bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Androgens and personality in normal men and men operated for hypospadias in childhood
Authors: Berg R. , Berg G. , Edman G. , Svensson J. , Åstöm G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Serum levels of LH, FSH, prolactin and androgens were assayed in 33 adult men operated for a penile malformation (hypospadias) in childhood and in 34 matched controls. Two cases of severe hypospadias had signs of hypergonadotrophic hypogonadism. Three moderately severe cases possibly had a central relative androgen receptor insensitivity. Patients had lower levels of 5α‐dihydrotestosterone in serum, unrelated to the severity of the hypospadias. The hypospadias patients have previously been shown to be more neurotic and inhibited both socially and sexually than the controls, which might be related to defective androgenic functioning. Relations between androgen levels and psychological variables were studied. Low testosterone levels were related to higher hostility scores in Rorschach. Relations between androgens and other personality characteristics could not be shown.
The burden of mental illness on the family
Authors: Giel R. , de Arango M. V. , Babikir A. Hafeiz , Bonifacio M. , Climent C. E. , Harding T. W. , Ibrahim H. H. A. , Ladrido‐Ignacio L. , Murthy R. Srinivasa , Wig N. N.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– As part of the WHO Collaborative Study on Strategies for Extending Mental Health Care 259 families in four developing countries (Colombia, India, Sudan and the Philippines) were screened with regard to the social burden caused by mental illness of one of its members. Levels of subsistence, previous illness, financial burden, personal relations and social acceptance were studied. The social burden was greatest in the urban areas.
Psychiatric in‐patients in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Ihezue U. H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In a 1‐day survey, the sociodemographic and diagnostic characteristics of 128 patients in a psychiatric hospital in Nigeria were studied. There were morej males (67%) than females (33%). The three main diagnostic groups found were schizophrenia (58%), affective psychoses (17%) and organic psychoses (12%). A total of 28% of the patients were illiterate and a further 47% had received primary school education terminating at various stages. The majority (66%) were either unskilled or unemployed. There was a predominance of young persons under the age of 40 years. Rural patients consulted traditional healers and prayer houses more often than did their urban counterparts. Electroconvulsive therapy was extensively used. The number of in‐patient psychiatric beds in the State was found insufficient for its population size, and suggestions are made for future improvement. The possible sociocultural and medical implications of the findings are discussed.
Social class and psychotherapy
Authors: Cullberg J. , Stefansson C.‐G
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– By means of a psychiatric case register the total psychiatric population in the Nacka region (75,000 inhabitants) was analysed during a 2‐year period with regard to the amount of psychotherapy consumed in different social groups. Among the patients, the utilization of pscotherapy was 60 % for social group I compared with 30 % for social group II. However, the lowest social groups are overrepresented at the mental health unit. Thus, among the total population, the utilization of psychotherapy was 1.8 % for social group I compared with 5.3 % for social group III. The study discusses the “clinical fallacy”, by which data from a patint population is applied to the whole population, giving wrong or restricted perspectives to the problem studied. It is claimed that the selecivity of the psychiatric organization concerning social groups is an imporant factor for the so‐called “social class bias” in psychotherapy.
The economic costs of mental illness in Sweden 1975
Authors: Hertzman P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The economic cost of mental illness in Sweden in 1975 was calculated at 11,800 million Swedish kronor. This means that mental illness accounts for 16 % of the total economic cost due to disease. More than 90 % of the direct health‐care costs were accounted for by in‐patient care in hospitals and nursing homes, of which one‐third was attributable solely to schizophrenia. The loss of production due to morbidity and mortality accounts for about 60 % of the economic cost of mental illness.
Aggressive behaviour in a psychiatric observation ward
Authors: Cooper S. J. , Browne F. W. A. , McClean K. J. , King D. J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Episodes of aggression were monitored, using a questionnaire, for a 6‐month period in the female observation ward of a General Psychiatric Hospital. The results show that: a small group of schizophrenic patients were responsible for most of the incidents; nursing staff and other patients fell victim equally frequently; few of the incidents were predictable. Psychotic symptoms appear to be the main cause. More effective treatment of some persistently psychotic, apparently neuroleptic‐resistant, aggressive patients should reduce the prevalence of violent behaviour. Drug‐free observation periods in more recently admitted patients, or patients involved in pharmacological studies, however, were not associated with violent incidents.
Utilization of mental health services over a given period
Authors: Lavik N. J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The utilization of the mental health services was studied over a 2‐year period for a cohort of 211 consecutively admitted patients from a catchment area in Oslo. A cumulative index for service consumption showed that 10% of the patients used 75% of the service resources. A bi‐variate and a multi‐variate analysis showed how psychopathology and sociodemographic factors contributed to the degree of service consumption.
Assessment of depression by microcomputer
Authors: Margo A. , Johnson C. , Ancill R. , Carr T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A high correlation between the Wakefield self‐assessment scale and a similar automated depression scale shows that microcomputers are a useful means of administering self‐rated questionnaires.
Evaluation of psychoanalytic psychotherapy outcome
Authors: Manos N. , Vasilopoulou E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– in a public psychotherapy clinic, the outcome of psychoanalytic ally oriented psychotherapy was investigated in a controlled study. The patients formed a treatment and a non‐treatment (with initial evaluation) group, and psychotherapy was evaluated after 4 months of therapy. MMPI, target symptoms, global evaluation and other clinical evaluations were used. A number of aspects of the results are discussed pointing both to the efficacy of psychotherapy and the relative spontaneous improvement of the untreated patient.
Psychiatric reform in the Veneto region of Italy
Authors: Massignan L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The state of the psychiatric reform in Italy since 1978 is now examined. The reform has faced many difficulties due to the economic crisis, political instability and inadequate implementation of regional facilities stipulated by law. However, it has had some positive effects and has awakened public opinion to the problem of the mentally ill. The study area chosen is the Veneto region of Italy. It is a widespread belief that with some modifications, particularly regarding the problem of long‐term patients, the psychiatric reform can be carried out with success. The principles which have inspired it are worthy but its application is not easy as we are dealing more with a cultural reform than with a new organization of services; this will require more time.
Psychiatric court reports in Iceland 1970–1982
Authors: Gudjonsson G. H. , Petursson H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– This paper looks closely at psychiatric court reports in criminal cases in Iceland. Psychiatric court reports are in the great majority of cases requested by the State Criminal Investigation Police (SCIP) on behalf of the court in major criminal cases (e.g. homicide, sexual offences, arson, physical assault). Reports are very rarely requested by the defence. During the 13‐year period 1970–1982 there were 97 requests for psychiatric reports by the police/court (i.e. an annual rate of about 7.5 reports). About two‐thirds of the defendants were found to have some psychiatric abnormality, although only a minority (8%) were considered criminally insane at the time of the offence. Psychiatric reports were most often requested to assess criminal responsibility, and, to a much lesser extent, sentencing issues. Psychiatric experts almost never have to present their evidence in person in court, nor are they cross‐examined on their evidence. This paper discusses some of the strengths and limitations of psychiatric evidence in Iceland, and the need for an organized forensic service.
Pattern of anxiety in a cross‐cultural hospital population
Authors: Ndetei D. M. , Vadher A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In a study of the frequencies of hospital diagnoses of anxiety or related conditions and the Catego syndromes and diagnoses of anxiety and related conditions it was found that with the exception of the syndrome of tension, there were no overall cultural differences in the distribution of these syndromes across the nine cultural groups studied. However, the occurrence of these syndromes was barely reflected in the hospital diagnoses of anxiety and related conditions, even less so in the Catego diagnoses where one case of hysteria was found in the African group. All the symptoms of anxiety and related conditions are found in all the cultural groups notwithstanding other symptoms which may be culturally determined. It is argued that, at least in this hospital‐based study, most or all of these symptoms were subordinate to other more predominant clinical or Catego diagnoses.
Early interpersonal relations: experience of four treatment methods in phobic women
Authors: Persson G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– One hundred and three phobic women not suitable for insight‐oriented psychotherapy were randomized to either therapist‐directed prolonged exposure in vivo (PE), supportive therapy of dynamic type (ST), relaxation therapy (R), or basal therapy (B). History taking was lengthy and included ratings of early interpersonal relations. These were combined into a scale with a range from 0, least favourable, to 13 most favourable. The patients filled in an inventory with regard to their experience of the therapist and the therapy at the beginning of the treatment, at midtreatment, and at the end of treatment, 3 months later. This inventory, the ETI, comprises differen scales with ranges from least to most favourable experiences. The associations between the scales on the experience of early interpersonal relations and the ETI scales were studied. Most correlations were positive, indicating a similarity between the experience of early personal relations and the experience of the therapist and the therapy. The associations were significant at the start of therapy with B, and at the termination of therapy with R. These results are taken to indicate that when the desire for a personal relation with the therapist is frustrated the nature of the relation is interpreted according to the nature of the early relations. The fact that there was no association in ST indicates that when the patient is helped to express her reactions to current relations there is no need to fall back on early relations for the interpretation of the current ones. The opinion that it is possible to predict the character of the therapeutic relation from the character of early relations was supported.
Women with nonorganic psychosis: pregnancy's effect on mental health during pregnancy
Authors: McNeil T. F. , Kaij L. , Maimquist‐Larsson A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The effect of pregnancy on women's mental health during pregnancy was studied by interview with 88 pregnant index cases with a history of nonorganic psychosis and 104 demographically similar pregnant controls, and by psychiatric records for the sub‐sample of index cases with relevant information. Controls generally reported experiencing no change or only a slight worsening of mental health due to pregnancy, while index differentially reported improved or considerably worsened health. In total, worsening was more common than improvement in the index cases, and especially in those with a history of Schizophrenic, Psychogenic, Postparium and Other Psychoses. Psychiatric record information suggested predominantly more improvement in the subsample with information, but this bore little systematic relation to the same women's reports at interview dining pregnancy.
Contact difficulties and experience of loneliness in depressed patients and non‐psychiatric controls
Authors: Eisemann M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Contact difficulties and the experience of loneliness have been studied in a sample of 110 depressed patients and in non‐psychiatric controls (n= 98). The results indicate significant differences between these groups. Furthermore, significant correlations between loneliness, contact difficulties and social network variables occurred. The patient sample showed relationships between loneliness and severity of the depressive syndrome.
The use of treatment contracts in short‐term psychiatric care
Authors: Hansson L. , Berglund M. , Öhman R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Two different treatment contracts, one with and one without active patient cooperation were compared during two 4‐monlh periods on a shon‐term psychiatric ward. Attitudes and symptoms were measured at admission after 5 days and at discharge by an independent rater and by self‐ratings. The length of stay was similar during the two periods. Patients with cooperation contracts showed a significantly larger reduction of anxiety compared with the others. Patients benefuting most from a cooperation contract were those with socio‐psychological treatment contract objectives and those treated in a basic activation group. It is concluded that treatment contracts with an active patient cooperation on a short‐term psychiatric ward are useful especially for patients not primarily suitable for specific psychotherapy or specific psycho pharmacological treatment.
High‐dose neuroleptics for acute brain failure after intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia
Authors: Andersson B. S. , Adams F. , McCredie K. B.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A 20‐year‐old Caucasian male with acute leukemia developed acute organic brain failure after treatment with intensive cytostatic chemotherapy. His delirious state was successfully controlled by neuroleptic therapy with intravenous haloperidol and lorazepam. We propose that this regimen may be useful in treating organic brain failure following intensive chemotherapy for malignant disease.
Presentation of a subscale for the rating of depression and some additional items to the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale*
Authors: Perris C. , Eisemann M. , von Knorring L. , Perris H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– From the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS) a subscale for depression has been derived in the course of a study of depression in which 209 patients took part. The subscale presented in this article comprises 28 items from the original pool and two additional items constructed later. The scale has a high degree of internal consistency and is satisfactorily reliable also among previously unskilled raters who have undergone a minimum of training. It is able to significantly differentiate between ill and recovered patients and among patients with syndromes of different severity according to various classification principles. Reported symptoms rated by the subscale correlated significantly with self‐ratings of depression. Since the original CPRS pool also comprises items for the rating of manic manifestations, the scale is particularly suitable for the study of patients suffering from affective disorders, also when a switch from depression to mania could occur in the course of treatment.
Linkage between X‐chromosome markers and manic‐depressive illness
Authors: Zompo M. Del , Bocchetta A. , Goldin L. R. , Corsini G. U.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Pedigrees of manic‐depressive patients in treatment at the Lithium Clinic of the Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, were evaluated for linkage between major affective illness and the protan‐deulan‐glucose‐6‐phosphatc‐dehydrogenase region of the X‐chromosome. Two informative pedigrees were found, investigated and analyzed for linkage using a multigenerational model and considering age‐dependent penetrance. The results are consistent with the hypothesis of X‐linkage in major affective illness.
The couvade syndrome: background variables
Authors: Bogren L. Y.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In a prospective study of couples expecting their first child, 20 % of the men suffered from the couvade syndrome. They were older than the unaffected men, and more often had older parents. More of them showed attachment to and identification with their mothers. Men with the couvade syndrome suffered from a greater number of mental symptoms during the pregnancy than did the unaffected men. The couvade syndrome was also commoner when the woman was anxious about the pregnancy as well as parturition.
Stupor: a review of 25 cases
Authors: Johnson J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Twenty‐five cases of stupor referred to a psychiatric teaching hospital over 15 years are reviewed. Ten cases presented with a depressive syndrome, four cases with catatonic phenomena and a further 10 cases with established organic aetiology; one case was considered to be psychogenic in origin. The overall mortality was high (16%), attributable to the basic pathology. Compared with earlier series there was a reduction in cases with catatonic features with a corresponding increase in the proportion of organic cases.
Mortality in alcoholics related to clinical state at first admission
Authors: Berglund M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT–The Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Lund, is in possession of systematic clinical ratings from 1949 to 1969 based on a multi‐dimensional diagnostic schedule. All 1312 first‐admitted patients (120 women) from the county who were rated as “chronic alcohol intoxication” were followed up until 31 December, 1980. Of 537 deaths, 495 were male compared with an expected number of 198 in the general population standardized for age and sex (2.5 X), and 42 were female compared with eight expected (5.1 X). The frequency of liver cirrhosis as primary cause of death compared with that of the general mortality was 4.3 times more in men and 60 times more in women. Those who died from liver cirrhosis and alcohol‐induced neoplasms were at first admission more often married and had a more continuous drinking pattern than the remaining alcoholics.
Tardive akathisia and agitated depression during metoclopramide therapy
Authors: Shearer R. M. , Bownes I. T. , Curran P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The authors describe two cases of tardive akathisia following metoclopramide therapy, in which there were concomitant symptoms of agiiated depression.
Prevalence of dentistry phobia and its relation to missing teeth, alveolar bone loss and dental care habits in an urban community sample
Authors: Hällström T. , Hailing A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In a representative sample of 784 women in Gothenburg, aged 38‐54 years, the point prevalence of dentistry phobia was 13.4%; 4.3% suffered a dentistry phobia of high degree. The prevalence was much increased in women with low school education and in the lower social classes. In most cases (88 %) the phobia onset occurred before age 20. Only 11 % of the phobic subjects were aware of having been exposed to anxiety‐provoking dental treatment situations at onset of phobia. All phobics reported a chronic course, although most of them (90 %) had partial remissions at times. Phobia of dental treatment was related to high number of missing teeth, high amount of alveolar bone loss and a high prevalence of removable dentures. Most associations between dentistry phobia and impaired dental status remained statistically significant when allowance was made for age and social class. The neglected dental status in the phobic women may have psychological effects and impair the social functioning. As the incidence peak occurs early in life, preventive measures must primarily be directed against children and adolescents.
Recognition memory in conversion hysteria: effect of sexual stimuli during learning
Authors: Bo A. Dal , Ceola A. , Brighenti F. , Semenza C. , Bertolini C. de
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Hysteria has two main explanatory models: a neurobiological and a psychodynamic. Both models can predict a memory deficit, as a consequence either of a neurophysiological inhibition or of a repression produced by a conflict. The existence of a conflict can also be proved by showing the stimulating, and not the inhibitory effect that conflictual material can have when appropriately shown. Ten female hysterical patients and 10 nonpsychiatric female patients were submitted to a short‐term memory test consisting of pictures. In one session all pictures were neutral, while in a second session, the neutral were mixed with mild sexually charged pictures, excluded from subsequent recall. The overall performances of the two groups were not significantly different, but the hysterical patients remembered better the pictures linked to the sexual ones, while the control group did the opposite. The results are consistent with the psychodynamic model, while they cannot be explained by the neurobiological.
Trazodone
Authors: Kerr T. A. , McClelland H. A. , Stephens D. A. , Ankier S. I.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The clinical efficacy and tolerability of trazodone and amitriptyline were compared in 74 hospital patients suffering from depressive illness. The daily doses of trazodone and amitriptyline were 150‐300 mg and 75‐225 mg, respectively, with half‐strength capsules for patients over the age of 65 years. Twenty‐five and 29 patients receiving trazodone and amitriptyline, respectively, completed the 6 week treatment period. Antidepressant activity was measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Zung Scale of Depression, visual analogue scales and a Global Assessment Scale. Trazodone and amitriptyline were both effective but not statistically different from each other in terms of antidepressant action. Moreover, patients with neurotic or endogenous depression responded equally well on either treatment. Trazodone was less troublesome in respect of the persistent dry mouth and severe adverse psychiatric reactions which occurred with amitriptyline. Patients should be advised to take trazodone after meals.
Zimeldine to geriatric patients in once daily dosage
Authors: Dehlin O. , Björnson G. , Lundström J. , Nörgård J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The therapeutic efficacy, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of zimeldine in elderly depressed patients were evaluated after administration of different doses of the drug in once daily evening doses. The doses of zimeldine were 100 mg during the first 2 weeks, 150 mg during the next 2 weeks and 200 mg during the last 2 weeks. Nine of the 11 patients (mean age 78 years) included in the study completed the 6‐week treatment period, and all nine improved according to the Hamilton depression rating scale. The drug was well tolerated and the side effects were few and mild. No influence of clinical importance was noted in haematology, liver and kidney functions, EEG, blood pressure or pulse rate. Steady‐state plasma concentrations of zimeldine, and its active metabolite norzimeldine, were achieved in most cases after 1 week of treatment in each dose regimen. The plasma concentrations increased linearly with the increase in dose. The maximal interindividual variations in plasma concentrations were 8‐fold for zimeldine and 3‐fold for norzimeldine. The plasma levels of both zimeldine and norzimeldine were higher in the elderly than reported earlier in younger patients. The ratio of norzimeldine/zimeldine concentrations was reduced in the elderly, indicating a reduction of the metabolic capacity. The results suggest that zimeldine can be administered in a once daily dosage regimen to elderly patients, but they should be given a lower dose than younger patients.
Electroencephalography of DSM‐III borderline personality disorder
Authors: Snyder S. , Pitts W. M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The EEG's of hospitalized males with the sole diagnosis of borderline personality disorder (n= 37) were compared to those of a group with only dysthymic disorder (n= 31). Borderline patients were found to have significantly more marginal, definite, and combined (marginal and definite) abnormalities on the EEG. The most prevalent abnormality in the borderline was slow‐wave activity. The mixture of wave frequencies occurring in the electroencephalogram, known as fusing, occurred significantly more often in the borderline group compared to the dysthymic group. Severity of illness of the borderline group and the depressed group was not significantly correlated with EEG abnormality. Neurophysiologic implications for the pathogenesis of the borderline personality disorder are discussed in light of these findings.
Personality changes in the aged
Authors: Nilsson L. V. , Persson G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Psychogenic needs according to Murray were measured by means of the Cesarec Marke Personality Schedule in a representative sample of 70‐year‐olds in Gothenburg, Sweden. They were followed up when 75 and 79. A longitudinal study was carried out with regard to changes in means, standard deviations and sex differences. The levels at 70 among the surviving subjects and those who had died before the age of 79 were compared. Between 70 and 79 there were changes towards higher needs for order and acquiescence in both sexes, and towards lower exhibition, dominance and aggressive non‐conformance, and higher succourance in women. The changes were small and most needs showed no changes at all. There were few changes in variability and sex differences. Men with higher needs of defence of status, and lower needs of exhibition and dominance at 70 had an increased mortality. Cross‐sectional studies would have given misleading results on the development of psychogenic needs in these age groups.
Delirium tremens and related clinical states: changes in calcium and inorganic phosphate concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Kramp P. , Hemmingsen R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Calcium and inorganic phosphate were measured in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 11 patients during impending delirium tremens (grade 2) and in nine patients with fully developed delirium tremens (grade 3). The initial sampling of blood and CSF was performed at admission before treatment was initiated. The blood sampling was repeated daily until recovery and at this time a second lumbar puncture was also performed. In grade 3 patients the plasma calcium concentration showed a transient increase after admission; in grade 2 patients the plasma calcium concentration was also somewhat elevated. The changes in plasma calcium concentration after admission correlated significantly with the changes in blood alcohol concentration. In grade 3 patients the CSF calcium concentration decreased between admission and recovery, this possibly relating to an increased cerebral binding capacity in the post intoxication period. No statistically significant changes were seen in either of the diagnostic categories as far as plasma inorganic phosphate concentrations are concerned. CSF inorganic phosphate concentration decreased in a fashion correlated with CSF alcohol concentration and, finally, CSF inorganic phosphate at admission was somewhat lower in grade 3 patients as compared to grade 2, this possibly reflecting a more severe disturbance of cerebral metabolism in grade 3 patients. Essentially, grade 3 patients had lower CSF concentrations of both calcium and inorganic phosphate as compared to grade 2 patients and thus there may exist real differences in the metabolism of these two ions when a severe withdrawal reaction (grade 2) is compared to fully developed delirium tremens (grade 3).
Zimeldine versus amitriptyline in endogenous depression. A double‐blind study
Authors: Larsen F. Warborg , Hansen C. Eggert
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In a double‐blind comparison of 21 inpatients with endogenous depression 225 mg zimeldine demonstrated the same degree of antidepressive efficacy as 150 mg amitriptyline after 4 weeks of treatment. Only “sleep disturbances” on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRS) showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement with amitriptyline.

Only small differences in the frequency of side effects were seen. In the zimeldine group, increased sweating and headache were more pronounced, while the amitriptyline patients more often reported dry mouth and constipation. Body weight was not significantly changed by either treatment.

In the zimeldine group, treatment had to be interrupted in three patients due to hypersensitivity reactions in the form of drug fever. Three other patients in the zimeldine group showed clinically significant elevation of liver enzymes. Hypersensitivity reactions and abnormal blood chemistry were both reversible. The adverse reactions are discussed, the cause of the occurrence remaining unknown.
Seizure duration in unilateral electroconvulsive therapy A comparison of the anaesthetic agents etomidate and Althesin with methohexitone
Authors: Gran L. , Bergsholm P. , Bleie H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Seizure duration in unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was recorded by means of EEG in an intraindividual comparison of etomidate (dissolved in a soy‐bean oil emulsion) 0.3 mg/kg and Althesin (alphaxalone 9 mg and alphadolone 3 mg/ml) 0.6 mg/kg with methohexitone 1 mg/kg body weight. The patients were intubated and alveolar CO2‐ and O2‐concentrations kept constant at 3% (3 kPa) and 92% (92 kPa) respectively. Seizure duration was the same when either etomidate or methohexitone were used, whereas Althesin significantly shortened seizure duration in comparison with methohexitone. Local pain on injection and a subsequent superficial thrombophlebitis occurred frequently with methohexitone. This did not occur with etomidate or Althesin.
Prediction of affective psychoses response to lithium prophylaxis
Authors: Maj M. , Del Vecchio M. , Starace F. , Pirozzi R. , Kemali D.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: A set of socio‐demographic, clinical, psychological and biological variables was examined in 100 patients diagnosed according to Perris as bipolar affective psychotics or unipolar depressive psychotics, maintained on prophylactic lithium for 2 years and divided into responders and non‐responders to this treatment on the basis of strict criteria. The results confirmed the potential role of four indices as predictors of response to prophylaxis: a positive family history of bipolar affective illness and a high red blood cell/plasma lithium ratio (positive predictors) and the presence of the HLA‐A3 antigen and a high score on the Neuroticism Scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (negative predictors). A stepwise discriminant analysis showed that neuroticism score, lithium ratio and HLA‐A3 antigen, taken together, correctly classified 74.6% of responders and 68.3% of non‐responders. It is hypothesized that these variables as a group may be of practical value in predicting response to lithium prophylaxis, and that pharmacogenetic and, perhaps, personality factors may be involved in treatment failures.
Leisure activities of depressive patients
Authors: Eisemann M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: The leisure activities of 110 depressed patients and of 98 non‐psychiatric controls were studied. The following aspects of leisure behaviour were taken into account: quantity, type (active, passive), frequency, presence of other people, place and satisfaction. In addition, possible relationships between personality and leisure behaviour were explored. Depressives were found to engage in fewer activities and were involved with fewer people than controls. Numerous significant correlations between personality characteristics and leisure behaviour occurred in the patient sample.
Prevalence of mental disorders in the small‐town—rural region of Traunstein (Upper Bavaria)
Authors: Dilling H. , Weyerer S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: The prevalence rate of mental disorders in the population is important to the overall planning of improved psychiatric care services. A prevalence study of 1,536 probands conducted in three communities in the county of Traunstein, Upper Bavaria, revealed that 18.6% of the population were in need of treatment. The results are presented according to sociodemographic characteristics, and ways of improving the care of the mentally disturbed are discussed. Primary emphasis is placed on improving the competence of general practitioners.
The feasibility of cost‐benefit studies of mental health care. An attempt with a Dutch Case Register
Authors: Horn G. H. M. M. ten , Giel R.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT: A cohort of 928 people, aged 20 to 60 years, were entered in a Dutch Case Register for the first time as outpatients during the period from 1974 to 1977. They were each followed up for 1 year in order to identify patterns of care and calculate their cost. The latter was calculated for groups of patients, according to diagnosis and type of service at entry. This approach required registering face‐to‐face contacts for each patient, and close collaboration with the services involved, to calculate costs.
Sulpiride versus Haloperidol, a Clinical Trial in Schizophrenia. A preliminary report
Authors: Munk‐Andersen E. , Behnke K. , Heltberg J. , Nielsen H. , Ger‐LACH J.
Published: August 2007

Abstract Sixteen out of 25 hebephrenic and paranoid schizophrenic patients completed a double‐blind cross‐over study with sulpiride and haloperidol. The patient sample was relatively chronic: Median age was 35 years (range 26–53 years), median duration of illness 10 years (4–35 years), and median duration of neuroleptic treatment 5 years (1–28 years). Each patient was treated with sulpiride/haloperidol in random order for 12 weeks with a drug‐free period before each treatment phase.

Mean total BPRS (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) score was reduced from 25 to 15 (P<0.05) during sulpiride (800–2800 mg/day, median 1600 mg/day), and from 28 to 15 (P<0.01) during haloperidol (6–18 mg/day, median 12). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to total BPRS score, single items or symptom clusters. However, in a few, very “chronic”, disturbed, and long‐term treated patients, haloperidol appeared more beneficial than sulpiride. Autonomic side effects and parkinsonism tended to occur more frequently during haloperidol than during sulpiride, but no significant differences were found. It is concluded that sulpiride, a specific dopamine‐2 receptor blocker, has antipsychotic effect, not significantly different from haloperidol, but may produce slightly less side effects.
Effect of Sulpiride in Endogenous Depression
Authors: Benkert O. , Holsboer F.
Published: August 2007

Abstract Clinical practice and pharmacological data suggest a possible antidepressive action of sulpiride given in low dosages. To further explore the therapeutic efficacy of sulpiride 11 patients with an endogenous type of depression were studied during treatment with an oral daily dose of 150 mg sulpiride. The present data allows the conclusion that (A) low dosed sulpiride seems to act as an antidepressant in severe and milder forms of depression, (B) a clinical progress is seen earlier than is common during treatment with tricyclics and (C) a significant increase of drive is observable. However, sulpiride maintenance therapy did not prevent early relapse into depression. The preliminary nature of these clinical observations does not allow conclusions about the ultimate utility of this drug. Moreover, it remains unclear for which patients sulpiride is appropriate or perhaps superior to conventional treatment modalities of depression.
Relationships Between Drug Concentrations in Serum and CSF, Clinical Effects and Monoaminergic Variables in Schizophrenic Patients Treated with Sulpiride or Chlorpromazine
Authors: Alfredsson G. , Bjerkenstedt L. , Edman G. , Härnryd C. , Oxenstierna G. , Sedvall G. , WIESEL F‐A
Published: August 2007

Abstract Schizophrenic patients were treated with fixed doses of sulpiride (800 mg) or chlorpromazine (400 mg) during eight weeks using a double‐blind design. In order to examine relationships between pharmacokinetic, clinical and biochemical parameters in relation to treatment the following variables were recorded before and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Concentrations of sulpiride, CPZ, 7‐OH‐CPZ, nor1‐CPZ were determined in serum and CSF using liquid chromatography and mass fragmentography. Clinical variables were psychotic morbidity and side effects as evaluated by CPRS, NOSIE and side effect ratings. Monoaminergic variables were concentrations of the major cerebral monoamine metabolites, HVA, 5‐HIAA and MOPEG in the cerebrospinal fluid as measured by mass fragmentography. Prolactin levels in serum and CSF were measured by radioimmunoassay.

During steady state, concentrations of sulpiride in serum varied fourfold between patients and CPZ twentyfold. Drug concentrations in serum and CSF were highly correlated in CPZ‐ but not in sulpiride‐treated patients. Although sulpiride passed into the CSF, transport between serum and CSF was restricted. In the sulpiride group, improvement of psychotic morbidity and HVA elevation in CSF tended to be negatively related to the drug concentrations in serum. Sulpiride‐treated patients with extrapyramidal side effects had significantly higher drug concentrations in serum.

In CPZ‐treated patients, improvement of psychotic morbidity, HVA elevation and prolactin elevation all tended to be positively correlated to drug concentrations in serum and CSF. CPZ‐treated patients with extrapyramidal side effects also had significantly higher CPZ concentrations in serum.

In both treatment groups, the MOPEG reduction in CSF tended to be correlated to improvement of psychotic morbidity.

The study supplied clinical evidence for the view that antipsychotic drugs belonging to the phenothiazine and benzamide series induce antipsychotic effects in schizophrenic patients in a graded fashion which is proportional to the degree of interaction with the central dopaminergic mechanisms. The results also support the view that sulpiride has a more selective effect on central dopaminergic mechanisms than chlorpromazine.

In the schizophrenic patients studied and with the doses used, sulpiride concentrations tended to be maximal with regard to clinical and biochemical effects. For CPZ on the other hand, drug concentrations in some patients seemed to be too low to induce optimal effects.
Pharmacological Classification of Benzamides
Authors: Puech A J , Lecrubier Y. , Simon P.
Published: August 2007

Abstract The problem of classifying benzamides is, in general, the same as classifying neuroleptics. A pharmacological classification of neuroleptics can be established on the basis of the following criteria

‐ specificity of action on dopaminergic receptors

‐ penetration into the CNS

‐ dopaminergic profile in the CNS

• relative binding with respect to subclasses of DA

• preferential antagonism of certain effects of apomorphine

• preferential affinity for dopaminergic structures

• activating effects on DA systems at low doses

‐ different clinical effects: antiemetic, psychiatric (antihallucinatory and disinhibitory), neurologic.

A relationship between biochemical, behavioural and clinical effects is proposed

‐ antihallucinatory effect: decrease of dopaminergic function

‐ disinhibitory effect: increase of dopaminergic function.

We emphasize the problem of doses used because the different effects occurred for a given drug at different doses.

This hypothesis suggests that positive symptomatology of schizophrenia is related to hyperdopaminergic activity, negative symptomatology is related to hypodopaminergic activity.

‐ metoclopramide: peripheral dopaminolytic activity antiemesis without psychiatric or neuroleptic effects with low doses.

‐ sulpiride, tiapride, DAN 2163: peripheral effects + preferential blockade of D3 and D4 receptors, central DA activation with low doses, disinhibitory effects.

With high doses, decrease of specificity for subclasses of DA receptors, central DA inhibition, antihallucinatory effects but little extrapyramidal symptomatology and sedation.

‐ sultopride: central DA inhibition, antihallucinatory effects, sedative and neurological effects.
Behavioural and Biochemical Studies With the Benzamide Sulpiride in Rats
Authors: Herrera‐Marschitz M. , Ståhle L. , Tossman U. , ZetterstrÖM T. , Ungerstedt U.
Published: August 2007

Abstract We have studied the effects of the benzamide, sulpiride, on dopamine transmission using a functional approach combining brain dialysis experiments with behavioural studies utilising rotational and holeboard models.

In the 6‐OH‐dopamine‐rotational model, both apomorphine and pergolide induced a dose‐dependent contralateral rotation. However, sulpiride blocks very effectively the pergolide responses whilst it inhibits poorly the apomorphine rotation. Further studies using the same model suggest different receptor mechanisms distinctly distributed in the striata of rats and involving different efferent pathways.

A dialysis tube was implanted into the left striatum of rats in order to study changes in dopamine release after influencing dopamine autoreceptors. Apomorphine produced a decrease of dopamine release which was reversed by sulpiride. The dopamine autoreceptor regulation of exploratory behaviour has been studied using an automatic holeboard device. Apomorphine and pergolide inhibited locomotion in an dose‐dependent manner. This inhibition was selectively reversed by sulpiride but not by cis‐flupenthixol.

The dialysis provided also another possibility to study the functional regulation of DA systems. It has been suggested that sulpiride most effectively blocks the dopamine receptors localized presynaptically on cortico‐striatal glutamate afferent neurons. We have compared the effects of cis‐flupenthixol and sulpiride on glutamate and GABA release as measured by dialysis in the striata of rats. We found no clearcut effect after cis‐flupenthixol, while sulpiride caused a significant change in glutamate release.
Dexamethasone suppression test and the levels of serum growth hormone, plasma vasopressin and plasma homovanillic acid in depressed in‐ and outpatients
Authors: Syvälahti E.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A total of 206 depressive patients (176 outpatients and 30 in‐patients) underwent a dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Resting levels of serum growth hormone (GH), plasma vasopressin (AVP) and plasma homovanillic acid (HVA) were also measured in a proportion of the patients. Fifty‐seven per cent of the endogenous patients showed nonsuppression of cortisol in the DST, while 92% in the nonendogenous group showed normal suppression. The diagnostic confidence of a positive test was 83 %. The sensitivity and specificity of the test was slightly higher among inpatients than outpatients, and serum cortisol value at 4 p.m. was more useful than the morning value. No significant correlation was found between severity of the depression as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and serum cortisol. In single subjects there was, however, an obvious correlation. The levels of serum GH, plasma AVP and plasma HVA did not differ in the endogenous and nonendogenous groups, and there was no correlation between serum cortisol in the DST and the concentrations of the other hormones or HVA in plasma.
Prevalence of mental disorder in an urban population in central Sweden in relation to social class, marital status and immigration
Authors: Halldin J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A representative selection of 2,283 persons, 18‐65 years old in “former” Stockholm County were examined by psychiatrists in 1970–71. The total non‐response was 12%, The 12‐month prevalence of mental disorders in relation to social class (I‐III), marital status and immigration was estimated. The “psychiatric diagnoses of moderate and severe degree” were significantly more prevalent in social class III (14% and 2.7%) than in I (6.9% and 0.6%) and II (9.8% and 0.9%) and significantly more prevalent among single (16% and 4.6%) than among cohabiting persons (9.6% and 1.0%), The mental disorder/immigration relationship should here be interpreted with certain reservations. One significant difference was noted: the “psychiatric diagnosis of severe degree” was significantly more prevalent for men born in Sweden (1.5%) than for men born abroad (0.3%).
Alcohol consumption and alcoholism in an urban population in central Sweden
Authors: Halldin J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT–A representative selection of 2,283 individuals, 18‐65 years old, in “former” Stockholm County, were examined by psychiatrists in 1970–71. The total of non‐participants was 12%. The alcohol consumption pattern and the prevalence of the diagnosis alcoholism for the last 12 months are reported. Significantly more men than women confirmed “very high” and “high” consumption, respectively. The diagnosis alcoholism was given to 4.8% men and 1.4% women. Significantly more women in social class I than in II and III, as significantly more men in social class I than in II stated “very high” or “high” consumption. Social consequences of alcohol consumption, in the form of entries in the Penal Register of the National Board of Excise (Kontrollstyrelsens straffregister) for the years 1965–71, were, on the other hand, found significantly more frequently among men in social class III than in social classes I and II.
A scale for detection of negative attitudes towards medication among relatives of schizophrenic patients
Authors: Mantonakis J. , Markidis M. , Kontaxakis V. , Liakos A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The validity of a questionnaire developed to assess negative attitudes towards drug therapy by relatives of schizophrenic patients is examined. The questionnaire items are tested against the statement; “Patients should not take drugs, they can only helped by good advice”. The prejudice of relatives of schizophrenics against drug therapy may have an effect on the patients' compliance to maintenance therapy and, subsequently, on their relapse rate. A number of factors, social and psychological, were examined as possible determinants of the negative attitudes of relatives. These factors include age, sex, profession, education, positive family history, and use of drugs among the relatives; mental state, residence, duration of illness, relapse rate and clinical features in the patients. Poor education of relatives correlated to negative attitudes towards drug therapy.
Longitudinal studies of drug abuse a fifteen‐year‐old population
Authors: Holmberg M. B.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The hidden drug abuse in a stratified sample of a year cohort born in 1953 was studied by measuring the difference between drug abuse stated in interviews and registered in public health and social welfare files in 1968, 1973 and 1976. Among men who had stated high‐frequency drug use in a school questionnaire in 1968 hidden drug abuse comprised two thirds of the total abuse, among women from the same group one half, in groups with lower degrees of abuse hidden drug abuse was 70‐90% of the total abuse. Intravenous abuse was mostly known to public health and social welfare authorities. When trying to estimate the total number of drug abusers in an area there is reason to at least double the figures presented in case‐finding studies.