bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time estimation and chronopathology in endogenous depression
Authors: Richter P. , Benzenhöfer U.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In recent empirical research on endogenous depression, time estimation has frequently been discussed in the context of chronopathological reflections, without empirical evidence of the postaulated correlations between changes in speed of the “internal clock” and indicators of time estimation. In three single case studies, we looked for potential correlations between rhythmic processes (especially diurnal mood variations) and time estimations by primary depressive patients. Though our studies suggest a correlation between retardation and time estimation in patients with clear changes (trends) in the depressive mood, our results do not support any chronopathological speculations. According to our results, correlations between time estimation and retardation or depressive mood are dependent on distinct trends and not on rhythmic patterns.
Sexual jealousy in alcoholics
Authors: Shrestha K. , Rees D.W. , Rix K.J.B. , Hore B.D. , Faragher E.B.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A hundred patients referred to an alcoholism service were assessed in terms of sexual jealousy by interview and with a Sexual Jealousy Questionnaire. The overall incidence of sexual jealousy was 35% in men and 31% in women as judged by the interview. Twenty‐seven per cent of the men and 15% of the women had morbid jealousy. There was no relationship between sexual jealousy, as measured by the questionnaire, and sexual dysfunction. However, in the men there were inverse relationships between the scores for sexual jealousy and measures of sexual satisfaction and marital stability, and in the women sexual jealousy scores correlated negatively with duration of the marriage and positively with severity of alcohol dependence.
Prolactin and thyrotropin in serum during electroconvulsive therapy in patients with major depressive illness
Authors: Apéria B. , Thorén M. , Wetterberg L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Thirty‐three patients with major depressive illness received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and serum prolactin (PRL) and thyrotropin (TSH) levels were measured 30 min before and 1, 5, 15, 30, and 60 min after the treatment. There was a threefold increase in PRL levels with a maximum after 15 min. The TSH plasma levels rose significantly with a maximum at 30 min after ECT. No change in PRL and TSH concentrations was seen in control experiments when the patients received anaesthesia only. In 15 patients the hormone levels were studied both during the first and sixth (last) ECT. The PRL and TSH levels were significantly higher following the first as compared to the sixth ECT. Patients on phenothiazines had higher PRL and lower TSH levels than those on other drugs or without medication, but there was no significant difference in the mean increment by ECT. Dopamine depresses PRL and TSH secretion. The diminished hormone release after a series of ECT may be explained by ECT‐induced increase of postsynaptic dopamine receptor function leading to inhibition of PRL and TSH release from the pituitary gland.
Identifying children at high somatic risk: parents’ long‐term emotional adjustment to their children's alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency
Authors: Thelin T. , McNeil T. F. , Aspegren‐Jansson E. , Sveger T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The parents of 61 children at high somatic risk due to α1‐antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) were followed‐up 5–7 years after the identification of the ATD and studied regarding their long‐term emotional adjustment to the child's ATD. This was assessed both by a physician who interviewed the parents in their home and independently by a psychologist who systematically scored selected parts of the interview transcripts for specified variables. Notable agreement was found in the separate assessments performed by these two researchers. At follow‐up, 58% of the mothers and 44% of the fathers had predominantly negative feelings (worry, guilt) about the child's ATD. About half of the mothers and a third of the fathers were judged to have poor long‐term emotional adjustment. Considerable continuity was found in mothers’ feelings across the 5–7 years since identification of the ATD.
A case of hypophyseal prolactinoma with treatable delusions of dermatozoiasis
Authors: Takeda M. , Tanino S. , Nishinuma K. , Matsubayashi T. , Yamashita S. , Nishimura T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The case of an autopsied patient with hypophyseal prolactinoma and dermatozoic delusions is reported, and the mechanism of onset of this special form of delusion is discussed from the neuroendocrinological view point, including response to medications, and neuropathological and pituitary yormonal studies. The subject (69‐year‐old female) with dermatozoic delusions suffered hypophyseal prolactinoma with high serum prolactin level. Major tranquilizers, minor tranquilizers, or drugs enhancing cerebral blood flow and/or cerebral metabolism did not expell the delusion. Bromocriptine (dopamine agonist) was administered for prolactinoma treatment. After bromocriptine treatment, small doses of haloperidol successfully expelled the delusion. The neuropathological study indicates that the genesis of this delusion is not based on any organic change, but is induced by functional changes related to the prolactin and dopamine systems.
Comparison of the General Health Questionnaire and the Cornell Medical Index Health Questionnaire
Authors: Stefánsson J. G. , Kristjánsson I.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– This study compares the 30‐item version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the psychiatric section of the Cornell Medical Index Health Questionnaire (CMI‐MR) using normative data from a sample of the general population and data from general practice patients where clinical assessment by a psychiatrist is used as a criterion of psychiatric caseness. In this study the CMI‐MR has a slightly better overall performance as a screening test. It appears that the CMI‐MR errs in the direction of false negatives when the symptoms are recent and related to situational stress, but the GHQ has a tendency to miss cases with symptoms of long standing.
Clinical course and outcome of schizoaffective disorders
Authors: Maj M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Four samples of patients (fulfilling at the index episode, respectively, Research Diagnostic Criteria for schizoaffective disorder manic type, schizoaffective disorder depressed type, manic disorder and major depressive disorder) were followed up for 3 years. At the end of the follow‐up period, no significant difference with respect to the mean scores on the Disability Assessment Schedule (DAS) and on the Strauss‐Carpenter Outcome Scale was observed between schizomanics and manics (although the global outcome was slightly poorer in the former group). In contrast, significant differences between schizodepressives and depressives were found both on some DAS subscales (the schizodepressives were more socially withdrawn, had less social contacts and poorer work performance) and on the Strauss‐Carpenter Outcome Scale (the mean total score and the mean scores on the items “social contacts” and “employment” were significantly lower in schizodepressives). The most frequent pattern of course in patients diagnosed cross‐sectionally as schizomanic was a bipolar one. Some patients had only recurrent schizomanic episodes and others more an alternance of schizomanic and schizophrenic episodes. In patients diagnosed cross‐sectionally as schizodepressives, the most frequent pattern of course was that characterized by recurrent schizodepressive episodes. In some patients an alternance of schizodepressive and depressive or schizodepressive and schizophrenic episodes was observed. These data confirm that patients diagnosed cross‐sectionally as schizoaffective represent a very heterogeneous group when they are studied longitudinally, and support the usefulness of a “multiaxial” approach to the classification of schizoaffective disorders, taking into account both cross‐sectional symptomatology and clinical course.
A follow‐up study of post partum illness, 1946‐1978
Authors: Davidson J. , Robertson E.
Published: August 2007

Abstract Eighty‐two patients, who were treated for post partum illness between 1946 and 1971, were identified and followed up. Diagnostically, the sample comprised unipolar depression (52%), bipolar disorder (18%), schizophrenia (16 %), abnormal personality with depression (8 %), organic disorder (2%), and obsessional state with depression and paranoid disorder (1% each). The overall prognosis was good, except for schizophrenia, in which more than 50 % of patients had chronic disability. Further childbirth intensified, and caused deterioration of, the underlying schizophrenia process. Following an initial illness in the puerperium, the probability of a recurrent affective illness was 43 % for unipolar and 66 % for bipolar disorder. The risk of developing another post partum illness varied from 1 in 3 to 1 in 5 pregnancies. Five percent of the sample ultimately committed suicide, and the probable incidence of infanticide was 4 %.
Severity of alcohol problems at follow‐up ‐ an outcome measure
Authors: Sandahl C. , Lindberg S. , Bergman H.
Published: August 2007

Abstract An ordinal scale to measure severity of alcohol problems in a follow‐up study was constructed. The measure refers to the preceding 6 months and is based on reports of amount of alcohol consumed, drinking pattern, signs of alcohol dependence and time sober. The measure was tested on 300 patients reinvestigated about 2H years after discharge for inpatient treatment for alcoholism. Thirteen percent of the patients had no alcohol problems and 22 % had severe alcohol problems. Rather more than one quarter of the group (27 %) were classified as positive intermediates and 38 % as negative intermediates. These results were compared with other data and information obtained from official records. It was concluded that the measure had satisfactory validity.
Suicidal behavior among patients in Bavarian mental hospitals
Authors: Gorenc K.‐D. , Bruner C. A.
Published: August 2007

Abstract The present research1 is a retrospective study to establish whether the number of suicides and attempted suicides has varied over two decades and which factors ‐ size of the hospitals, patient admissions, physician and nursing personnel relationship with the patients, and forced admissions ‐ are connected with such change. The analysis covers the decades 1950‐1959 and 1967‐1976. It was possible to establish a significant increase in attempted suicide and suicide during the second decade relative to the first one. The increase in suicide rate was observed in only three of the 10 investigated hospitals, while the attempted suicide rate increased in four hospitals. A relationship between number of beds and attempted suicide was observed only during the second decade and for suicide only in the first decade. In both decades forced admission had a significant influence on attempted suicide in contrast to suicide.
Mianserin is better tolerated and more effective in depression than a nomifensine‐clobazam combination: a double‐blind study
Authors: Levin Aubrey , Schlebusch Lourens
Published: August 2007

Patients suffering from depression (mostly depressive neurosis) were admitted to a double‐blind study which compared the efficacy of a combination of nomifensine and clobazam with mianserin. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impression Scale, physicians' assessments, Global Improvement and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale for side‐effects. Assessments were made before admission to the trial and on days 3, 7, 14 and 21. Forty patients were randomly allocated to two treatment groups. A case is made against polypharmacy and in particular against the use of benzodiazepine combinations in depression. Nineteen patients on nomifensine‐clobazam and 14 on mianserin completed the three‐week trial. At 7, 14 and 21 days, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) total scores were significantly improved for mianserin when compared with nomifensine‐clobazam. Similarly, at 7 and 14 days the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) total scores were significantly better for mianserin thanfor the nomifensine‐clobazam combination. There were also significant improvements for mianserin on the HDRS sub‐scales of anxiety somatization, cognitive disturbance and sleep disturbance. There were no significant differences for HDRS somatic symptoms between treatment groups. Drowsiness was the most common side‐effect in both groups. The incidence of total side‐effects was 74% for nomifensine‐clobazam and 71% for the mianserin group.
Antipsychotic effect of remoxipride, a new substituted benzamide with selective antidopaminergic activity
Authors: Laursen A. Lund , Gerlach J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Ten of 14 schizophrenic patients completed a 6‐week pilot study with a new substituted benzamide, remoxipride. The final median dose was 600 mg/day (range 300–1200) corresponding to a plasma concentration of 5.16 μmol/l (1.55–11.50). Remoxipride reduced the psychotic symptomatology, especially hallucinations and delusions. The total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale score decreased from 33.5 to 13.0 (P < 0.01). Few side effects occurred; four patients had weak extrapyramidal symptoms, and four were slightly sedated. No cardiovascular side effects occurred. Prolactin increased, but apparently less than during sulpiride treatment.
The neuroleptic malignant syndrome: agent and host interaction
Authors: Shalev A. , Munitz H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT This review comprises an exhaustive analysis of 120 case reports of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) representing the majority of published clinical data on this syndrome. Epidemiological, clinical and biological parameters, as well as those concerning the agent and the treatment of the syndrome, are critically evaluated on the basis of this data. The rate of neuroleptic loading is shown to play a cardinal role in the development of NMS. Rechallenge and aftercare of patients who need anti‐psychotic treatment after NMS are considered.
Social class and social mobility in depressed patients
Authors: Eisemann M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT In the present study current social class, parental social class and social mobility have been compared in a series of 111 depressed patients of different diagnostic subgroups and of 97 non‐psychiatric controls. Social class III was shown to be overrepresented in the unipolar, bipolar and unspecified groups. However, no differences concerning parental social class emerged. Unipolar and bipolar patients were more downwardly mobile than the neurotic depressives, the unspecified depressives and the controls.
The Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Scale: reliability and validity
Authors: Davidson J. , Turnbull C. D. , Strickland R. , Miller R. , Graves K.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Scale was evaluated in 44 depressed inpatients. All items of the scale occurred frequently in the sample; the scale exhibited construct validity (internal homogeneity) and concurrent validity relative to the Hamilton Depression Scale and the concepts of endogenous and nonendogenous depression. Sleep disturbance, reduced appetite, and suicidal thoughts, correlated poorly with the remainder of the scale. Reasons for this finding are discussed. Inter‐rater reliability was demonstrated between a psychiatrist and a nurse on individual item and total scale scores.
The biological origin of mild mental retardation A critical review
Authors: Åkesson H. O.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The prevailing theory that normal intelligence and mild mental retardation are determined by multiple additive genes is critically reviewed in the light of findings from recent population studies. Discrepancies between theoretical concepts and reported data are noted, particularly those concerning frequency of mild mental retardation, sex ratio, and additional somatic and psychiatric handicaps in populations with mild mental retardation.
Drug abuse as seen in the University Department of Psychiatry, Kaduna, Nigeria, in 1980–1984
Authors: Ahmed M. H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT 367 new cases of drug abuse and related cases were admitted to the teaching hospital within the study period. These cases comprised approximately 11% of all new admissions during the period. 80% were between 15 and 30 years, and 76% of them were single. People in this age group tend to abuse cannabis and amphetamine more than alcohol, whereas those in the age range 31 years and over, tend to abuse alcohol more, and about 76% of them are married. Cocaine or heroin abuse, did not occur. The use of cannabis was more commonly associated with alcohol than with amphetamine. Abuse of amphetamine in association with alcohol, though present, was not significant. 15 of 367 cases were females (4%), 11 of whom were married.
3‐MHPG as a non‐predictor of antidepressant response to imipramine and electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Sharma I. J. , Venkitasubramanian T. A. , Agnihotri B. R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The urinary excretion of 3‐methoxy, 4‐hydroxyphenyl‐glycol, (3‐MHPG) was measured in 20 unipolar depressed patients before treatment with imipramine and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to investigate the relationship between pretreatment urinary excretion of 3‐MHPG and clinical response. There was no difference in 3‐MHPG excretion for depressed patients and controls. There was no significant difference between the mean percentage reduction of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Scores in “low” and “high” excretors of 3‐MHPG in the imipramine and ECT group of patients after four weeks of treatment.
Psychosocial variables and the life event/anxiety‐depression link
Authors: Cooke D. J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Attention has shifted from the simple association between life events and psychological disturbance towards more complex models. Additional variables which may modify this simple association include personality factors, the nature and extent of social relationships, “vulnerability” factors and general coping skills. Four hypotheses concerning the influence of additional variables were described and their clinical relevance discussed. A general population study of 408 individuals was described. The influence of additional variables on the simple association between stressful life events and “anxiety‐depression” was examined, using a hierarchical regression model. A range of demographic, personality, “vulnerability” and social relationship variables were considered in these analyses. The relevance of these results for our understanding of life events was discussed.
Positive and negative subtypes of schizophrenia
Authors: Kulhara P. , Kota S. K. , Joseph S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Ninety‐eight schizophrenic patients were studied to examine the concept of positive and negative subtyping. Using a cross‐sectional phenomenological approach, the relationship of this subtyping with six definitions of schizophrenia was also investigated. The study provides support for this subtyping. Principal components analysis of the data and correlational structure of positive and negative symptom complexes lend further support to this notion.
Schizophrenic patients and their parents
Authors: Rund B. Rishovd , Blakar R. M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The research design and main findings from a multimethod research project, in which cognitive disorders in schizophrenic patients and communication deviances in their parents were examined, are presented. Non‐paranoid schizophrenics manifested cognitive disturbances on a majority of the variables examined, while paranoid schizophrenics did not. Likewise, parents of non‐paranoid schizophrenics revealed significantly more communication deviance than parents of paranoid schizophrenics as well as the control groups (normal and “neurotics”). Egocentrism appeared to be a prominent characteristic of the communication of nonparanoid schizophrenics’ parents. Conspicuous among the cognitive deficits in their offspring were attentional disturbances. Support for the existence of a link between the parents’ communication and the offsprings’ cognitive functioning was found by correlation‐ and regression analyses.
Remoxipride in schizophrenia
Authors: Boer J. A. den , Verhoeven W. M. A. , Westenberg H. G. M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Remoxipride, a substituted benzamide with preferential action on mesolimbic dopaminergic brain functions, was investigated in an open study in 10 schizophrenic patients. After 1 week with placebo, patients received remoxipride in a increasing doses from 150 to maximal 450 mg daily for 6 weeks. In six patients a clinically relevant reduction of psychotic symptomatology as assessed with the BPRS was observed. Few adverse effects were noted; extrapyramidal symptoms, if present, decreased during treatment, while the reported side effects were only mild. No consistent changes in plasma levels of prolactin and HVA were found.
Research on the effects of psychodrugs on human interaction A theoretical/experimental approach
Authors: De Giacomo P. , Silvestri A. , Pierri G. , Lefons E. , Corfiati L. , Tangorra F.
Published: August 2007

An original method of testing which can measure interactional patterns is presented. This method is based on a relational model, which describes the relational behaviour as a sequence of elementary interactions, in which a “single bit of information” is exchanged. The model and the testing method are applied to monitoring treatment of patients with psychodrugs.
Combination of psychotherapy and drugs in the treatment of neurosis
Authors: Dencker S. J. , Fasth B. G.
Published: August 2007

Eighty out‐patients with neurotic disorders were studied in an integrated treatment model combining psychotherapy and psychotropics in a “conjoint marital therapy” setting. The spouses, who seemed a healthy group, were used as reporters, as controls and as participants in the psychotherapy. The pharmacological trial was a double‐blind, cross‐over study, comparing bromazepam and thioridazine after a placebo period. Bromazepam was more effective in controlling different anxiety symptoms and demonstrated more potent activating properties than thioridazine. Hostility symptoms, however, responded better to thioridazine. These findings were confirmed by ratings performed by patients, spouses and the investigator. Differences in drug preference and drop‐out rate showed the same tendency. Nine weeks’ continuous treatment did not change the differences found in the cross‐over study. No pharmacological rebound symptoms were observed after drug withdrawal. The personality of the spouses was related to the outcome in the patients. Moreover, there was an obvious positive interaction between the psychotherapy given and the drug treatment.
Pharmaco‐EEG, behavioural methods and blood levels in the comparison of temazepam and flunitrazepam
Authors: Saletu B. , Grünberger J. , Sieghart W.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT In a double‐blind placebo‐controlled cross‐over study, the blood levels and pharmacodynamic properties of temazepam were compared with flunitrazepam using quantitative pharmaco‐EEG and psychometric methods in ten healthy volunteers.

Computer‐assisted spectral analysis of the EEG after three doses of temazepam (10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg) compared with placebo showed statistically significant changes in brain function. These changes were also seen after the administration of the reference drug (flunitrazepam 2 mg) and are typical of anxiolytic sedatives. Psychometric and psychophysiological tests demonstrated significant alterations at the behavioural level, especially after higher doses of temazepam and 2 mg flunitrazepam, as expected. However, low doses or low blood levels of temazepam induced an improvement of performance in certain variables. Dose‐efficacy calculations identified 2 mg flunitrazepam and 40 mg temazepam as the most CNS‐effective, followed by 20 mg and 10 mg temazepam, while the least changes occurred after placebo. Time‐efficacy calculations showed marked inter‐drug differences. The pharmacodynamics of both drugs parallel their respective pharmacokinetics. Regression and correlation analyses between blood levels and EEG or psychometric changes revealed that beta activity and the centroid of the EEG were positively correlated with plasma levels, while alpha activity, psychometric variables and skin conductance were negatively correlated. Psychometric variables started to deteriorate above a blood level of approximately 250 nglml, while below this level an improvement was seen. Such (sedative) blood levels were only reached after doses higher than 10 mg temazepam. Our findings indicate that 10 mg temazepam has tranquillizing properties, wnile 20 mg and 40 mg doses exert, in addition, sedative sleep‐inducing effects.
The use of temazepam Expidet® (FDDF) as a premedicant in children
Authors: Schroeder H. G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT One hundred and forty‐nine children were given a novel oral presentation (FDDF) of temazepam as pre‐operative medication. The high degree of acceptability by the child, the short duration of onset and resulting percentage production of satisfactory demeanour in the anaesthetic room, suggest that temazepam would make a very useful addition to the paediatric premedicant armamentarium.
DSM‐III and Norway: History, attitudes and future
Authors: Malt Ulrik Fr.
Published: August 2007

The first Norwegian evaluation of the DSM‐III system of classification occured in 1980. A Norwegian translation of the diagnostic criteria was published as part of a textbook in psychiatry in 1984. The Mini DSM‐III (Quick reference) was published in 1985. The DSM‐III system has been generally well accepted in Norway and is currently used in most research projects besides the ICD system. Several training courses have been arranged for senior psychiatrists and psychologists. Introduction to the DSM‐III system is also part of the obligatory training course for psychiatric residents in Norway.

From 1987 Norway will use a clinical modification of the ICD‐9 system of classification. This modification applies 5 digit coding and includes diagnostic categories found in the DSM‐III system but not in the 4 digit ICD‐9 version.

The DSM‐III system of classification represents a major step forward in psychiatric classification. However, revisions are necessary to increase clinical validity. Although Norwegian psychiatry has been inspired by the DSM‐III system, Norway remains committed to the ICD systems. The goal must be to make further revisions of the DSM‐III and ICD systems, and in the end unite the strengths of these two systems of psychiatric classsification.
Special problems relating to the use of hypnotics in the elderly
Authors: Swift C. G.
Published: August 2007

‐ The problems experinced by elderly patints taking hypnotic durgs are reviewed. They include those associated with accumulation, tolerance, drug dependence and the intensity and duration of response. Biological mechanisms associated with ageing enhance some of these effects in the elderly. Care should be taken to define the precise indications for hypnotic use and to choose the correct drug and dose for the patient's condition and age.
Psychosocial stresses and psychiatric disorders in an outpatient population in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Chaleby K.
Published: August 2007

Abstract— A retrospective study of 270 psychiatric outpatients at King Faisal Specialist Hospital was conducted to determine psychosocial stresses that contribute to a patient's illness in an Arab culture. These stresses were identified subjectively by the patient as causes of his or her illness; they were then categorized as mental, family, work, economic, grief, physical illness, or other. The categories were correlated with other factorswch as age, occupation, sex, and diagnosis. Of 270 patients, 142 (52.6%) reported that stressful life events contributed to their illness, a ratio comparable to that in other countries. However, the ratio of females to males reporting stresses was higher than that found in the West. Other findings included a relative absence of work‐related or age‐related stress and a greater association between anxiety or dysthymic disorders and stress than between psychotic disorders and stress. Although no confirmed reliable method exists to measure the impact of life events on psychiatric disorders, our findings lend credence to the theory that life events play a major role in neuroses, a formative role in mixed depressive illness, and a precipitating role in schizophrenic episodes.
The role of psychiatric factors in symptoms of hiatus hernia or gastric reflux
Authors: Nielzén S. , Pettersson K.I. , Regnéll G. , Svensson R.
Published: August 2007

Abstract— The study comprised 26 patients with somatic symptoms indicating a hernia‐reflux syndrome referred to a university hospital ear, nose and throat department. The aim was to throw light on the hypothesis that this syndrome is largely a psychosomatic problem. The patients were divided into two groups: subjects with and without laboratory findings of physical pathology of hernia and/or reflux. Intergroup comparisons were made of symptoms, a psychological test and psychiatric ratings. Those who had no laboratory findings of physical pathology often reported “phobia” and “feeling of lump in the throat”, which were interpreted as signs of hysterical or somatizing mechanisms. Most of these patients showed a high level of anxiety in the psychological test. “Agitation”, “depression” and “frustration” were characteristics of patients with laboratory findings of reflux. “Depression” was interpreted as a reaction to the somatic illness. The group with reflux contained more old male patients and that without more younger female patients.
Lateralization phenomenon of complex auditory hallucinations
Authors: Tanabe H. , Sawada T. , Asai H. , Okuda J. , Shiraishi J.
Published: August 2007

Abstract— A case is described of a patient who developed a transient verbal hallucination, lateralized to the right ear, and fluent aphasia after a hemorrhagic infarction in the left superior temporal gyrus. On the basis of this patient and the cases in the literature showing unilateral complex auditory hallucinations, the clinical significance of the lateralization phenomenon of complex auditory hallucinations was investigated. As a result, the lateralization phenomenon of complex auditory hallucinations could be considered a significant clinical sign indicating the existence of a lesion in the superior temporal gyrus opposite the hallucination side.
Is there a relationship between response to total sleep deprivation and efficacy of clomipramine treatment in depressed patients?
Authors: Höchli D. , Riemann D. , Zulley J. , Berger M.
Published: August 2007

Abstract— Total sleep deprivation (TSD) and tricyclic medication are successful treatment modalities for patients with a major depressive disorder. Recent studies have suggested a positive relationship between TSD response and succeeding tricyclic treatment, even on a very specific level, thus supporting the assumption of two distinct biochemical subtypes of depression. The present study tested this hypothesis by treating 10 inpatients with a major depressive disorder first with TSD and succeedingly with clomipramine. Contrary to expectation, a negative relationship between clinical response to the two treatment modalities was found.
A double‐blind study of alprazolam and oxazepam in the treatment of anxiety
Authors: Väisänen E. , Jalkanen E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— In a randomized double‐blind study with parallel group design involving 60 anxious psychoneurotic outpatients, the anxiolytic activity of alprazolam was compared with that of oxazepam. Following a 4 to 7‐day placebo washout period, both groups showed a similar and significant response to treatment during the 4‐week active treatment phase. An important intergroup difference emerged in the fear anxiety component of the Lipman SRSS with the alprazolam groups showing a significantly greater mean reduction from the baseline score. During alprazolam treatment there was also a significant reduction in the depression factor score of the Lipman SRSS by the termination of the study and for all 4 weeks combined. Furthermore, the global impression of treatment was judged by patients as more favourable towards alprazolam than towards oxazepam. Only one person in each group reported a serious side effect. The results indicate that the anxiolytic activity of alprazolam is at least as good as that of oxazepam.
Long‐term use of benzodiazepines in psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Laux G. , König W.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— During the past few years the problem of over‐prescribing benzodiazepines has been increasingly discussed. However, up to now exact data on the extent of an abuse of these substances are relatively scarce and controversial. An analysis done at the Psychiatric State Hospital Weinsberg from 1974 to 1983 regarding the frequency of the diagnosis “Benzodiazepine‐dependence” showed that in only 150 cases (0.5%) out of almost 33,000 admitted patients was the diagnosis benzodiazepine‐abuse justified, with an increase since the year 1980. During a prospective study of the quarterly incidence in 1984, 18.5% of the patients admitted met the criterion of long‐term use of benzodiazepines (continuous use for more than 3 months). Sociodemographic and clinical data are presented and an index of abuse/dependence is proposed.
Psychiatric service within primary care
Authors: Hansen V.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: The organization of a psychiatric specialist service integrated in primary care is described. One of the aims was to replace admissions to the mental hospital with consultation and treatment within primary care. An 18% reduction of admissions was achieved over a 2‐year period. The staff at the local mental hospital to a large extent controlled the number of admissions. Lack of cooperation from part of the staff made a greater reduction of admissions difficult. It is argued that in order to achieve a true shift from institutional to community psychiatry, the use of the hospital beds should be monitored from the community level.
Thrombocyte monoamine oxidase activity and personality traits in women with severe premenstrual syndrome
Authors: Hallman J. , Oreland L. , Edman G. , Schalling D.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) of such severity that they actively had sought medical attention for their symptoms were compared with healthy female students with regard to platelet MAO activity and temperamental correlates by means of the Karolinska Scales of Personality (KSP), scales from the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) and Eysenck's IVE inventory. The women with PMS were divided into two groups; irritability and depression as predominating symptom. No variation in platelet MAO was found during the menstrual cycle, either in patients or in controls. Both PMS groups had significantly lower platelet MAO activity than the controls. There was no difference between the two groups with PMS. Also with regard to personality traits there were considerable differences between the females with PMS and the controls. There were few differences between the two groups of PMS patients. Thus, the patients scored significantly higher as regards somatic anxiety, muscular tension, indirect aggression, verbal aggresion and neuroticism and lower as regards socialization than the controls.
The effect of tricyclic antidepressants on stress‐induced heart rate changes in panic disorder patients
Authors: Yeragani V. K. , Rainey J. M. , Balon R. , Berchou R. , Lycaki H. , Pohl R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: Eight panic disorder patients participated in a double‐blind placebocontrolled infusion study designed to induce panic‐anxiety in the laboratory both before and after treatment with tricyclic antidepressants. Pre‐infusion heart rates for the first infusion were significantly higher than baseline both before and after treatment. The delta increase in pre‐infusion heart rates from baseline and the ratios of pre‐infusion heart rates to baseline values were not significantly different between before and after treatment conditions indicating similar levels of arousal during the two pre‐infusion periods, while the pre‐infusion anxiety ratings after treatment were significantly lower.
Organization of services and pattern of psychiatric care in Nicaragua: Result of a survey in 1986
Authors: Kraudy E. , Liberati A. , Asioli F. , Saraceno B. , Tognoni G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— Organization of services and patterns of psychiatric care were studied in Nicaragua in 1986, 7 years after the substantial changes in health policy launched after the revolution. The overall re‐organization of the system is indicated by the progressive abandoning of the mental hospital as the center of psychiatric care and the creation of 15 community‐based mental health centers now functioning throughout the country. Quality of care judged through analysis of a consecutive sample of 342 patients seen by services over a month confirmed the positive orientation of the system which seemed able to deliver good care following the new perspective of “de‐institutionalization”. Some problems emerged to a large extent common to psychiatric care in industrialized countries looking at psychotropic drug use and at the relationship between primary health care and the psychiatric system especially when care delivered in urban and rural areas was compared.
Citalopram versus maprotiline: A controlled, clinical multicentre trial in depressed patients
Authors: Bouchard J. M. , Delaunay J. , Delisle J.‐P. , Grasset N. , Mermberg P. F. , Molczadzki M. , Pagot R. , Richou H. , Robert G. , Ropert R. , Schuller E. , Verdeau‐Paillés J. , Zarifian E. , Petersen H. E. Høpfner
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— In a double‐blind trial, comprising 96 depressed patients, citalopram was compared with maprotiline. The trial period was 6 weeks with ratings (MADRS, CGI) and side effects recordings taking place at Weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6. Both drugs were administered as a single evening dose, 40 or 60 mg for citalopram, and 75 or 150 mg for maprotiline. MADRS total scores and CGI scores showed a highly significant reduction in both groups with no significant difference between them, whether the groups were considered as a whole or whether they were subdivided into endogenously/non‐endogenously depressed or melancholic/non‐melancholic patients. Side effects were not significantly different, but the maprotiline group showed more anticholinergic side effects, whereas the citalopram group showed more nausea, increased sweating and headache. Two patients on maprotiline were withdrawn because of side effects (hypotension and somnolence in the one case; tremor and insomnia in the other). One patient in each group was withdrawn because of increased transaminases, the citalopram‐treated patient having increased values, however, already at baseline. Apart from this, no cardiovascular side effects and no pathological laboratory values related to treatment were observed. The authors conclude that citalopram is a safe antidepressant drug and as effective as maprotiline.
Contacts of suicidal alcohol and drug abuse patients and their significant others with public care institutions before the suicide attempt
Authors: Wolk‐Wasserman D.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: interviews were conducted with 19 alcohol and drug abuse patients, consecutively admitted to an intensive care unit owing to attempted suicide by intoxication, with their 33 significant others and with care personnel, concerning the patients' contacts with psychiatric, somatic and social care institutions before the suicide attempt. All the patients contacted public care institutions between 1 and 6 months before the suicide attempt in question and 12 patients between 1 and 7 days before. Fifteen patients had contact with psychiatric institutions. The personnel not infrequently failed to explore the incidence of suicidal thoughts. Major difficulties were also encountered in securing patients' co‐operation in the treatment when suicidal risk was judged to be present. Fifteen patients had contact with somatic institutions. The suicidal risks were seldom detected, because they were thought to be connected with depression, which was masked and therefore often overlooked. Twelve patients had contact with social institutions, the personnel of which generally avoided discussing the patients' suicidal problems. Significant others sought help for 12 out of the 17 patients, but contacts were usually fruitless. The reasons for treatment difficulties are discussed, with reference to the patients' individual problems such as their poor self‐esteem and pronounced needs to compensate for it, and the personnel's difficulties in tackling the patients' compensatory defences and dependency needs.
Comments
Authors: Kolstad Arnulf
Published: August 2007

Abstract According to epidemiological studies, millions of people in the western capitalistic societies suffer from anxiety, depression and psychiatric disorders. The attempt to prevent these ways of reacting by special programs run by psychiatrists in the neighbourhood is an example of idealistic or wishful thinking. These programs always try to adapt under priviliged or lazy people to the existing bourgeois way of life. A political and economical revolution is necessary to change the stucture of society which is the salient cause of individual suffering. The psychiatrists are not specially qualified to change social systems.
Community work as part of the psychiatric services of Nacka
Authors: Levander Sonja
Published: August 2007

Abstract In psychiatry we often meet people presenting psychiatric symptoms rooted in social or psycho‐social problems. Traditional treatment methods often fail, leading to a sense of failure in the therapist and an experience of being misunderstood or being “a hopeless case” in the patient. There is a need for developing new methods for problems belonging to the “grey zone”, that is the area bordering on or covered by the three major care systems in our society: the social welfare, the primary care system and psychiatry. These methods should necessarily take into account the specific needs expressed inthe symptoms and guarantee a more holistic perspective of the patient and his situation. The author gives some practical examples of work with immigrant women, an Information Bureau and a Cafe especially intended for chronically ill psychiatric patients.
Down's syndrome and its association with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yatham L.N. , McHale P.A. , Kinsella A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The purpose of this study was to ascertain the frequency of Alzheimer's dementia in the relatives of Down's probands and to establish whether these two disorders cluster together. Out of 128 families of Down's probands, only 67 responded to the questionnaire. Twelve cases of Alzheimer's dementia were found in the eight families of 67 probands. There was a significant increase in the frequency of presenile dementia, but no significant increase in senile dementia among the first and second degree relatives of these probands. The methodological problems were discussed and future directions suggested.
Depressed pathological gamblers
Authors: Roy A. , Custer R. , Lorenz V. , Linnoila M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— Depressed gamblers (n= 14) were compared with normal controls (n= 41) for antecedent life events. The depressed gamblers had experienced significantly more life events, and undesirable or exit life events, during the 6 months before the onset of depression.
Identifying anxiety and depressive disorders among primary care patients: A pilot study
Authors: El‐Rufaie O.E.F.A. , Albar A.A. , Al‐Dabal B.K.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— One stage case‐identification method, using the Arabic Version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) was applied in a pilot study for estimating the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders among a group of Saudi primary care attenders. The validity of the Arabic Version of the HAD scale was previously tested and found valid with high sensivity and specificity. The total prevalence rate of depression was 17% and that of anxiety was 16%. Seven percent of the sample suffered both depression and anxiety i.e. the total percentage of patients with depression, anxiety or both was 26%. Higher morbidity of depression was recorded among females and a higher morbidity of anxiety among male patients.
Increasing rates of homicide in Copenhagen from 1959 to 1983
Authors: Gottlieb P. , Gabrielsen G. , Kramp P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The increase in homicide in Copenhagen during the years from 1959 to 1983 was investigated in a material of 251 defendants of homicide examined by a psychiatrist. During the period the change in the pattern of female homicide was only slight. The rise in the consumption of alcohol and drugs in the general population was found related to the increase in the rate of homicide committed by male — mostly alcoholic — substance abusers. Further was noticed an increase in homicide involving victims outside the family of the defendant. This trend was most prominent among the youngest of the defendants. The results are commented by referring to recent changes in interpersonal relations and to the conditions for socialization of the rising generation of today.
Treatment of periodic depression with carbamazepine
Authors: Kobayashi T. , Kishimoto A. , Inagaki T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A case of periodic depression treated prophylactically with carbamazepine for over 10 years is reported. Recurrence of depressive episode was completely inhibited during the carbamazepine treatment and depressive relapses occurred 2 to 4 months after the discontinuation of carbamazepine treatment. No notable side effect was found during the treatment.
Communication disturbances in parents of schizophrenics
Authors: Solana R. Manrique
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The article describes the method and results of and experimental study of communication disturbances in parents of schizophrenics. A non‐structured interview was carried out with parents of mentally retarded patients as a control group. Communication disturbances were analysed by means of a manual with operational descriptions of communication disorders. The results showed more disturbances in parents of schizophrenic parents. Within the group of parents of schizophrenics, those with schizophrenia in remission after an active phase of the illness showed more disturbances than parents of chronic schizophrenics. These data, obtained at one point in time after the illness has developed, are consistent with, but cannot confirm the hypothesis that interactional factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of an acute, florid form of schizophrenia.
The reliability of child psychiatric diagnosis A comparison among Danish child psychiatrists of traditional diagnoses and a multiaxial diagnostic system
Authors: Skovgaard A. M. , Isager T. , Jørgensen O. S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— The study was conducted to compare an experimental multiaxial diagnostic system (MAS) with tradtitional multicategorical diagnoses in child psychiatric work. Sixteen written case histories were circulated to 21 child psychiatrists, who made diagnoses independently of one another, using two different diagnostic systems. Diagnostic reliability was measured as percentage of interrater agreement. The highest diagnostic reliability was obtained in psychotic disorders, the lowest in personality disorders. The MAS implied improved diagnostic reliability of mental retardation, somatic disorders and developmental disorders. Adjustment reaction (reactio maladaptiva) was the diagnosis most commonly used, but with varying reliability in both systems. The reliability of the socio‐economic and psycho‐social axes were generally high.
Treatment of refractory Tourette syndrome with haloperidol decanoate
Authors: Clarke D. J. , Ford R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A 23‐year‐old male with a history of severe Tourette syndrome refractory to treatment with oral haloperidol is reported. The Tourette symptoms remitted after treatment with haloperidol decanoate. The response has been maintained over 18 months.