bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LSD treatment in a severe case of compulsive neurosis
Authors: Brandrup E. , Vanggaard T.
Published: August 2007

A detailed account is given of the course and outcome of the treatment with LSD of an incapacitating compulsive‐neurotic condition in a 30‐year‐old male. The treatment took place over 1 1/2 years from the autumn of 1962, and the patient, who has been followed since then, is completely cured symptomatically. In addition, a fortunate change in his general personality has taken place. The events during the LSD sessions revealed the basic elements of a development of his personality since early childhood, particularly the toilet‐training period, which resulted in a typical compulsive character neurosis. In turn, this character neurosis became the matrix for the outbreak of his manifest neurotic compulsions which began 4 years before the onset of treatment. The material which emerged was in complete accordance with Freudian theory.

No interpretations were given. While under the action of the drug the patient was left alone except for brief visits by the doctor or the nurse. He was free to call them if his anxiety became too strong for him to cope with alone. Besides, he had the support of reporting his experiences to the doctor after the LSD‐effect had worn off and discussing them during interviews between the LSD days, still without interpretations being given to him.

Practical details of procedure are reported. The necessary caution in employing LSD for treatment purposes, especially the selection of patients, is emphasized: theoretical implications of the psychological material and the course of the curative process are discussed.
Is the existence of a forensic psychiatry justified?: on forensic psychiatry in the scandinavian countries
Authors: Svendsen B. Borup
Published: August 2007

In Scandinavia during the past decade forensic psychiatry has been the subject of discussions, which have occasionally reached the height of vehement attacks. Changes in penal laws have expressed a declining interest in the cooperation of psychiatrists in the evaluation and treatment of offenders.

Scandinavian forensic psychiatrists, lawyers and criminologists have analyzed and discussed the present situation and have found that there is still a need and justification for forensic psychiatry. Higher priority, however, should be given to psychiatric contributions at the stage after disposition, at the post‐trial level. The diagnostic activities at the pre‐trial level should be limited to what is necessary for further dispositions.

The development of forensic (penal) psychiatry and the trends within the individual Scandinavian countries differ considerably.
Present functions of forensic psychiatry in Scandinavia
Authors: Svendsen B. Borup , Anchersen P. , Meyerson A. , Noreik K. , Thorsteinsson G. , Tuovinen M. , Törnqvist K. ‐E.
Published: August 2007

An attempt is made to give a description of the functions of forensic psychiatry in the Scandinavian countries, including some statistical information on activities and persons involved. Definitions are given. Organizational differences in preparing psychiatric reports to the court in the five countries are outlined, as are the ways in which psychiatrists participate at the post‐trial level. Some problems and divergent trends are mentioned.

It is concluded that a demand for psychiatric evaluation and treatment of offenders who are psychotic or moderately and more severely mentally retarded will continue to exist, whereas it seems unclear how psychiatrists should deal with the psychiatric problems of offenders with other mental abnormalities.

Forensic psychiatric research should include analyses of the functions of this discipline (frequency studies, studies of content, organization and effect).
Evidence for polygenic inheritance in schizophrenia?
Authors: Essen‐Möller E.
Published: August 2007

A finding of Ödegaard's, suggesting polygenic transmission of schizophrenia, is discussed and an attempt at replication presented.
Lithium side effects in relation to dose and to levels and gradients of lithium in plasma
Authors: Persson G.
Published: August 2007

The relation between lithium dose, lithium concentrations, and lithium gradients in plasma and the side effects tremor, nausea, abdominal pains, and loose bowels was studied in 19 subjects. Rapidly dissolving lithium carbonate tablets were used.

Tremor was related to higher doses, to higher concentrations, and to higher gradients of lithium in plasma. Nausea was related to higher gradients. Abdominal pain and loose bowels showed no relation to doses, levels or gradients. Concentrations of lithium were dose‐dependent, while gradients were relatively independent of dose.
Group models, group dynamics, sociological and psychological aspects of group formation and evaluation
Authors: Battegay R.
Published: August 2007

Several group models are defined: a mechanistic model, a model of conflicts, a cybernetic model, a field‐theoretical model, an organismic model, an interactionistic model. In all these models the group is a dynamic entity which is based on a mutual dependence of the members. From this sociological‐horizontal‐interactional point of view the group is therefore an entity. From a psychological‐vertical aspect the group is rather a common situation in which the individual members remain in their experience separated from each other. To understand the group therapeutic dynamics it is necessary to keep in mind these two levels. From the sociological aspect, e.g. the frequency and kinds of interactions, the relationship of the inside‐distances between the members to the distances of the members to the outside is decisive for group cohesion. The more the total interaction in a group augments, the more the emotionally loaded interactions increase. The significance of group cohesion in the therapeutic process is documented also by means of standardized rating scales. The normative effect of the group, the different roles in it, the group structure have to be considered if the group is to be used as a therapeutic mean. From the psychological point of view five phases of group development can be differentiated: 1) explorative contact, 2) regression, 3) catharsis, 4) insight, 5) social learning. By a factor analysis Lieberman et al. have found out that independent of the method used, the following types of group leaders were successful: the “provider”, the “social engineer”, the “energizer”.
The different kinds of group psychotherapy with patients with different diagnoses
Authors: Battegay R.
Published: August 2007

Group psychotherapy is a treatment method in which in addition to the therapist(s) the participating individuals are, autocentrically, active in attaining a therapeutic effect. The different kinds of group psychotherapy are described: 1) activity group psychotherapy, 2) analytic group psychotherapy, 3) directive‐suggestive‐group psychotherapy, 4) psychodrama, 5) accelerating/focal methods of group psychotherapy.

Group psychotherapeutic techniques with patients of different diagnoses are discussed, e.g. group psychotherapy with drug dependants and alcoholics, in which it is not possible to use a pure analytic method of group psychotherapy. Their oral tendencies and narcissistic desires of undergoing a fusion with the therapist have to a certain degree to be fulfilled. Schizophrenics should encounter in group psychotherapy an unconditioned emotional response from the therapist. These patients on the one hand expect to be understood in their psychotic experience, but on the other hand they seem to be glad when the measures of the outside reality are maintained in the group. The relatives of schizophrenics wanting to co‐operate are taken in a parallel group. Depressives, especially endogenous depressives, need a longer time to be integrated in a therapeutic group than other patients, but if they can be integrated, it helps them to tolerate their sufferings. To the neurotics, group psychotherapy offers insight and a chance to “translate” this insight into a new social behaviour. Analytic self‐experience groups with staff members give them an opportunity to recognise from their own experience the conflicts and the behaviour patterns from which their patients suffer.
Cerebral dysfunction in alcoholism and presenile dementia
Authors: Berglund M. , Gustafson L. , Hagberg B. , Ingvar D. H. , Nilsson L. , Risberg J. , Sonesson B.
Published: August 2007

Fifteen chronic alcoholics and 15 presenile patients were matched in pairs with regard to their mean hemisphere cerebral blood parameters ‐ an index of brain metabolism. The distribution of the regional cerebral blood flow was similar in the two groups. The alcoholics performed significantly better in all psychometric tests than the presenile patients and more alcoholics than presenile patients were still employed and working. Nine presenile patients and one alcoholic showed symptoms indicating brain stem dysfunction.

The measurements of the cerebral blood flow were made at rest while the psychometric testings and the evaluation of the social performace gave information about the brain at work. It is suggested that cerebral dysfunction in alcoholics to some extent can be partly overcome by brain activation procedures. In contrast, the defects of higher mental functions in presenile dementia cannot be compensated for.
Pizotifen as an antidepressant
Authors: Standal J. E.
Published: August 2007

In a double‐blind study the therapeutic effect and tolerance of pizotifen was compared with placebo in 20 outpatients of both sexes suffering from light to moderate depression. Pizotifen seems to possess certain antidepressive effects in dosages of 4–10 mg daily. These properties, and the well‐documented effect of pizotifen in migraine, could make it an alternative in treating patients suffering from the often seen combination of vascular headache/depression.
Primary psychiatric illness in a neurological out‐patient department in North East England
Authors: Kirk C. , Saunders M.
Published: August 2007

A total of 2,716 patients attended a neurological out‐patient clinic in North East England between May 1970 and May 1974. The symptomatology of 358 patients with primary psychiatric illness has been analyzed in a retrospective study. There were 172 symptom wordings and these were grouped in 18 headings. The most common symptoms were headache, dizziness and pain in the body. The presenting symptoms were analyzed with reference to age, sex, pattern of referral, diagnostic category and method of disposal. Aspects of non‐organic disease in a neurological clinic are discussed.
Evaluation of the combination of tryptophan and ECT in the treatment of depression
Authors: D'Elia G. , Lehmann J. , Raotma H.
Published: August 2007

Serum levels of total L‐tryptophan (L‐TP) were determined in patients suffering from endogenous depression, randomly assigned to two groups, one treated with L‐TP (6 g daily) and unilateral ECT, the other with placebo and unilateral ECT. L‐TP treatment was initiated at least 1 day before the first ECT and terminated 4 days after the last ECT. The degree of amelioration in depressive symptomatology was measured by doctors', nurses' and patients' rating scales.

There was a close similarity in the levels of L‐TP concentration in the two groups before treatment (mean values 1.27 mg% and 1.28 mg%).

ECT seems not to alter the serum L‐TP levels, judging from the values before and during treatment in the placebo group.

During treatment, there was, as expected, a considerably higher L‐TP concentration in the L‐TP group (mean value 4.01 mg%).

The L‐TP concentrations were bimodally distributed in the L‐TP group. This bimodality was not correlated to clinical variables.

No relationship could be found between pretreatment L‐TP levels and depressive symptomatology. No evidence is therefore obtained that L‐TP levels are a pathogenic factor.

There was no correlation between initial L‐TP levels and residual symptomatology 4 days and 1 month after the last ECT. Thus the L‐TP levels before treatment seem not to be of value in predicting “responders” to L‐TP treatment combined with ECT or to ECT alone.

The levels of L‐TP during the treatment with L‐TP and ECT showed no relationship to residual symptomatology after the treatment. Thus the L‐TP levels do not seem to have a therapeutic significance when treating depressed patients with ECT.
Immunoglobulins, psychopathology and prognosis in schizophrenia
Authors: Pulkkinen E.
Published: August 2007

On admission, IgA, IgG and IgM concentrations were determined in 76 schizophrenics, and the correlations of these concentrations to the variables relating to psychopathology, background and prognosis were investigated in the present study, which is a part of a more extensive unpublished study.

On the basis of factorization, the highest IgM concentrations were found in withdrawn schizophrenics and the lowest in paranoid schizophrenics. Of the background variables, the patient's present age had a positive correlation and his place of birth (rural‐urban) a negative correlation to IgA concentrations, both being at a statistically significant level. IgA and IgM values higher than average at the beginning of treatment predicted a short hospital stay. Earlier, these patients had also needed little hospital care in relation to the duration of the disease.

A hypothesis based on the results is presented, according to which a different way of reacting to stress may explain the differences in IgM concentrations in withdrawn and paranoid schizophrenics.

The connection between prognosis and immunoglobulins was considered at least partially explainable on the grounds of age at the onset of the disease.
Lithium treatment of Huntington's chorea
Authors: Vestergaard P. , Baastrup P. C. , Petersson H.
Published: August 2007

The therapeutic effect of lithium in Huntington's chorea was tested in six patients through a double‐blind cross‐over comparison of lithium and placebo, each administered for 6 weeks. Four of the patients received neuroleptic drugs at the same time.

Lithium and placebo periods did not did not differ as regards motor skills, hyperkinesias, or total ward situation, all rated quantitatively with the use of scales. Lithium does not seem to be of therapeutic value in Huntington's chorea.
Primary peptic ulcer in childhood : PSYCHOSOCIAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHIATRIC ASPECTS
Authors: Christodoulou G. N. , Gargoulas A. , Papaloukas A. , Marinopoulou A. , Sideris E.
Published: August 2007

Twenty‐five children with radiologically confirmed primary peptic ulcers were investigated. All patients suffered from duodenal ulcer and there was an unexpected female preponderance. The frequency of introverted personalities was greater in the patients than in the controls. Five patients suffered from psychiatric disorders, three had histories of suicidal attempts and three reported homosexual experiences. Six patients had nicknames. Eight patients had been operated on for appendicitis. The above parameters were negative in all control cases. The patients had lower mean IQ, worse adaptation to school, more anxious and overprotective parents, higher frequency of faddiness in food and lower frequency of nail‐biting than the controls. The onset of symptoms was preceded by psychotraumatic events in eight cases.

The findings suggest that the manifestation of the genetic background of duodenal ulcer is strongly influenced by environmental factors and factors associated with the personality of the patients.
Psychoendocrinological and therapeutic effects of TRH in depression
Authors: Vogel H. P. , Benkert O. , Illig R. , Muuller‐Oerlinghausen B. , Poppenberg A.
Published: August 2007

The antidepressive efficacy of TRH was investigated in 15 endogenous depressive patients in a double‐blind cross‐over design. The Hamilton depression scale, the AMP (PAS) system, v. Zerssen scale and thermometer scales were used. No therapeutic effect could be demonstrated. The blunted TSH‐response to TRH, which has been described by other investigators, was confirmed. There was suggestive evidence of a psychoendocrinological relationship in the sense that the more severe the “somatic depressive” syndrome as calculated from the AMP system, and the more marked the diurnal variation of the endogenous type is, the lower are the basal TSH values and the smaller the response to TRH. Thus, TRH may become a useful tool to identify subgroups of depressive patient populations.
Predictive value of neuropathic traits
Authors: Askevold F.
Published: August 2007

The classic textbook concepts of neuropathic traits ‐ enuresis, nail‐biting, finger‐sucking, sleep‐walking, anxiety, nightmares, fear of darkness ‐ have been anamnestically recorded in patients in a somatic hospital who were referred for psychiatric interview. More than 50 % of the patients could report having had one or more such traits with an even distribution between males and females except for enuresis, which was recorded more frequently in males.

The presence of such traits was correlated to adult mental health. No correlation was found between one single trait and later disorders. There was a positive correlation between two or more traits and neurotic states of anxiety or conversion neurosis, but no correlation with depressive disorders or psychosomatic diseases (after Alexander's concept).
Effect of fusaric acid on tardive dyskinesia and mental state in psychogeriatric patients
Authors: Viukari M. , Linnoila M.
Published: August 2007

The effect of fusaric acid 150–50 mg daily on tardive dyskinesia and mental state was studied in 15 chronic psychogeriatric patients. The patients' previous drug treatment was maintained unchanged during the experiment. Fusaric acid significantly relieved oro‐facial dyskinesia, tremor, and rigidity, and it improved the mental state of the patients (BPRS). Akathisia was exacerbated, but this change was not significant. Akinesia and anxiety were not altered.
Season of birth and schizophrenia ‐ an equatorial study
Authors: Parker G. , Balaza B.
Published: August 2007

Studies in the northern and southern hemisphers have generally demonstrated an association between schizophrenia and winter birth. No provious study has been performed in an equatorial region. The present study investigated the distribution of births of 3,508 schizophrenic patients born in the Philippines. A 15% excess above expectation was found for patients born in the coldest 3‐month period of the year (December‐February). An excess of births in that period was found in both sexes and in each decade of birth examined. The hypothesis that schizophrenics have a greater sensitivity to those physiological factors which determine conception in the general population is not supported.
Masked “myxedema madness”
Authors: Reed K. , Bland R. C.
Published: August 2007

Hypothyroidism can present a wide range of psychiatric manifestations, including personality disturbance, neurotic traits and psychotic features. Psychiatric treatment techniques without recognition and correction of the endocrine root of the mental disturbance will result in a failure of treatment.

However, severe hypothyroidism can exist with a poverty of classical signs and symptoms such that both internist and psychiatrist may easily overlook endocrine dysfunction as a possible etiology of the mental disorder. A case of long‐standing paranoid illness whose etiology was severe myxedema with such a poverty of signs and symptoms is presented.

Failure to recognize the endocrinopathy may not only produce recovery difficulties but also psychiatric and endocrine repercussions if psychotropic medications are given in such masked cases. These problems are considered with particular reference to lithium, and screening criteria to avoid this problem are discussed.
Obsessional states
Authors: Capstick N. , Seldrup J.
Published: August 2007

The purpose of this study was to examine the theory that there is a positive relationship between the occurence of abnormalities at the time of birth and the subsequent development of obsessional states. While an abnormal birth may result in minimal brain damage this is not necessarily the significant factor, as a separation of mother and baby in the immediate neonatal period, which usually follows an abnormal birth, may be of more relevance.

Observations are made on certain phenomenological aspects on obsessions in patients who give a history of abnormal birth as compared with those patients who have obsessional states and give a normal birth history. In the discussion comments are made upon the separation anxiety theory as being an important aetiological factor in the obsessional neurotic state.
III. A DOUBLE BLIND STUDY OF THE PROPHYLACTIC EFFECT OF LITHIUM IN MANIC‐DEPRESSIVE DISEASE
Authors: Fyrö B. , Petterson U.
Published: August 2007

Eighteen patients with manic‐depressive disease were grouped into pairs in a double blind study. The patients within each pair were treated either with lithium or with placebo in a random manner. When one of the patients within a pair relapsed, the trial was discontinued for that pair. All 9 patients who received placebo relapsed within 1‐31 weeks, 3 with depressive and 6 with manic episodes. Later, 3 of the patients who received lithium discontinued treatment on their own initiative, and also relapsed into manic states.
VI. MORTALITY
Authors: Kay D.W.K. , Petterson U.
Published: August 2007

Two groups of patients are presented here, an older group from Birgitta's Hospital in Vadstena admitted during 1900‐1910, and a more recent group from St. Goran's Hospital in Stockholm admitted during 1961‐1970.

Mortality among the 69 patients in the Vadstena material was increased, by a factor of 1.7 in the case of the men and 1.9 for the women. When applying the method of Sjogren and Larsson the patients were found to show an average expectancy of life that was approximately 30 per cent less than in the general population.

As regards mortality, the 123 patients in the Stockholm material do not deviate significantly from the general population. The observation time is short, however, more than 5 years in only about 45 per cent.

No increase in mortality was evident in the relatives of the Stockholm patients, despite the fact that among the parents and sibs, a greater number of suicides occurred that were expected in comparison with the general population.

The frequency of suicide in both the patient groups was found to be low. In the Vadstena material only 3 patients of the 64 who died committed suicide, and none in the Stockholm material. The regularly controlled lithium treatment, which the majority of the Stockholm patients received, may possibly have had a preventative effect on suicide. Conclusions, however, must be cautious, in view of the fact that the sample is small and the observation time is short. Nevertheless the high frequency of depressions during the control period (see Chapter IV), and the absence of suicide later is remarkable, and it is reasonable to associate this absence with the reduction in both intensity and duration of depressions during the treatment with lithium.
Measuring sexual attitudes
Authors: Whalley L. J. , McGuire R. J.
Published: August 2007

The study set out to examine theoretical and practical aspects of measuring sexual attitudes. Using the replies to a sexual attitude questionnaire developed by Eysenck given by 135 males (50 alcoholics, 50 matched normals and 35 sex offenders), item and factor analysis led to the composition of nine short scales measuring sexual satisfaction, heterosexual nervousness, sexual curiosity, tension and hostility, pruriency, sexual repression, heterosexual distaste and sexual promiscuity. The reliability and validity of the scales are demonstrated and their relationships to each other and to other aspects of sexuality are described. It is pointed out how relevant the scales may be in assessing and monitoring treatment of sexual deviants and others with sex problems. Tentative norms are provided.
The effect of oxazepam on sleep in normal human volunteers
Authors: LEHMANN W.
Published: August 2007

The effects of 25 mg of oxazepam, a benzodiazepine with a short half‐life and no active metabolites, were compared with placebo in two healthy volunteers in a single‐blind polygraphically recorded sleep study.

The experiment lasted for 24 nights and recordings were made for 11 nights. It was found that 25 mg oxazepam induced sleep faster than placebo, and that the subjects awoke less often during the treatment period. The total amount of REM‐sleep was not affected. However, REM‐sleep was shortened during the first part of the night and extended during the latter part of the night. Slow‐wave sleep diminished differently in the two subjects, possibly due to interindividual differences in the rate of elimination of oxazepam. The effect on blood pressure was small, and the normal physiological difference between bedtime and morning blood pressure was preserved.
The clinical pharmacology of oxazepam
Authors: LADER M. H.
Published: August 2007

The benzodiazepines have been available now for about 1.5 years but new aspects of their actions are being elucidated all the time. Oxazepani has a short half‐life and inactive metabolites and therefore differs from most other benzodiazepines. Some aspects of its clinical pharmacology are reviewed in outline. Firstly, the effects of the drug on psychological functioning is discussed. Next, the controversy regarding benzodiazepinea and aggression is examined. Oxazepam appears exceptional here in that it is not associated with paradoxical release of aggression in patients. Finally, the ethical implications of the widespread use of these drugs is commented on, and the problem of dependence, physical and psychological, discussed. It appears that oxazepam is less likely than other benzodiazepines to induce dependence.
Treatment of endogenous depression with oral thyrotropin‐releasing hormone and amitriptyline
Authors: Karlberg B. E. , Kjellman B. F. , Karedal B.
Published: August 2007

The effect of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) on the symptoms in six subjects with endogenous depression was studied in relation to the function of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid axis and was compared with the effects of amitriptyline in another six subjects with endogenous depression. TRH (80 mg daily) and amitriptyline (100 mg daily) were given orally for 3 weeks in a doubleblind, randomized fashion.

As expected there was an increase of free thyroxine index in the patients given TRH after 1 day, after 1 week and after 3 weeks of treatment. In accordance with the increase in free thyroxine index, the thyrotropin increase (Δ TSH) studied in the TRH test was diminished after 3 weeks of treatment with TRH, indicating an increased metabolic effect of the thyroid hormones.

Concomitant with the hormonal changes the symptoms of four patients in the TRH treatment group, as measured by the Cronholm‐Ottosson rating scale and global rating, showed improvements but not to the same degree as in the group of patients given amitriptyline. The difference was not statistically significant but the material is too small to allow definite conclusions in this respect. However, there was a significant negative correlation between free thyroxine index before treatment and therapeutic effect of TRH, which indicates that there may be a subgroup of patients with endogenous depression with lower thyroid function who could benefit from TRH administration.
Intellectual functioning in a 70‐year‐old urban population
Authors: Andersson E. , Berg S. , Lawenius M. , Svanborg A.
Published: August 2007

A subsample of 229 persons from the population study “70‐year‐olds in Gothenburg” was studied with different intelligence tests. The non‐response was 15 %, and another 4 % refused to take part in the psychological examination or had handicaps which made the performance of all or some of the tests impossible. Measurements were made of verbal meaning (SRB1), reasoning (SRB2), spatial ability (SRB3), perceptual speed (Ps‐if) and logical thinking and observation (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices). There were no differences in the tests between men and women except with Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices, where the men had a better score. Amongst the women, those who had received a longer education had a better score compared with those who had had less education. Norm‐tables for the different tests are presented.

As far as could be judged from cross‐sectional comparisons the average general cognitive capability was good, even though the 70‐year‐olds to a higher degree were suffering from mental disorders than younger individuals and more often were living in social situations that could have influenced basic physical and mental functions. The perceptual speed was the only ability that showed a marked change at the age of 70.
Fifteen years later
Authors: Weeke A. , Strömgren E.
Published: August 2007

The census study in 1972, including all Danish Psychiatric institutions, was the fourth in a series, the first being performed in 1957.

In the 15‐year period from 1957 to 1972 the total number of hospitalized psychiatric patients, including day‐patients, has been almost unchanged, about 240–260 per 100,000 population. There have, however, been marked changes within the resident population. The hospital prevalence of schizophrenia has gradually decreased from 132 to 97 per 100,000 males and from 140 to 86 per 100,000 females. The decrease concerns all age groups over 35 years and is especially pronounced in females aged 35–54. In young males there has been a remarkable increase during the last 5‐year period. In 1957 the schizophrenic patients constituted 62% of the male and 57% of the female patients, compared with 43% and 30%, respectively, of the patients in 1972. The downward trend which was practically linear during the first two 5‐year periods slowed down during the third period but was still quite marked for the middle‐aged and old groups.

The patients with organic disorders (especially senile and cerebrovascular psychoses) and with reactive conditions have increased in absolute numbers as well as in rates per 100.000 population.
Influence of tryptophan on memory functions in depressive patients treated with unilateral ECT
Authors: D'Ella G. , Lehmann J. , Raotma H.
Published: August 2007

With the aim of examining a possible influence on memory from L‐tryptophan (L‐TP), a double‐blind comparison of the anterograde dysmnesic effect after a unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) series was carried out in depressive patients randomly assigned to two treatment groups, one receiving orally administered CTP (6 g daily) and ECT, the other placebo and ECT.

The groups were similar in a number of background variables and in degree of depression. Scores for three operationally defined memory variables, immediate memory (IMS), delayed memory (DMS) and forgetting (FS), were obtained before the ECT series and 4 days after, the patients being on L‐TP treatment or placebo on both occasions. The results were as follows:

1. Before treatment there was a higher FS in one test (30 Word‐Pair Test) and after treatment a higher FS in another test (30 Face Test) in the L‐TP group than in the placebo group, both findings indicating an adverse influence of L‐TP.

2. There were a number of correlations between serum L‐TP concentration levels and memory variables, all implying a more adverse influence on memory with higher levels of L‐TP.

The findings suggest that L‐TP has a dysmnesic effect on memory in depressive patients treated with ECT, but they need to be confirmed before a negative influence of L‐TP on memory can be considered definite.
Electrodermal and heart‐rate measurements in chronic and partially remitted schizophrenic patients
Authors: Tarrier N. , Cooke E. C. , Lader M. H.
Published: August 2007

Electrodermal activity and heart‐rate were recorded in the laboratory from partially remitted schizophrenic patients living in the community, chronic schizophrenic inpatients and normal controls. Although all patients had faster heart‐rates, no consistent electrodermal differences between patient groups and normals were evident, nor was there a bimodal distribution of responding within the patient group.

Laboratory recordings did not reflect differences in community patients tested in their homes and associated with environmental and social factors. This emphasized the limitations of laboratory testing in investigating a disorder such as schizophrenia whose course may be markedly influenced by environmental and social factors.
Obsessive‐compulsive neurosis, anacastic symptomatology and ABO blood types
Authors: Rinieris P. M. , Stefanis C. N. , Rabavilas A. D. , Vaidakis N. M.
Published: August 2007

Determination of ABO blood types was carried out in 38 patients with obsessive‐compulsive neurosis, 48 schizophrenics with anancastic symptomatology, 31 depressives with anancastic symptomatology, 260 schizophrenics free of anancastic symptomatology and 65 depressives free of anancastic symptomatology. Results were compared with a representative sample of the general population.

The findings of the present study provide evidence of an association between obsessive‐compulsive neurosis and phenotype A, whilst a similar association between ABO blood types and anancastic symptomatology occurring in the course of psychotic disorders was not found. The significance of these findings is discussed with regard to current diagnostic and aetiological issues in obsessive‐compulsive neurosis.
Comparative evaluation of hypnotic efficacy of flunitrazepam in psychiatric in‐patients
Authors: Singer K. , Lo C. W. , Tam Y. K.
Published: August 2007

Flunitrazepam in 2‐mg and 4‐mg doses was compared with flurazepam 30 mg and nitrazepam 10 mg for hypnotic efficacy in a double‐blind, multiple cross‐over trial involving 41 psychiatric in‐patients. In the vast majority of comparisons involving a number of sleep parameters differences did not reach significance level. Flunitrazepam 4 mg tended to produce the shortest latency time and the longest duration of sleep but also the most side‐effects. Nitrazepam 10 mg appeared to have a slight advantage over the other drugs in terms of patient preference. For severe sleep disturbance flunitrazepam 2 mg tended to be the most satisfactory drug in terms of efficacy and paucity of side‐effects.
High doses of fluphenazine enanthate in schizophrenia: A CONTROLLED STUDY
Authors: Dencker S. J. , Johansson R. , Lundin L. , Malm U.
Published: August 2007

The results from this controlled study of 12 schizophrenics refractory to ordinary doses of neuroleptics indicate that treatment with fluphenazine enanthate in higher doses than normal (10–20 times higher) might give reduction in psychopathology beyond what can be obtained with normal doses. In four patients the symptom reduction on high doses was pronounced. Moreover, we found that the high fluphenazine plasma levels demonstrated did not increase extrapyramidal and general side effects. The results presented also speak in favour of certain “non‐responding” patients needing a higher plasma level of a neuroleptic drug than the average patient.
Acute confabulatory psychosis: A rare form of unipolar mania?
Authors: Koehler K. , Jacoby C.
Published: August 2007

Emil Kraepelin's paper on false memories (Erinnerungsfälschungen) was probably the most extensive and incisive analysis of these phenomena ever made. Using his views as a starting point, the concept of confabulation is then defined in a Kraepelin‐oriented manner, making it also applicable to the phantastic false memories found in some rarer forms of functional psychotic illness. Kraepelin and Leonhard have been preeminent in their concern with such clinical states; thus, Leonhard's confabulatory euphoria and confabulatory paraphrenia can be symptomatically and syndromally linked up with points of view on paranoid mania and confabulatory paraphrenia held by Kraepelin. An “ideally typical” case is also presented to highlight some of the difficulties involved in trying to distinguish mania from schizophrenia when the clinical picture is dominated by phantastic “functional” confabulations.
Plasma cyclic AMP in manic‐depressive illness
Authors: Lykouras E. , Varsou E. , Garelis E. , Stefanis C. N. , Malliaras D.
Published: August 2007

The postulated distrubance of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in manic‐depressive illness was investigated by using plasma as the biological material. Cyclic AMP was measured by a protein‐binding assay, which was found very satisfactory for the purpose of this study.

In the drug‐free state, depressed patients (n=28) had significantly lower and manic patients (n=9) significantly higher plasma concentrations of cAMP than controls. Unmedicated manic‐depressive subjects had normal cAMP levels during normothymic phases (n=7). Cyclic AMP was reduced by neuroleptics in mania and elevated by tricyclics in depression. Lithium exerted a normalizing effect on cAMP in both phases of the illness.

It is concluded that manic‐depressive illness is associated with a disturbance in the cAMP system. The use of plasma rather than urine for the investigation of the state of cAMP in psychiatric disorders is advocated.
A controlled long‐term study of flunitrazepam, nitrazepam and placebo, with special regard to withdrawal effects
Authors: Hartelius H. , Larsson A.‐K. , Lepp M. , Malm U. , Arvidsson A. , Dahlström H.
Published: August 2007

The hypnotic effect of flunitrazepam (Ro 5‐4200), nitrazepam and a placebo was studied in 117 outpatients using hypnotics for at least 3 months prior to the study. They obtained various neurotropic drugs and this and other treatments were unchanged throughout the trial period of 13 weeks. This consisted of 3 weeks on the previously used hypnotic, 3 weeks on a test drug (during the first of these a doubling of the dose was permitted if the initial dose of 1 mg flunitrazepam, 5 mg nitrazepam or one tablet of placebo was not satisfactory) and 4 weeks' observation after a request to stop medication with the test drug. The effects were evaluated every week by self‐ratings. Also noted were: the frequency of dose increase after 1 week of the test period, number of drop‐outs in the test period, and failure in the attempt to stop taking the test drug. A “psychological concentration test” was done, as was a follow‐up interview. The self‐ratings had a good reliability and showed that more patients experienced shorter sleep induction, longer sleep time, better sleep quality and a subjective feeling of having had a better rest with flunitrazepam than with either nitrazepam or placebo. There were no differences between the nitrazepam and the placebo groups. Tiredness was the most common side effect and appeared in the same frequency in all groups. The number of patients who increased the dose after 1 week's medication, as well as the number of drop‐outs, was significantly higher in the nitrazepam and placebo groups than in the flunitrazepam group. There was no difference in the ability to discontinue the medication between the test groups or between groups having previously used different hypnotics. The “psychological concentration test” did not reveal any differences between groups. It was concluded that withdrawal of a hypnotic in chronic users was not facilitated by the use of a placebo. This was interpreted as due to a strong psychological dependence upon the hypnotics and their lack of pharmacological effects during long‐term treatment.
Traffic accidents involving psychiatric patients
Authors: Kastrup M. , Dupont A. , Bille M. , Lund H.
Published: August 2007

A nationwide study of psychiatric in‐patients driving motor vehicles and involved in accidents causing bodily injury in the years 1972–74 was undertaken.

Compared with drivers in general involved in accidents causing bodily injury, drivers with a psychiatric record were characterized by an over‐representation of women. A preponderance of psychiatric drivers in the age group 25–54 was observed. About 3% of drivers with a psychiatric record were involved in two or more accidents during the period studied.

A greater proportion of the psychiatrically diseased group drove stolen vehicles, without valid licences, and were found not to have used safety belts at the time of the accident.

Occurrence of injury was more frequent among the diseased drivers. They were more frequently alcohol intoxicated and with a higher blood alcohol level.

The most commonly encountered diagnostic groups were personality disorder and transitory reactions.
Who shall be hospitalized? Some social and psychological correlates of alternative dispositions of the mentally ill
Authors: León C. A. , Micklin M.
Published: August 2007

This study conducted in Cali, Colombia, focuses on the question of why persons sharing similar background characteristics and even the same diagnosis often receive varying prescriptive evaluations which lead to alternative types of psychiatric care: hospitalization, outpatient care and no systematic treatment at all.

An index group of 70 hospitalized patients is compared with 53 outpatients and 30 “nonpatients” matched for sex, age, marital status, social class and diagnosis. Interviews were conducted with patients, relatives and the admitting doctors. A selected group of variables representing perceptions, opinions and attitudes of the relatives, subjective evaluations of the patients and perceptions of the admitting physician are examined in terms of their association with the three types of care. It is concluded that interpersonal factors exert a significant influence on the process of assigning cases to alternative types of psychiatric care. Typical profiles for each category are outlined.
EEG immediately after unilateral ECT
Authors: Kriss A. , Halliday A. M. , Halliday E. , Pratt R. T. C.
Published: August 2007

EEG was continuously recorded in 15 patients for a period extending from just before to 1/2 hour after unilateral ECT. Fourier analysis was performed on the EEG following 15 right‐sided treatments and five left‐sided treatments. During the induced seizure, epileptic slow‐wave activity had significantly greater power on the treated side. Immediately after the seizure, there was significantly more delta activity and less alpha and beta activity on the treated side. This asymmetry, though becoming less marked, was usually still present at the end of the recording period. Analysis of other variables associated with the treatment showed that there was a significant correlation between the time to eye‐opening after ECT and both the duration of the seizure and the amount of anaesthetic administered. The similarity between these induced unilateral seizures and unilateral seizures occurring spontaneously in some epileptics is discussed.
Prevalence and incidence of mental disorders estimated by a health questionnaire and a psychiatric case register
Authors: Helgason T.
Published: August 2007

Some of the limitations and potentialities of the use of a psychiatric case register are briefly indicated. The special opportunities which record‐linkage offers in Iceland make it possible to carry out new epidemiological studies which may help us in identifying high risk groups on a broad scale.

As indicated in earlier studies, the incidence rate of mental disorders as measured by first psychiatric consultations has not changed with time. The expectancy of consulting a psychiatrist on account of functional psychoses, neuroses or alcoholism is only about 40 % of the expectancy of developing these diseases.

Of the population aged 20–49 years, 13.5% have consulted a psychiatrist or been in contact with the institutions reporting to the psychiatric case register. For the estimation of prevalence of mental disorders with a health questionnaire it is necessary to add several questions related to symptoms of alcohol abuse. When this is done, the self‐reported prevalence of mental disorders in the population of this most productive age group is approximately 20 %, one half of this being related to alcohol abuse among men. As there are relatively more patients among those not responding to the questionnaire the total prevalence is probably not less than 22 %.

Studies based on the psychiatric case register would thus only account for 40–60 % of the total morbidity, depending on whether only contact with psychiatrists or with all the reporting institutions were included.
Alcoholism and antisocial personality
Authors: Virkkunen M.
Published: August 2007

The picture of alcoholism in criminals with an antisocial personality was compared with criminals with other personality disorders. Fewer of those who had an antisocial personality were physically dependent on alcohol than those with other personality disorders. They considered their alcoholism to be a problem and behaved as if it were only rare. However, they had a strong tendency to behave abnormally under the influence of alcohol over and over again. In these respects the situation among those who were below the age of 20 was similar.

To a great extent, the fathers of those who had an antisocial personality had also had a tendency towards abnormal behavior under the influence of alcohol. This was not so often found in the control group.
Adenylate kinase activity in cerebrospinal fluid of schizophrenic and certain other psychiatric symptomatologies
Authors: Alm P. O. , Frithz G. , Ronquist G.
Published: August 2007

Adenylate kinase activity in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was investigated in 29 patients with psychiatric symptomatologies. Such activity was demonstrated in 18 of the 19 individuals with schizo phrenic or other psychotic or borderline psychotic symptomatology. No activity was seen in the remaining 10 patients with non‐psychotic nervous and/or functional somatic complaints, nor in the 20 persons whose CSF was examined in connection with spinal anaesthesia, nor in four who were treated with neuroleptic drugs on non‐psychiatric indications. The findings are compatible with the assumption that in persons with psychotic or borderline psychotic symptomatology a lowered membrane electrochemical potential may be associated with some of the symptoms exhibited.
Etiological relevance of comparisons of high‐risk and low‐risk groups
Authors: McNeil T. F. , Kaij L.
Published: August 2007

The prospective study of groups at high risk for pathology is viewed as an increasingly important strategy in research on the etiology and possible prevention of a wide range of disorders. Yet, relatively little attention has been paid to proper and improper etiological interpretations of results based on studies of such groups. The comparison of groups at high risk and low risk for pathology, prior to the development of relevant disturbances in the subjects, cannot provide evidence that a given factor or a characteristic of the groups does or does not contribute to the etiology of the disturbances which will develop in the subjects. For the data to become etiologically relevant, they must be studied as possible antecedents to disturbances identified by following up the subjects. On the other hand, comparisons of high‐risk versus low‐risk groups are most appropriately interpreted as reflecting the characteristics, correlates and/or consequences of the risk criterion, and such comparisons may thus contribute to better understanding of the true meaning and ramifications of the risk criterion. Considerable caution must be exercised both by high‐risk researchers and by observers of high‐risk studies in interpreting the significance of results of these studies.