bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time Course for Effects of Sulpiride and Chlorpromazine on Monoamine Metabolite and Prolactin Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Härnryd C. , Bjerkenstedt L. , Gullberg B. , Oxenstierna G. , Sedvall G. , Wiesel F‐A
Published: August 2007

Abstract Schizophrenic patients were treated with the dopamine (DA)‐2 receptor blocking drug sulpiride (800 mg daily) or the non‐selective DA receptor blocking compound chlorpromazine (400 mg daily). Samples of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood were drawn before and after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks of treatment. Concentrations of the monoamine metabolites HVA, MOPEG and 5‐HIAA in CSF and of prolactin (PRL) in CSF and serum were determined.

In both treatment groups there were significant and similar elevations of HVA concentrations. HVA levels reached peaks after 1 to 2 weeks treatment and subsequently declined almost to the pretreatment level after 8 weeks. CSF and serum levels of PRL reached maximal levels within 2 weeks and remained stable at that level in both treatment groups. There were significantly higher PRL levels in sulpiride‐ than in chlorpromazine‐treated patients, Women had higher PRL elevations in CSF in both treatment groups. The HVA/PRL ratio in CSF was significantly reduced in the sulpiride but not in the chlorpromazine group. After 1 week there was a significantly elevated 5‐HIAA level in the chlorpromazine but not in the sulpiride group. In both groups, the MOPEG concentrations were significantly reduced in relation to pretreatment levels. The reduction was significantly more pronounced in the chlorpromazine group.

The results indicate that sulpiride affects central DA metabolism in a similar way as chlorpromazine when administered in doses that induce antipsychotic effects. After both drugs evidence was obtained for the development of tolerance to the effect on the receptors that regulate HVA levels in the CSF but not to receptors regulating PRL release. The different effects of the drugs on PRL, 5‐HIAA and MOPEG levels indicate that sulpiride has a more specific effect than chlorpromazine on dopaminergic mechanisms.
Hippocampal deafferentation: transplant‐derived reinnervation and functional recovery
Authors: DUNNETT S. B. , GAGE F. H. , BJÖRKLUND A. , STENEVI U. , LOW W. C. , IVERSEN S. D.
Published: August 2007

A brief review is provided of the capacity of neural tissue transplants to reinnervate the deafferented hippocampus and repair functional deficits induced by the lesion. The techniques for transplantation of solid pieces of embryonic septum, locus coeruleus or raphe nuclei, or tissue suspensions of embryonic septum, to the adult rat hippocampus are described. Such grafts manifest good long‐term survival. provide a good reinnervation of the hippocampus that is histochemically and biochemically appropriate and specific, can establish ultrastructural synaptic contacts with the host, and are electrophysiologically active. Rats with septal grafts manifest recovery of the capacity to learn certain aspects of radial 8‐arm maze, T‐maze alternation and Morris water‐maze tasks. Rats with locus coeruleus grafts manifest an amelioration of lesion‐induced hyperactivity. It is concluded that neural tissue transplantation provides a powerful new tool in the study of the functional organization of the hippocampus and its various neurotransmitter‐specific afferent systems.
Partnership problems as causes of endogenous a id neurotic depressions
Authors: Matussek P. , Wiegand M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Content analysis of biographic interviews with endogenous and neurotic depressives shows that problems in a partnership carry particular weight as triggers of depression. In this respect, however, separations and the death of a partner play a comparatively less important role. Neurotic depressives become significantly more often depressive because of partnership‐related events than endogenous depressives. Also in qualitative respects the causes for depression differ between the two groups: in endogenous depressives a threat of real loss often triggers depression, whereas neurotic depressives fall ill more frequently as a result of disappointments and injuries caused by the partner. Accompanying differences in the course of the partnership, the choice of partner and the premorbid personality are discussed.
Life events and schizophrenia. A replication
Authors: Canton G. , Fraccon I. G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– 54 schizophrenic patients paired for age, sex, marital status and social class with 54 normal subjects were investigated with Paykel's Interview for Recent Life Events. The interview covered life events occurring in the 6 months preceding admission to hospital for a schizophrenic episode for the patients and screening for the normal subjects. The schizophrenics reported more life events than the normal controls in the areas of work, health, and social and familial relations, and also experienced more events with a moderate to severe objective negative impact than the latter. While these results confirm the hypothesis that threatening life events can, in many patients, be considered risk factors for the development of an acute schizophrenic episode, they do suggest the need to examine the life event‐schizophrenia relation according to a multifactorial approach, such as that provided by the vulnerability model, which includes an evaluation of the role of moderating variables.
Depressive neurosis
Authors: Bronisch T. , Wittchen H.‐U. , Krieg C. , Rupp H.‐U. , Zerssen D. von
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The results of a 7‐year follow‐up study of 50 former psychiatric inpatients with a diagnosis of depressive neurosis (ICD 300.4) who met the RDC criteria for Major Depression are reported. The follow‐up assessment of the patients included the use of standardized social, psychological and psychopathological instruments. In addition, the course of illness as well as the utilization of medical services and periods of working disability was evaluated. The results indicate a rather unfavourable course and outcome in terms of symptoms for approximately 40% of the sample, including six patients who had committed suicide after index discharge. Almost 40% of the sample showed mild chronic symptoms with persistent impairments in social functioning especially in the area of social interaction, whereas only 20% of the sample were classified as satisfactorily improved or completely remitted.
Factors associated with psychiatric morbidity in women ‐ a general practice survey
Authors: Ballinger C. B. , Smith A. H. W. , Hobbs P. B.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– 1517 women between 20 and 59 years of age were screened for current psychiatric disturbance using the General Health Questionnaire, and 382 of the subjects were also interviewed. The women gave information on a variety of family, demographic and reproductive or gynaecological items. Items concerning personal relationships with mother, husband and father were significantly associated with high scores on the GHQ as were demographic items such as marital status, numbers of children and social class and gynaecological items such as sterilization and painful, heavy or irregular periods. The many cross associations between items included in the study need to be considered when interpreting the findings. In particular the highly significant association of relationship and demographic factors with psychiatric morbidity in women must be taken into account when investigating the impact of reproductive physiology and gynaecological procedures on mental health.
Renal function in 153 manic‐depressive patients treated with lithium for more than five years
Authors: Løkkegaard H. , Andersen N. F. , Henriksen E. , Bartels P. D. , Brahm M. , Baastrup P. C. , Jørgensen H. E. , Larsen M. , Munck O. , Rasmussen K. , Schröder H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Renal function was examined in 153 manic‐depressive patients treated with lithium for more than 5 years, mean 10 years. No significant change was detectable in plasma creatinine. Giomerular filtration rate (GFR) decreased slightly, but significantly, and not until afier 17 years of treatment did the regression line reach the lower confidence limit in the reference material. GFR was generally only moderately decreased. Renal concentrating capacity was significantly reduced during the whole investigation period and did not change with time. GFR was independent of the dosage pattern. The diuresis did not differ markedly in patients given one or three daily doses. In a two‐dose group predominantly treated with slow‐release tablets, the diuresis was somewhat higher in 75 % of the patients but much higher for the rest of the group. Since the prophylactic effect of lithium was the same in the one‐dose group (mean dosage 21 mmol/day) as in the two‐dose and three‐dose groups (mean dosage 27–28 mmol/day), our data indicate that generally employed lithium doses may be reduced somewhat without loss of prophylactic efficacy.
The cultural perspective of therapeutic relationship ‐ a viewpoint from Africa
Authors: Neki J. S. , Joinet B. , Hogan M. , Hauli J. G. , Kilonzo G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Therapeutic relationship has been considered an important ingredient of all psychotherapies. In communities in which no familiar conventions of such a relationship are available, the therapeutic encounter poses very different problems from those in the West, where such conventions freely prevail. This study has been carried out by five therapists representing three widely disparate cultures, but all working together in Tanzania. It brings together their perceptions of these problems and the strategies they employed to resolve them while working with African patients. In their view, in spite of great disparity between the world view behind Western psychotherapy and that of African communities, it is not impossible to forge a therapeutic relationship if empathic understanding and cultural sensitivity are added to the attitude of acceptance. After all, the therapist must attract and keep the patient before he can expect anything from him. The authors describe how this can be done with African patients.
Stability of coping style 3 3 years after prolonged exposure to extreme stress
Authors: Sigal J. J. , Weinfeld M. , Eaton W. W.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Respondents who were in hiding or in the armed resistance movement in Nazi occupied Europe are assumed to have had avoidant and confronting coping styles, respectively. Responses to questionnaire items tapping behavior, attitudes and perceptions were examined in the two groups for the persistence of these same traits 33 years after World War II, in a study of randomly selected community sample of Jews. Taken as a whole, but not individually, responses to the questionnaire items suggested that the traits did persist (P < 0.001). The results highlight the importance of distinguishing individual differences in coping style when studying the long‐term effects of prolonged, stressful experiences.
Clinical and laboratory effects of discontinuation of lithium prophylaxis
Authors: Goodnick P. J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Twelve patients who met Research Diagnostic Criteria for a history of bipolar affective disorder gave informed consent for open discontinuation of lithium therapy for 3 weeks. There was no significant change after lithium discontinuation in the number of depressive or manic symptoms, in mood score, in total Zung Depression score, or in any of the 20 items found in the Zung Depression scale. There were significant reductions in total severity of side effects, and improvement in the three side effects reflecting renal function: polydipsia, polyuria, and nocturia. These changes were reflected in the significant increase in urine specific gravity, Significant changes in side effects did not take place until at least 2 weeks after lithium was discontinued. Other significant relationships were found between increases in serum thyroid hormone levels and in urine specific gravity, and decreases in Vmax, of platelet serotonin uptake and increases in degree of clonidine‐induced hypotension.
Cross‐cultural study of religious phenomenology in psychiatric in‐patients
Authors: Ndetei D. M. , Vadher A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Case notes of patients from nine different cultural groups admitted to a London hospital were scrutinized for religious background and religious phenomenology. With the exception of preaching behaviour there were no statistically significant cultural differences, but certain trends were apparent. The pattern of religion in each cultural group could be understood in terms of the historical and geographical origins of these groups. Religious phenomenology was better explained in terms of deep‐seated cultural factors rather than current religion.
Citalopram versus mianserin
Authors: de Wilde J. , Mertens C. , Overø K. Fredricson , Petersen H. E. Høpfner
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In a double‐blind trial, comprising 60 endogenously depressed patients, citalopram was compared with mianserin. Fifty‐eight patients completed the 6‐week trial period with ratings and side effect recordings at weeks 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6. Both drugs were administered as a single evening dose, 20–80 mg (most frequently 40 mg) for citalopram and 60–120 mg (most frequently 90 mg) for mianserin. CPRS (Subscale for Depression) total scores showed a highly significant reduction in both groups with a significant difference in favour of citalopram after 1 and 2 weeks. Based on the Global Evaluation of the Severity of Illness there were 18 complete and three partial responders on citalopram and 13 complete and four partial responders on mianserin. Six patients on citalopram and one patient on mianserin showed mild or moderate side effects, but no cardiovascular side effects were recorded. The authors conclude that citalopram is a safe antidepressant drug, presumably better than mianserin.
Perceived parental rearing behaviour in unipolar and bipolar depressed patients
Authors: Perris C. , Maj M. , Perris H. , Eisemann M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Two groups of former depressed Italian patients comprising 54 bipolars and 52 unipolars completed the Italian version of the EMBU, a Swedish instrument aimed at assessing the experience of parental rearing behaviour. As in a previous study of Swedish depressives, three factors, “rejection”, “emotional warmth”, and “over‐protection”, have been taken into account. The results obtained in the patient group have been compared with those obtained in Italian healthy controls. Depressed patients rated both parents significantly lower than the controls on the factor “emotional warmth”. The present results cross‐validate those obtained previously in the Swedish depressives and strengthen, together with other findings in the literature, the assumption that the lack of emotional warmth in the parents’ rearing practices might be a crucial variable in the pathogenesis of depressive illnesses.
Lactate‐induced panic attacks: possible involvement of serotonin reuptake stimulation
Authors: Lingjærde O.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In panic disorder patients, panic attacks can be precipitated with great regularity by intravenous infusion of lactate. The mechanism behind this effect, as well as the mechanism behind the spontaneously occurring panic attacks, are unknown, however. The author draws attention to the fact that lactate as well as pyruvate stimulate serotonin uptake in human blood platelets, and suggests that lactate infusion may stimulate serotonin reuptake also in central serotonergic neurons, thereby decreasing serotonergic activity. This may possibly induce anxiety by reducing the inhibitory serotonergic influence on locus ceruleus. This mechanism ‐ which may not be the only one involved in lactate‐induced panic attacks ‐ would easily explain the effect of tricyclic antidepressants, like imipramine, against lactate‐induced panic.
Are schizophrenics with abnormal dexamethasone suppression test results a distinct subgroup?
Authors: Dewan M. J. , Pandurangi A. K. , Levy B. F. , Boucher M. L. , Major L. F.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Nonsuppression on the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) in schizophrenics has been reported by three independent groups. To elucidate the significance of this finding a schizophrenic cohort was tested on a wide range of parameters: computed tomography (CT), electroencephalography (EEG), the Halstead‐Reitan Neuropsychological Battery (HRB), platelet monoamine oxidase activity (MAO), serum dopamine‐B‐hydroxylase levels (DBH), premorbid personality adjustment, response to medication and family history of mental illness. Our results indicate that DST nonsuppressing and DST suppressing schizophrenics are no different on any of these measures, lending support to the notion that DST nonsuppression in schizophrenics is a random and changing event.
A double blind study in out‐patients with primary non‐agitated depression treated with imipramine in combination with placebo, diazepam or dixyrazine
Authors: Feet P. O. , Larsen S. , Robak O. H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Sixty‐three out‐patients suffering from primary non‐agitated depression were included in a double‐blind, between‐patient randomized study. All patients were treated with imipramine (100–200 mg‐day) combined with either placebo, diazepam (10 mg/day) or dixyrazine (50 mg/day) for 8 weeks. The clinical efficacy assessed with a subscale of CPRS was significantly (p1≤0.05) better for the imipramine‐dixyrazine combination than for the imipramine‐diazepam or imipramine‐placebo combination. Serum concentration of imipramine was significantly higher (p1≤0.05) in the group treated with dixyrazine than in the other two groups. Further, serum concentration of imipramine in the diazepam group was significantly lower (p1≤0.05) than in the placebo group. At the end of the study, 67% in both the placebo and the diazepam group and 86% in the dixyrazine group were practically symptom‐free.
Lithium and hair texture
Authors: McCreadie R. G. , Farmer J. G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Patients receiving lithium who had noticed changes in hair texture since starting that drug, described variously as hair losing its curl or wave, have a greater lithium concentration in hair than patients on lithium with no such complaints.
Changes in mental condition, hyperkinesias and biochemical parameters after withdrawal of chronic neuroleptic treatment
Authors: Perényi A. , Frecska E. , Bagdy G. , Révai K.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Neuroleptics were withdrawn abruptly from 14 hospitalized chronic schizophrenics. For 12 weeks the patients were observed from the aspect of psychic change and the development of withdrawal dyskinesia. Serum prolactin level, plasma dopamine‐beta‐hydroxylase activity, cerebrospinal fluid homovanillic acid and norepinephrine levels were measured on the day prior to withdrawal and on day 14 of the study. Psychic deterioration showed no association with any of the tested biochemical parameters. The decrease in the CSF HVA and NE levels of the patients displaying symptoms of withdrawal dyskinesia was significantly smaller than in those displaying no dyskinesia.
Effects of electroconvulsive therapy on neuropsychological function and circulating levels of ACTH, cortisol, prolactin, and TSH in patients with major depressive illness
Authors: Apéria B. , Bergman H. , Engelbrektson K. , Thorén M. , Wetterberg L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Thirteen patients with major depressive illness received unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Memory and some other neuropsychological functions were studied concomitantly with changes in clinical symptoms. ACTH in plasma and cortisol, prolactin (PRL) and TSH in serum were measured 30 min before and 1, 5, 15, 30 and 60 min after treatment. Memory functions, impaired after the ECT series, were completely regained 1 month later. ACTH, cortisol, PRL and TSH were significantly increased by ECT. The maximum hormone level after ECT was lower at the last ECT in the series as compared with the first. After the last treatment, nonverbal memory performance was negatively associated with the maximum ACTH level after ECT and verbal learning was negatively correlated to the maximum cortisol level. The reason for these relationships is not known. Since both the ACTH secretion and memory function may be dependent upon the intracerebral catecholamines, the present findings may reflect variations in central monoaminergic receptor function.
Hyperactive behavior and minor physical anomalies
Authors: Fogel C. A. , Mednick S. A. , Michelsen N.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Minor physical anomalies (MPAs) are congenital abnormalities of body structure which reflect fetal maldevelopment. They originate in the same embryonic layer that produces the central nervous system, and it is reasoned that MPAs are markers of nervous system anomalies. High MPA counts have been associated with hyperactive behavior in normal and clinical populations of boys, and with inhibited behavior in normal groups of girls. The present sample of children from a longitudinal study of a Danish birth cohort show no significant sex differences in mean number of MPAs, but the male hyperactivity‐MPA relation and the female inhibition‐MPA relation is supported in this non‐clinical sample. MPAs are not recommended for use in clinical screening or diagnosis at this time, but the evidence of a congenital, biological component to hyperactive behavior may eventually have useful implications for prevention and/or intervention.
Epilepsy and psychiatric disorder in the mentally retarded adult
Authors: Lund J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– 302 mentally retarded adults, sampled by epidemiological criteria, were examined with regard to epilepsy and psychiatric disorder. Each of the complications was frequent and related to degree and origin of mental retardation. In 55 (18.2%) epilepsy had occurred at some time during their lives, in 25 (8.3%) of these in the past year. In 52% of persons with seizures in the past year a present state psychiatric diagnosis was established, compared to 26% in those without seizures. The nature of the combination of epilepsy and psychiatric disorder is complex, but in the mentally retarded most often reflecting underlying brain pathology in the form of widespread cortical and subcortical cerebral damage causing epilepsy of generalised or mixed type, and predominantly interictal psychiatric disorders unrelated in time to seizures and dominated by behaviour problems.
Validity of questionnaires in population studies on drug use
Authors: Benson G. , Holmberg M. B.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The concurrent validity of questionnaires in population studies on drug use was tested by comparing information from registers and interviews in two populations of young people from Gothenburg. The questionnaire items’ sensitivity and specificity according to criteria and their capacity for prediction of drug use and no drug use and correct classification were calculated. Considering criteria weaknesses and other sources of errors, the validity of the questionnaire items was good. This conclusion is basic to longitudinal population studies which aim at clarifying the prognosis of drug abuse among young people.
Relationship between CSF noradrenaline levels, C‐EEG indicators of activation and psychosis ratings in drug‐free schizophrenic patients
Authors: Kemali D. , Maj M. , Iorio G. , Marciano F. , Nolfe G. , Galderisi S. , Salvati A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT A significant increase of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) noradrenaline (NA) levels, probably reflecting a rise of central noradrenergic activity, has been observed in a sample of acute schizophrenic patients as compared with a population of subjects without personal or family history of major psychoses. CSF NA levels have been found to be significantly correlated with computerized EEG (C‐EEG) indicators of arousal (negative correlation with alpha relative activity and positive correlation with alpha barycentric frequency and beta relative activity in frontal and central leads). No significant relationship has emerged between CSF NA concentration and psychosis ratings on CPRS as well as platelet MAO activity. These findings seem to confirm the link between central noradrenergic hyperaciivity and the condition of enhanced arousal of the schizophrenic patient, although the role of this condition in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (primary phenomenon or non‐specific consequence of the stress related to the illness?) remains to be elucidated.
Course and outcome of drug abuse in military conscripts
Authors: Benson G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The course and outcome of drug abuse was studied by following a representative sample of military‐ conscripts from Gothenburg who participated in a questionnaire survey concerning drug habits in 1969/70 in connection with registration for military service. Those with abuse registered in medical or social welfare files had, with few exceptions (11 %), admitted to use of drugs in the questionnaire. However, 55 % of those who in the questionnaire indicated high‐frequency drug use and 89 % of those who indicated low‐frequency drug use were not registered. A large proportion of drug abuse was thus hidden. It was estimated that 6 % of the whole population were registered for drug abuse up to the time of the questionnaire survey, and another 1 % after that. In some cases registered drug abuse started as early as 9 years of age. For the under‐f if teens solvents were the commonest first drug and for the over‐fifteens cannabis. Few initiated drug abuse after the age of 20. In 30 % of the registered men, the duration of abuse was ≤ 2 years, in 50 % 2–10 years and in 20 %≥ 10 years. Distributed over the entire population, the proportions were 2 %, 3 % and 1 %, respectively. Among high‐frequency drugs users, 45 % of the registered abuse remained after 5 years and 20 % after 9 years. Compared with the drug‐free “normal group” registered drug abusers had more often indicated running away from home, repeated truancy, nervous complaints, and had more often received child and youth psychiatric care and been registered with the Social Welfare Administration at an early age. Those who had long drug careers had lower intelligence levels than the normal group.
Course and outcome of drug abuse and medical and social conditions in selected young drug abusers
Authors: Benson G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The course and outcome of drug abuse and medical and social conditions were investigated by following ‐ in some aspects for up to 10 years ‐ selected groups of young drug abusers who had had contact with health care and social welfare authorities in Gothenburg at the end of the 1960's. The follow‐up was carried out by studying different registers and through interviews. The abusers were compared with a control group matched in terms of sex, age and daily sickness allowance. Abuse of cannabis predominated (2:1) over heavier drugs (primarily central stimulants i.v.) in the out‐patient materials, while the reverse was the case in the in‐patient material. About 40 % of the drug users were interviewed and judged to be representative of their groups. After 4–6 years, 36–49 % of the males and 23–48 % of the females in the different materials were found registered as drug abusers; 22–38 % of the men and 11–19 % of the women were found after 8–10 years. According to the interviews, drug abuse persisted in 56–71 % of the men and 26–60 % of the women after 4–6 years and in 44–69 % of the men and 13–36 % of the women after 7–9 years. Abuse of cannabis persisted more often than abuse of heavier drugs, and had a lower mortality. Between 40 and 55 % of drug abuse in the out‐patient material, as well as among males in the social welfare material, was hidden during the follow‐up period. The hidden abuse involved primarily cannabis; abuse of heavier drugs was generally known to the health care or social welfare authorities. Repeated or lengthy sick leave was more common than in the control group. In‐patient adult psychiatric treatment was common among those in the health care material, although 40 % of those in the social welfare material had also received such treatment. A diagnosis of drug abuse clearly predominated. Treatment of hepatitis was noted for 30–40 %. More than 90 % of drug abusers were registered with the social welfare authorities compared with less than half of the controls. Possession of driving licence was less common and the males had less often completed basic military training. The majority of those not registered for drug abuse after 4–4 years were employed or studying, and had considerably less need for social welfare and sick leave than those who were registered. Social conditions were worse among heavy drug abusers than among cannabis abusers. Only few who had given up their abuse gave care as a reason. Negative prognostic factors were: deviations from the normal course of education, repeated truancy among men, and at least one alcoholic parent among women, intensive drug abuse and abuse of solvents and alcohol. Cannabis abusers had a less heavy load of background factors than abusers of heavier drugs.
Offspring of women with nonorganic psychosis: mother‐infant interaction at three and six weeks of age
Authors: Naslund B. , Persson‐Blennow I. , McNeil T. F. , Kaij L.
Published: August 2007

Abstract Mother‐infant interaction during feeding and in an unstructured play situation was studied in the home at 3 weeks and 6 weeks of age in index mother‐infant pairs in which the mother had a history of non‐organic psychosis (n = 42 and 51 at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively) and in demographically similar control pairs (n ‐ 60 and 78J. At both ages, interaction was significantly more negative in index than control cases, index mothers showing increased tension and a lack of harmony, decreased social contact, and reduced sensitivity to the infant's needs. Fewer significant differences were found between index and control infants. Mothers in the Schizophrenic, Cycloid and Nonendogenous groups evidenced more negative interaction characteristics than did their matched controls, but the Affective group was not in any way more negative than its controls.
Effects of some polycyclic drugs on gastric secretion and on the healing of duodenal ulcers
Authors: Wilson J.A. , Boyd E.J.S. , Wormsley K.G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT‐

Polycyclic drugs such as the dibenzazapine trimipramine have been shown to accelerate the healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers, possibly by inhibiting gastric secretion. We have therefore compared the effects of three polycyclic drugs (trimipramine, mianserin and quisultidine) on nocturnal and pentagastrin‐stimulated gastric secretion. The patterns of the effects of the three drugs on gastric secretion differed. Although pentagastrin‐stimulated secretion of acid was inhibited by trimipramine (13%), mianserin (38%), and quisultidine (29%), overnight gastric secretion was inhibited by mianserin (37%) and quisultidine (78%) but increased by trimipramine (16%). In view of its gastric inhibitory actions, the effects of mianserin on the healing of duodenal ulcers have been studied. In a pilot open trial seven out of eight duodenal ulcers healed after four weeks of treatment with mianserin 60 mg at night. A controlled, randomized long‐term study is now scheduled in order to assess the role of mianserin in the management of ulcer disease.
PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATION IN ITALY BEFORE AND AFTER 1978
Authors: Morosini P. L. , Repetto F. , De Salvia D. , Cecere F.
Published: August 2007

The available information system in Italy does not allow to adequately evaluate the change in patterns of hospitalization that have taken place after the 1978 Mental Health Act came into force. There are huge differences among Northern and Southern Italy and inside these areas. On average, the reduction of public psychiatric hospitals activity had begun around 70′s. People living in these hospitals at the census day January 1st were about 75,000 in the first years of the 70′s, were 58,000 in 1977 and further decreased to 38,000 in 1981 (67.6 per 100,000 total population). This decrease was not counterbalanced either by private psychiatric hospitals, or by the newly opened Psychiatric Departments in general hospitals. Scant or no information is available on intermediate facilities, and on follow‐up of discharged inpatients.
THE END OF THE MENTAL HOSPITAL: A review of the psychiatric experience in Trieste
Authors: Dell'Acqua Giuseppe , Dezza Maria Grazia Cogliati
Published: August 2007

This paper describes the closing of the mental hospital in Trieste and the establishing of a comprehensive community mental health service, over a period of 13 years from 1971. In 1971 the hospital had 1058 patients. By 1975 there were 656 patients, 403 of whom were guests, in effect ordinary citizens who had nowhere else to live. The paper describes this dramatic and innovative transformation, the rearrangement of wards, the abolition of shock therapies, the establishment of many flats and group homes, the starting of a cleaning cooperative employing ex‐patients to do the work they previously did as “ergotherapy”, the first mass exodus of the patients into the city.

The paper goes on to describe the opening of 7 mental health centres between 1975 and 1977 and the present existing network of services. At this time the hospital buildings were converted into a variety of uses for the benefit of the local people.

It describes in greater detail the philosophy and practice of one of these centres at Barcola and how the dialectical relationship between staff and client works to create a flexible and responsive service.

It ends by repeating the assertion that the closure of the mental hospital is a first necessary step towards an improved mental health service for everyone.
Perphenazine Decanoate in sesame oil vs. Perphenazine Enanthate in sesame oil: A comparative study of pharmakokinetic properties and some clinical implications
Authors: Knudsen Peder , Hansen Lars Bolvig , Larsen Niels‐Erik
Published: August 2007

Ten schizophrenic inpatients were each treated with perphenazine enanthate (PE) and perphenazine decanoate (PD). Following a cross‐over study design it was possible to evaluate differences in plasma profiles between the two preparations, and to relate these to encountered side effects. All patients had previously been receiving neuroleptic treatment and had been diagnosed according to DSM‐III. The dosage and intervals between injections were on an individual basis.

The results indicate that at all dosage levels, the decanoate preparations showed significantly lower peak plasma concentrations of perphenazine. Extrapyramidal side effects and sedation were also less pronounced after the administration of PD. The more even and flat plasma concentrations obtained with PD, may facilitate plasma monitored therapy by using minimum concentration values.
Long‐term Depot Neuroleptic Treatment With Perphenazine Decanoate I
Authors: Knudsen Peder , Hansen Lars Bolvig , Højholdt Karsten , Larsen Niels‐Erik
Published: August 2007

In an open, prospective 12 month study of perphenazine decanoate (PD), 42 psyhchotic patients diagnosed according to DSM‐III were treated with a fixed depot interval and an individual dose, guided by gas chromatographic perphenazine plasma concentration monitoring combined with clinical evaluation. Degree of illness was rated using a social‐psychiatric CGI‐scale and extrapyramidal side effects were evaluated by means of a modified Simpson and Angus rating scale. After six months of treatment, a statistically significant improvement was found (p < 0.001). During the last six months a further slight reduction in mean CGI‐scores was observed. Mild to moderate extrapyramidal side effects occurred in 9 patients (21%) principally during the initial phase of therapy. No other side effects or changes in blood chemistry were found during the study. Plasma concentrations of perphenazine increased during the initial 3 months and stabilized hereafter. There were however, large intra‐ and inter‐individual variations in the perphenazine plasma concentration/dose ratio. In addition, it was observed that plasma concentrations of perphenazine were significantly higher in patients who had been treated with neuroleptics for more than 10 years compared to those who had been treted 5 years or less. This observation indicates gradual development of tolerance to neuroleptic treatment.

This study demonstrates that PD is a safe and effective remedy for maintenance therapy in psychotic patients.
Effect of a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor in agoraphobia with panic attacks A double‐blind comparison of zimeldine, imipramine and placebo
Authors: Evans L. , Kenardy J. , Schneider P. , Hoey H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT A double‐blind clinical trial of zimeldine, a potent inhibitor of central serotonin reuptake, versus imipramine and placebo was carried out on 44 patients suffering from agoraphobia with panic attacks. Zimeldine was a superior treatment on all rating scales other than a global rating scale which did not reach statistically significant superiority. Imipramine was not shown to be superior to placebo. The implications of these results for further research on the underlying pathophysiology of agoraphobia with panic attacks are discussed.
Prevalence of depressive and other symptoms in elderly Finnish men
Authors: Kivelä S.‐L. , Nissinen A. , Tuomilehto J. , Pekkanen J. , Punsar S. , Lammi U.‐K. , Puska P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The prevalence of depressive and other symptoms were studied in Finnish men aged 65 to 84 years and living either in eastern (n= 310) or in south‐western (n= 378) Finland. The Zung self‐rating depression scale showed depressed affect, fatigue and suicidal thoughts to be more common in the east, but indecisiveness to be more prevalent in the south‐west. The mean of the sum scores in the Zung scale was 37.8 (± 8.4) for the eastern and 37.2 (± 8.3) for the south‐western population, and no differences were found between the areas in this respect. However, many of the other symptoms, including somatic and psychosomatic (such as pains, dyspnea, nausea, impaired memory, apathy, itching skin and sight disturbances) were more common among men living in eastern Finland. The former findings support the idea that there are differences in the affects between men living in the east and men living in the south‐west, but, as a whole, depressive symptoms are equally prevalent in both elderly male populations. The latter finding may reflect the well‐known differences in the prevalences of somatic diseases between these two areas.
Hormone pattern and post‐treatment attitudes in patients with major depressive disorder given electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Apéria B.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT As a follow‐up study of a psychoendocrinological investigation of 33 patients with major depressive illness undergoing ECT, attitudes towards ECT were examined and hormones measured in remission. Two thirds of the group had a positive attitude towards ECT. Cortisol, prolactin and TSH levels differed significantly from the depressive state. In contrast, there was no difference in ACTH levels.
The birthday blues revisited: the timing of suicidal, homicidal and natural deaths
Authors: Lester D.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The present results fail to find an excess of deaths from suicide (and natural deaths and homicides) around the birthday. Thus there is no evidence for a “birthday blues” effect.
Mortality of patients dependent on benzodiazepines
Authors: Piesiur‐Strehlow B. , Strehlow U. , Poser W.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT For patients dependent on benzodiazepines alone, or in combination with alcohol and/or other legal and illegal drugs, observed mortality rates were compared with the average population, and, in cases of isolated benzodiazepine dependence, also with a control group of non‐dependent patients chosen to match each dependent not only in sex and date of birth, but also in pre‐existing psychiatric illness besides dependence. For patients with an isolated benzodiazepine dependence, the mortality rate was increased, when compared with the average population, by a ratio of observed to expected numbers of deaths of about 3. However, this mortality rate did not differ from that of the control group (non‐dependent patients with comparable psychiatric illnesses). For patients combining benzodiazepines with alcohol among other addictive drugs, and for patients combining benzodiazepines with illegal drugs among other addictive substances, the ratio of observed to excepted numbers of deaths was 6.2 resp. 21, thus corresponding well with other studies on mortality rates associated with alcoholism and dependence on illegal drugs. We conclude that our study does not give evidence of higher risk of early death correlated with dependence on benzodiazepines alone. However, it confirms the well‐known fact of increased mortality rates in patients with psychiatric illnesses, especially with dependence on alcohol or illegal drugs.
Social origins of major depression: the role of provoking agents and vulnerability factors
Authors: Hällström T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT An examination of the Brown‐Harris etiological model of depressive disorder was accomplished by analyzing data from a community study of 800 middle‐aged urban Swedish women. The sample included 53 onset cases of major depressive episode (DMS‐1II) in a 1–year period. In the analysis, interaction was defined according to the additive model employed by Brown & Harris. Occurrence of provoking agents was not significantly related to onset of depressive episode. None of the four vulnerability factors of the model showed significant interaction with provoking agents as expected from the model. One of them, lack of intimacy, increased significantly the risk of major depression in its own right, i.e. in the absence of provoking agent. Possible explanations for the major discrepancies of results between the original Camberwell study and the present one are briefly discussed.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients attending a general outpatient clinic
Authors: Ihezue U. H. , Kumaraswamy N.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Using both the English version and an Igbo translation of Zung's Self‐rating Depression Scale (SDS), 132 first‐time attenders to a hospital‐based general outpatient clinic were screened for presence of depressive symptoms. The mean SDS index obtained for the whole sample fell within the normal range. However, a prevalence rate of 25% for depressive symptoms was obtained. 14% scored within the range for “mild depression”, while 11 % obtained scores within the range for “moderate depression”. Only three patients were referred to the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the same hospital. The need for general physicians to be able to recognise the presence and significance of psychological symptoms in their patients is emphasized.
Suicide in psychiatric patients in Denmark, 1971–81
Authors: Barner‐Rasmussen P. , Dupont A. , Bille H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Data concerning all suicide cases in Denmark with a psychiatric history (1971–81) were compiled through computer record linkage between central registers. Cases of suicide during and up to 1 year after inpatient hospitalization were investigated. 21% of the suicides took place while the patient was still hospitalized. The overall suicide rates increased slightly faster than in the population without recent psychiatric hospitalization. There were few suicides in the groups over 65 and under 25 years of age. A sharp relative increase in suicide mortality in the provincial and particularly rural populations was noted. Approximately half of the patients were psychotic, mainly with major affective disorder. The percentage of patients with neurosis or personality disorder decreased. 37% of the men and 18% of the women were diagnosed as substance abusers. Fairly consistently, approximately 10% of the suicide victims were characterized by affective reactions or no psychiatric illness.
History and current status of sedative‐hypnotic drug use and abuse
Authors: Allgulander C.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT—Sedative‐hypnotic drug use and abuse increased in Europe after World War II and peaked about 1972. Clinical and follow‐up descriptions of abusers support the concept of a psychiatric addiction syndrome, different from a low‐dose withdrawal syndrome. Although these drugs may be prescribed unnecessarily, large portions of the general population with pathological psychic distress and insomnia do not receive psychotropic treatment, in spite of findings pointing to genetic and biochemical factors in the genesis of these. Research on underlying mechanisms and the rationale for maintenance therapy is needed.
Alcohol and drug addiction in northern Nigeria
Authors: Ifabumuyi O. I.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— This paper shows that the major psychiatric syndromes encountered in the West with the exception of personality disorder and sexual deviation are represented among patients in northern Nigeria. It draws attention to the increasing problem of alcohol and drug (Indian hemp) addiction in a predominantly Moslem society. 17% of the male cases were treated for alcohol or drug addiction.
General behavior inventory: measurement of subclinical changes during depression and lithium prophylaxis
Authors: Goodnick P. J. , Fieve R. R. , Peselow E. , Schlegel A. , Filippi A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— A new self‐rating scale, the General Behavior Inventory (GBI), was lower in eight controls and 61 patients in remission than in 32 depressed patients. Scores of depressed patients decreased over treatment time. GBI score correlated significantly with the past occurrence of manic plus depressive symptoms per visit and past mean mood shift per visit.
TRH tests with analyses of TSH, prolactin, and GH responses in subtypes of patients with major depressive disorders
Authors: Ågren H. , Wide L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT— TRH tests were performed on 131 patients with RDC diagnoses of major depressive disorders to study altered endocrine control mechanisms in subtypes of depression. The TSH response to TRH was measured in all patients. In more than a third of the sample the prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) responses were also analysed. There were no differences between bipolar, primary unipolar and secondary unipolar patients in means of any endocrine variable. However, the expected positive correlation between baseline TSH and ΔTSH was absent in the secondary unipolar group, indicating a dysregulation of pituitary TRH receptor sensitivity in this depressive subtype. Only ΔTSH was dependent on depressive state, being lower in currently ill primary unipolar patients only. Patients with melancholic features (endogeneity scores high) had blunted TSH responses. Weight loss was connected with TSH blunting in all depressive subtypes. Among patients with blunted ΔTSH (< 5 mU/1) there was no relationship between degree of weight loss and ΔTSH. Further, examination of partial correlation coefficients suggests weight loss of affect ΔTSH by virtue of its being part of the melancholic syndrome. A significant correlation between blunted ΔTSH and nonsuppression of cortisol in the DST was found only among primary unipolar patients, arguing for some independence of the TRH test and the DST in mirroring disturbed endocrine controls in depression.