matched hospital controls. No difference in platelet 5‐HT uptake was found across these groups.
Treatment of lethal catatonia with electroconvulsive therapy and dantrolene sodium: a case report
Authors: Nolen W. A. , Zwaan W. A.
Published: August 2007

According to the literature, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most effective treatment for lethal catatonia. This article describes a patient with lethal catatonia: treatment by ECT alone was ineffective, whereas continued treatment with ECT in combination with dantrolene sodium led to improvement.
The prevalence of schizophrenia in three counties in Ireland
Authors: Nuallain M. Ni , O'Hare A. , Walsh D.
Published: August 2007

This article reports a study of the prevalence of schizophrenia in 3 counties in Ireland based on case‐register data and using a standardized diagnostic instrument – the Present State Examination. The estimate of prevalence varies depending on the criteria of schizophrenia employed. A middle‐range estimate of 3.9 per 1000 population does not differ substantially from previous estimates of prevalence obtained elsewhere. Over 60% of all schizophrenic prevalence patients and over half of schizophrenic inpatients did not score as cases, suggesting that the continued hospitalization of symptomatically recovered cases has given rise to the mistaken impression that the prevalence of schizophrenia is unduly high in Ireland. The work reported here indicates substantial differences between the results of case ascertainment by hospital admission data compared with those arrived at by standardized interview diagnostic techniques.
Alcohol consumption in parents and offspring: a study of the family correlation structure in a general population
Authors: Tambs K. , Vaglum P.
Published: August 2007

Alcohol consumption was recorded for 2390 spouses and 498 children of age 18 or above living with their parents. The spouse correlation was 0.67, whereas parent‐offspring and sibling correlations were all close to 0.35. This family correlation structure implies an upper limit for heritability of 0.44. The design does not permit a separation of effect of cultural (environmental) and genetic transmission in families, but comparisons with previous heritability analyses suggest that heritability is in fact close to the upper limit, implying little or no cultural transmission. There were virtually no correlations between alcohol consumption and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Nor did consumption correlate substantially with symptoms in first‐degree relatives. These results do not support hypotheses of common genetic nor even of common environmental determinants for alcohol consumption and mental disorders.
Decreased density of benzodiazepine receptors in lymphocytes of anxious patients: reversal after chronic diazepam treatment
Authors: Ferrarese C. , Appollonio I. , Frigo M. , Perego M. , Piolti R. , Trabucchi M. , Frattola L.
Published: August 2007

Peripheral‐type benzodiazepine receptors were measured in human circulating lymphocytes using 3H‐PK 11195 as specific ligand. In a group of outpatients with anxiety disorders a significant decrease of receptor density (– 37%) was found compared with age‐matched controls. In these patients long‐term diazepam treatment restored binding density to normal levels: the effect persisted after drug withdrawal. Acute i.v. diazepam administration did not change receptor density. The observed receptor changes could reflect a down‐regulation phenomenon and indicate that lymphocyte function reflect central nervous events.
Factor study of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Bech Melancholia Scale
Authors: Marcos T. , Salamero M.
Published: August 2007

In this study, a sample (n= 234) of elderly people between the ages of 60 and 95 was evaluated. Items from the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and the Bech‐Rafaelsen Melancholia Scale were factorialized using the oblique rotation method oblimin. Three clinically significant factors were obtained, accounting for 41% of variance. The first was interpreted as a dimension of inhibition and melancholic depression; the second, insomnia; and the third, somatic and psychic anxiety. It is concluded that the set of items on both scales increases the capacity for evaluating melancholic aspects of depression. In the interpretation of factor analysis, the possible artifact represented by the repetition of similar items must be kept in mind. Despite the loss of simplicity oblique rotation implies, it is considered preferable to orthogonal rotation since it allows for a greater congruity with clinical situations.
Why some depressed patients may have low platelet 3H‐imipramine binding
Authors: Mellerup E. T. , Plenge P.
Published: August 2007

Human platelet membranes were incubated with 3H‐imipramine, 3H‐paroxetine or 3H‐chlorimipramine. It was found that chlorimipramine remained in the membranes, as it was impossible to remove this antidepressant drug by normal washing procedures. Similar results, although to a lesser degree, were found with paroxetine, whereas imipramine could be washed away from the membranes. Treatment of volunteers with chlorimipramine strongly reduced platelet imipramine binding probably due to the presence of chlorimipramine in the membranes during the binding assay. These results suggest that the low imipramine binding reported in depressed patients, at least in some cases, may have been caused by antidepressant drugs or drug metabolites remaining in the platelet membrane preparations.
Therapeutic effects of fengabine, a new GABAergic agent, in depressed outpatients: a double‐blind study versus clomipramine
Authors: Nielsen N. P. , Cesana B. , Zizolfi S. , Ascalone V. , Priore P. , Morselli P. L.
Published: August 2007

The results of a double‐blind clinical trial of fengabine vs clomipramine in depressed outpatients are reported. Fengabine, a new GABAergic agent, seems to be as effective as the reference drug, with a faster onset of action and a more marked effect on cognitive disturbances and retardation. The new drug is free of any significant anticholinergic or cardiovascular effect, and it is not sedative.
Age and attempted suicide
Authors: Merrill J. , Owens J.
Published: August 2007

Clinical and demographic factors associated with suicide attempts admitted to the West Midlands Poisons Unit over a 2‐year period were compared by age group. Risk factors for future suicide (living alone, physical illness, psychiatric illness and high suicidal intent in the attempt) were significantly more common among elderly patients (65 years and over) than middle‐aged patients (35‐64 years) and significantly less common among young patients (under 35 years) than middle‐aged patients. Elderly patients that attempted suicide resemble elderly patients that completed suicide and should be considered at high risk of future suicide.
Schizophrenia and assaultive behaviour: the role of alcohol and drug abuse
Authors: Lindqvist P. , Allebeck P.
Published: August 2007

To assess the role of alcohol and drug abuse among schizophrenics with assaultive behaviour, we analysed case records of 38 patients who were responsible for a total of 71 violent offences between 1972 and 1986. They were identified from a population‐based cohort of 644 individuals with schizophrenia hospitalized in Stockholm County during 1971. Fourteen of the 38 offenders abused alcohol and/or drugs and another 7 were probable abusers. These figures are higher than previously reported as regards abuse among schizophrenics. Most of the offences were peformed by nonhospitalized patients who had been ill for many years. The nature of most of the violent incidents resembled that of offences committed by non‐psychotic individuals. Our findings give further evidence for the role of abuse and social disintegration in assaultive behaviour among persons with schizophrenia.
Psychosexual development of adolescent males after malignancies in childhood
Authors: Ropponen P. , Aalberg V. , Rautonen J. , Kalmari H. , Siimes M. A.
Published: August 2007

We studied psychosexual development in 28 adolescent males who had survived leukemia and compared it with that in 25 adolescent males who had survived other malignancies in childhood. A clinical semistructured psychiatric interview was used to form 8 criteria of psychosexual development. Sexual identity was also assessed using a psychological test. By every criterion, development was more disturbed in patients who had survived leukemia. Attitudes toward adult‐type genital sexuality, contact ability with the opposite sex, and the developmental level of sexuality were most significantly affected.
Efficacy of reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase‐A in various forms of depression
Authors: Lecrubier Y. , Guelfi J. D.
Published: August 2007

The design and the main therapeutic results of 3 controlled double‐blind studies comparing moclobemide with tricyclics and/or placebo in depressed patients are presented. Moclobemide, a reversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (RIMA), preferentially inhibits MAO‐A. It showed good efficacy in major depression (DSM‐III), both endogenous and non‐endogenous. The 3 studies included a total of 763 patients. The therapeutic results are similar to those observed with tricyclics (2/3 good responders). Tolerability was significantly better. The onset of action was evaluated in 2 studies and was faster in the patients treated with moclobemide. The fact that reversible inhibitors of MAO‐A demonstrate good efficacy independently of the diagnostic category of depression is an important new finding.
Effects of moclobemide on sleep in healthy human subjects
Authors: Blois R. , Gaillard J. M.
Published: August 2007

Ten healthy, normal subjects (5 male and 5 female) aged 20–28 years participated in this experimental study of the effect of moclobemide on sleep. The design consisted of 2 sessions of 5 nights each, comprising 1 adaptation night, 2 nights on placebo and 2 inputs of moclobemide 4 mg/kg (session B). The 2 sessions were separated by at least 15 days and their order was balanced and randomized. During the last 4 nights of each session, sleep parameters were recorded throughout the night according to standard procedures. Moclobemide at a dose of 4 mg/kg induced moderate changes in the sleep‐wake balance: a significant increase in stage 1 on the second drug night, a slight increase in stage 2 and a significant decrease in paradoxical sleep on the 2 drug nights. There was also a moderate reduction in the number of rapid eye movements (REM) during paradoxical sleep, but the number of cycles and latency to paradoxical sleep were unchanged, as well as all other sleep parameters measured. With 6.5 mg/kg, the changes were more pronounced: total sleep time was diminished, but this was significant only on the second and third nights. Transient awakenings increased significantly on the first drug night, and wakening latency decreased. The only modification of orthodox sleep was an increase in the percentage of stage 2 on the first drug night, whereas slow‐wave sleep was unchanged. Paradoxical sleep was reducd on the first 2 drug nights, but tolerance appeared on the third night. The decrease in paradoxical sleep was exacerbated in the last part of the night. REM were decreased during paradoxical sleep. The only change noted on the post‐drug night was an increase in the density of REM. The effects of moclobemide observed in the sleep of healthy volunteers appear weak compared with those of other antidepressants.
Interaction studies with moclobemide
Authors: Zimmer R. , Gieschke R. , Fischbach R. , Basic S.
Published: August 2007

Drug interactions with moclobemide given to healthy subjects and depressed patients are reviewed. The drugs investigated for safety were antihypertensives, digoxin, oral contraceptives, anticoagulants and benzodiazepines. Cimetidine was studied for the pharmacokinetic effect, and possible interactions with alcohol (stimulation and/or sedation) were included. Finally, since inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) can increase noradrenergic transmission, possible interaction with neuronal reuptake inhibitors such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) was investigated. Whereas replacement of the older, irreversible MAO inhibitors by a TCA was held to be dangerous and to require a therapy‐free interval, the studies reviewed here provide evidence that amitriptyline can replace or be added to moclobemide without any sign of impaired tolerance, need for dose reduction or a therapy‐free interval. Combined administration of moclobemide and desipramine was also tolerated well. Moclobemide did not interact with the direct‐interacting sympathomimetics norepinephrine and isoproterenol and only to a negligible extent with phenylephrine. The combination of moclobemide with antihypertensive agents did not cause postural hypotension or an increase in other side effects. No clinically relevant interaction was observed between moclobemide and phenprocoumon, glibenclamide, oral contraceptives, digoxin or benzodiazepines. Cimetidine increased the concentration of moclobemide in plasma after a single oral dose by about 100%. If moclobemide is to be used in a patient pretreated with cimetidine, treatment should therefore start with the lowest therapeutic dose and then be adjusted to clinical needs. Since moclobemide is devoid of anticholinergic effects, no interaction with alcohol was anticipated. High therapeutic doses (600 mg/day) induced an effect similar to that of low doses of a TCA, but with 100–300 mg no interaction with alcohol was seen, even in elderly people.
Prevalence and treatment of mental disorders and epilepsy in Zanzibar
Authors: Bondestam S. , Garssen J. , Abdulwakil A. I.
Published: August 2007

A survey on prevalence and treatment of mental disorders and epilepsy in Zanzibar was conducted in 1988 among 10,776 randomly selected people. Prevalence rates of 4.9/1000 for epilepsy and 3.2/1000 for psychotic disorders were found. Traditional treatment was common. This article discusses treatment practices and the distribution of target conditions according to age, sex, marital status, geographical area, literacy status and level of education.;
Suicide, homicide and the quality of life in various countries
Authors: Lester D.
Published: August 2007

Based on the theory of Henry & Short, it was predicted that suicide rates should be higher and homicide rates lower in countries where the quality of life is better. In 1980, for a sample of 43 countries, this prediction was confirmed for some components of the quality of life (psychological well‐being) but not for other components (political stability, defense and economy, and cultural diversity). However, changes in the quality of life from 1970 to 1980 were not related to changes in suicide or homicide rates.;
Mortality and causes of death in schizophrenic patients in Denmark
Authors: Mortensen P. B. , Juel K.
Published: August 2007

A cohort consisting of 6178 people that were psychiatric inpatients with a clinical schizophrenia diagnosis in 1957 were followed up from 1957 through 1986, and their cause‐specific mortality was determined. Mortality from cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, gastrointestinal and urogenital disorders, accidents and suicide was increased, whereas mortality from cerebrovascular disorders was reduced. In the male patients cancer mortality was reduced whereas cancer mortality in the female patients was increased. Mortality from a number of causes that theoretically could be associated with side effects from neuroleptics was increased. Mortality from some causes of death used as a measurement of the quality of medical care was found to be slightly increased. Further studies of the quality of the medical care provided to schizophrenic patients and of the association between neuroleptic medication and mortality are needed.;
Neuroleptic‐induced supersensitivity psychosis in patients with bipolar affective disorder
Authors: Steiner W. , Laporta M. , Chouinard G.
Published: August 2007

Clinical syndromes thought to arise from neuroleptic‐induced dopamine receptor supersensitivity are well described in psychiatry. Tardive dyskinesia may arise from neostriatal supersensitivity and supersensitivity psychosis may arise from mesolimbic supersensitivity in schizophrenics chronically treated with neuroleptics. The authors present 5 cases of supersensitivity psychosis that developed in patients with bipolar affective disorder. The clinical syndrome is described and the implications for the long‐term course of bipolar affective disorder are discussed.
Illicit anabolic steroid use: a controlled personality study
Authors: Yates W. R. , Perry P. J. , Andersen K. H.
Published: August 2007

The illicit use of anabolic steroids for strength and cosmetic reasons appears to be an increasing problem. Although alcohol and drug abuse have been associated with increased risk for personality psychopathology, the personality correlates of illicit anabolic steroid abuse are unknown. To determine whether personality psychopathology is common among anabolic steroid users, we evaluated a series of illicit anabolic steroid users and compared them with a group of age‐matched alcoholics and 2 control groups. Anabolic steroid users were found to have increased risk for personality psychopathology compared with community controls. This risk appeared to be partially explained by a group membership effect. Additionally, similar to the alcoholic group, illicit anabolic steroid users also demonstrated significant antisocial traits.
Suicide among young men: psychiatric illness, deviant behaviour and substance abuse
Authors: Allebeck P. , Allgulander C.
Published: August 2007

The role of psychiatric illness versus social and behavioural risk factors for suicide in young men was analysed in a longitudinal study of 50,465 conscripts. Data collected in 1969‐1970 on social background, personality characteristics, use of alcohol and drugs, psychological assessment and psychiatric diagnosis were linked to records from the national psychiatric case register and the national cause‐of‐death register through 1983. A total of 247 deaths from suicide occurred in the cohort during the follow‐up. By means of multivariate analysis, the role of different social and behavioural characteristics was assessed in relation to that of psychiatric diagnoses, with suicide as dependent variable. A psychiatric diagnosis in inpatient care (n= 2247) was the strongest predictor of suicide, with an odds ratio (OR) of 11.3 (8.3‐15.4), controlling for social and behavioural risk factors. Schizophrenia was the diagnosis with the highest suicide risk: OR = 13.3 (8.2‐21.6). A psychiatric diagnosis at conscription (n= 5877) was not associated with a significantly increased risk of suicide. Several indicators of poor social background, deviant behaviour, substance abuse and disrupted interpersonal relations were associated with a significantly increased suicide risk, also after controlling for psychiatric illness. Although mental illness requiring inpatient treatment was the most powerful predictor of suicide, less than half the cohort had received such treatment. Social and behavioural risk factors are thus important for prevention on the population level.
Heart rate and blood pressure changes during postural change and isometric handgrip exercise in patients with panic disorder and normal controls
Authors: Yeragani V. K. , Meiri P. C. , Pohl R. , Balon R. , Desai N. , Golec S.
Published: August 2007

Changes in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured serially during postural changes and isometric hand grip exercise test (IHT) in 30 patients with panic disorder and 30 normal controls. Though there were no significant differences in the delta increase of HR or systolic or diastolic BP during these tests, the resting supine and standing diastolic BP were significantly higher in panic disorder patients than in controls. The standing mean BP was also significantly higher in panic disorder patients. These findings are suggestive of an increase in adrenergic tone in panic disorder patients.
The effects of total sleep deprivation and subsequent treatment with clomipramine on depressive symptoms and sleep electroencephalography in patients with a major depressive disorder*
Authors: Riemann D. , Berger M.
Published: August 2007

In the present study patients with a major depressive disorder were first subjected to total sleep deprivation (TSD) and then treated with clomipramine. Sleep electroencephalography (EEG) was registered prior to and after TSD, during the 2 initial nights of antidepressive treatment and after 19 days. A negative correlation between response to TSD and clomipramine was found. TSD did not differentially influence the sleep EEG (responders vs nonresponders): responders tended, however, to show a more classical depressive sleep pattern prior to TSD. Clomipramine profoundly suppressed rapid eye movement (REM) sleep; the amount of initial REM sleep reduction, however, did not correlate significantly with therapy response after 3 weeks of treatment.