bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suicide in the island of Singapore
Authors: Kua E. H. , Tsoi W. F.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In a study of suicide in Singapore in 1980 there were 230 cases and the suicide rate for the general population was 9.5 per 100,000. The age‐specific rates increased steeply after 50 years and there was a male preponderance especially in the age group 60 years and over. Comparing the three major ethnic groups in Singapore, the highest rate was seen in the Indians and Chinese, whereas the Malays had the lowest. Amongst the suicides there were 59 (25.7%) with mental illness, mainly schizophrenia, and they were of a younger age group, 20‐39 years. The commonest method of suicide was jumping from high‐rise flats.
Alaproclate a novel antidepressant?
Authors: Aberg‐Wistedt A. , Alvariza M. , Bertilsson L. , Malmgren R. , Wachtmeister H.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Clinical and biochemical effects of two selective 5‐HT uptake inhibitors, zimeldine and alaproclate, were studied in 24 hospitalized patients with endogenous depression. According to a randomized parallel group design 14 patients were treated with zimeldine and 10 with alaproclate. The dosage of both zimeldine and alaproclale was 200 mg daily. For the evaluation of the clinical effect, Montgomery & Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was used. Seven of 14 patients treated with zimeldine and seven of 10 treated with alaproclate improved. 5‐HT uptake inhibition in patients’ platelets and concentration of amine metabolities (5‐HIAA, HVA, HMPG) in CSF were studied before and during treatment. After 3 weeks of treatment with zimeldine 5‐HIAA and HMPG in CSF decreased significantly while HVA in CSF increased significantly. Zimeldine produced a significant 5‐HT uptake inhibition in platelets. During treatment with alaproclate no significant change in amine metabolites concentration in CSF was found and there were no mean changes on 5‐HT uptake inhibition in platelets.
The relationship of concurrent benzodiazepine administration to seizure duration in ECT
Authors: Standish‐Barry H. H. A. S. , Deacon V. , Snaith R. P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The relationship of concurrent benzodiazepine administration to seizure duration in ECT was examined. Administration of a standard oral dose of 10 mg diazepam to a series of patients suffering from major depressive disorder produced a significant reduction in men seizure length during ECT compared to length of ECT‐induced seizure in those patients when they were benzodiazepine free. This finding is discussed.
Psychiatric disorders (DSM‐III) and cognitive impairment among the elderly in a U.S. urban community
Authors: Weissman M. M. , Myers J. K. , Tischler G. L. , Holzer C. E. , Leaf P. J. , Orvaschel H. , Brody J. A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Results are presented on the current prevalence rates of psychiatric disorder in 2,588 non‐institutionalized persons aged 65 and older who were drawn from a probability sample of New Haven, Connecticut, and 12 surrounding towns in South Central Connecticut. Based on the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS), 6.7 % of the respondents had a psychiatric diagnosis (DSM‐III), and based on the Mini‐Menial Status Exam (MMS), 3.4 % had severe cognitive impairments during the past 6‐month period. Therefore, more than 10 % currently had either a psychiatric or a severe cognitive problem. Overall, these rates of psychiatric disorders are lower than those found in adult populations under age 65. As with younger samples, anxiety and affective disorders were among the most common psychiatric problems. The majority of elderly reported themselves in good emotional and physical health and felt they had sufficient finances to meet their needs. The rate of severe cognitive impairment did not increase until after age 79. Among those 80 years and older, cognitive impairments were more common in women than men, probably due to differential survival rates. Since less than 6 % of the elderly sample are living in institutions these results among non‐institutionalized elderly point to the relative psychiatric well‐being of the majority of the elderly. However, in view of the longer life expectancy, the next decade will see an increase in the absolute number of persons with cognitive impairments.
Mental disorders in patients admitted to a general hospital in western Ethiopia 1960–1970
Authors: Jacobsson L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT An investigation was undertaken into the occurrence of mental disorders among patients admitted to a general hospital in western Ethiopia during a 10‐year period. The proportion of patients with psychialric diagnoses was low (0.7–2.3 % per year). The findings as regards clinical picture are in accordance with other investigations from developing countries, viz. there is a high frequency of amorphous, easily precipitated and recurrent transient psychoses and hysterical symptoms and states. The findings are compared with data from a Swedish psychiatric clinic and discussed from the point of view of organizing psychiatric care in a developing country.
Psychiatric morbidity and psychosocial background in an outpatient population of a general hospital in western Ethiopia
Authors: Jacobsson L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The psychiatric morbidity in 465 outpatients seen at a general hospital in western Ethiopia was found to be 18 %. The great majority of cases had neurotic conditions often with a somatic shading, only six were psychotic. A few were themselves aware that they were suffering from mental disorders. There was no tendency for the mental disorders to be correlated to somatic disorders. The psychiatric morbidity rate seemed increased in women, in younger patients and in patients with higher educational level and income.
Offspring of women with nonorganic psychosis: mother‐infant interaction at three‐and‐a‐half and six months of age
Authors: McNeil T. F. , Naslund B. , Persson‐Blennow I. , Kaij L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Mother‐infant interaction during feeding and in an unstructured play situation was studied in the home at 3.5 and 6 months of age in index mother‐infant pairs in which the mother had a history of nonorganic psychosis (n= 48 and 52 at 3.5 and 6 months, respectively) and in demo‐graphically similar control pairs (n ‐ 80 and 79). Interaction was significantly more negative in index than control cases at both ages, index cases showing decreased maternal and infant social contact and reduced maternal sensitivity to the infant's needs. Schizophrenic and Cycloid groups evidenced more negative interaction characteristics than did their matched controls, while the Affective group was not generally more negative than its controls.
Acts of violence in a traditional western Ethiopian society in transition
Authors: Jacobsson L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The present study describes 316 consecutive cases of deliberately inflicted injuries attending a general hospital in western Ethiopia. One third of the cases concerned economic conflicts about land, cattle, etc., one third interpersonal conflicts in the family, between neighbours, etc., and one third were alcoholically intoxicated people who had been in a fight for no apparent reason. The incidence of homicide was estimated to be at least 5–12 per 100,000 inhabitants per year, which is somewhat high. The role of psychiatric disorders seems to be very limited. The most serious conflicts occurred in rural areas and were economic in nature. As this investigation was made during the imperial, feudal period, it allows a comparison to be made with the new conditions after the revolutionary changes in the economic system.
Identifying children at high somatic risk: possible long‐term effects on the parents' views of their own health and current life situation
Authors: Thelin T. , McNeil T. F. , Aspegren‐Jansson E. , Sveger T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Neonatal identification of children at high somatic risk due to inherited α1 antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) was hypothesized to have had negative long‐term effects on the parents' views of their own health and current life situation. The parents of 61 children with ATD were followed‐up and studied by interviews about 5 years after the child's ATD was identified, and compared with demographic ally similar parents of 61 control children without ATD. No negative effect was found on mothers' or fathers' views of their current life situation or the fathers' own health. As compared with controls, ATD‐group mothers reported significantly poorer mental and physical health during the past year, which was interpreted as a consequence of the stress associated with the identification of the child's ATD.
Identifying children at high somatic risk: possible long‐term effects on the parents’ attitudes toward themselves as parents and toward having more children
Authors: Thelin T. , McNeil T. F. , Aspegren‐Jansson E. , Sveger T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Neonatal identification of children at high somatic risk due to inherited α1 antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) was hypothesized to have had negative long‐term effects on the parents’ attitudes toward themselves as parents and toward having more children. The parents of 61 children with ATD were followed‐up and studied by interviews about 5 years after the child's ATD was identified, and compared with demographically similar parents of 61 control children without ATD. No support was found for the hypothesized negative effects on these parental attitudes.
The development of an integrated psychiatric service in a Scottish community
Authors: McKechnie A. A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– The deployment of a specialist psychiatric team and closer integration with primary health care practitioners has led to a greater proportion of first contacts as out‐patients being seen compared with national data, and a relatively lower in‐patient admission rate. The increase was in those patients seen in health centres rather than in additional out‐patient clinics. Despite this there is evidence of a slow accumulation of patients with psychosis whose main requirements is suitable supported accommodation. Such a deployment into the community is a more economic use of resource and can, with advantage, assist the traditional hospital‐based services in the transition from a custodial role.
The schizophrenia diagnosis in Denmark
Authors: Munk‐Jørgensen P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Patients, Danish citizens only, admitted for the first time in 1972 to a Danish psychiatric institution were selected from the national psychiatric register. To be included, the probands had to have been diagnosed as schizophrenics at least once in the period from their first admission to 1 September 1983. The study comprised 370 males and 217 females with a total of 5,298 admissions. The probands’ diagnostic pattern during the above period was investigated. More males (51.9%) than females (39.2%) (P < 0.01) were diagnosed as schizophrenics during their first admission. The average period from a patient's first contact with an in‐patient institution until schizophrenia was diagnosed for the first time was 2.2 years for females and 1.7 years for males (P < 0.05). Personality disorders, reactive psychoses, and not classifiable psychoses were the most frequent diagnoses prior to the first schizophrenia diagnosis. The diagnostic stability of schizophrenia as main diagnosis, after its first application, was 73.6% for males among a total of 2,539 admissions and 71.2% for females among 1,141 admissions. There was greater correlation between the latest and former diagnoses than between the first and subsequent diagnoses. This is valid both when distinguishing between schizophrenia and not‐schizophrenia and when focusing on schizophrenia subtypes. The results are discussed, particularly the problem concerning the selection of representative cohorts for schizophrenia research projects.
Cross‐national study of perceived parental rearing behaviour in healthy subjects from Australia, Denmark, Italy, The Netherlands and Sweden: pattern and level comparisons
Authors: Perris C. , Arrindell W. A. , Perris H. , van der Ende J. , Maj M. , Benjaminsen S. , Ross M. , Eisemann M. , del Vecchio M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Samples of healthy subjects from Australia, Denmark, Italy. The Netherlands and Sweden completed the EMBU, a Swedish questionnaire aimed at assessing the experience of parental rearing practices. For the purpose of comparison three factors ‐ “emotional warmth”, “rejection” and “overprotection” ‐ obtained in a previous factor analytic study, have been used. The most pronounced differences occurred between the Dutch and the Swedish sample on the one hand, and the Italian and Australian sample on the other, with the Danish sample in between. Differences in perceived parental rearing should be considered when comparing personality characteristics and/or psychopathological conditions in subjects from different countries.
Aspects of personality structure in Ethiopian and Swedish adolescents
Authors: Jacobsson L. , Johansson S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A number of findings in different studies on mental health and disease in Ethiopia indicate differences in personality structure between traditional Ethiopians and people in Western countries. An attempt was made to study differences in personality structure between Ethiopian and Swedish adolescents. The projective Holtzman inkblot test was administered to a class of 12th grade Ethiopian students and a class of 11th grade Swedish students, using the group method. The Ethiopian students scored significantly higher on “anatomy” than the Swedish students and significantly lower on “integration”, “abstract”, “anxiety”, “hostility” and “popular”. These findings are discussed against the difference in socio‐cultural background between the two groups, and it is concluded that the Holtzman inkblot technique could be a valuable tool in cross‐cultural studies of personality variables.
Valproate as psychotropic agent
Authors: van Sweden B. , van Moffaert M.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Recent data stress the psychotropic actions of valproate in schizoaffective disorder. Four patients are reported presenting an altered state of consciousness and prominent EEG dysfunction following combined valproate/neuroleptic drug treatment. Similar cerebral reactions have been reported in antiepileptic poly‐ and monotherapy, and the pathogenetic considerations are discussed. Further investigations of the interactions of valproate with other psychotropic agents are highly mandatory.
Mortality in an urban population in central Sweden in relation to mental disorder and alcohol consumption
Authors: Halldin J. , Björk K. , Lindeberg A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– A representative selection of 2,283 individuals, 18–65 years old in “former” Stockholm County were called to examinations by psychiatrists during the period 1970–1971. During the period from the original examination to 1980, inclusive, a total of 114 examined persons (77 men, 37 women) had died. The relative death rate of those studied was 1.05 for men and 0.90 for women (average for Sweden = 1). Women in social class III had a significantly higher relative death rate (1.23) compared with women in social class I (0.35). Those individuals who had a psychiatric diagnosis of moderate or severe degree had a significantly higher relative death rate (1.73) than those having a psychiatric diagnosis of mild degree (0.69). Men without psychiatric diagnosis had a significantly higher relative death rate (1.17) than men with a psychiatric diagnosis of mild degree (0.49). Individuals with high or very high alcohol consumption had a higher, although not statistically significant, relative death rate (1.69) compared with those with a low‐moderate consumption (0.93).
Blood choline and response to clonazepam and haloperidol in Tourette's syndrome
Authors: Merikangas J. R. , Merikangas K. R. , Kopp U. , Hanin I.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– This paper reports the results of a single blind clinical study of drug treatment response of 20 patients with Tourette's syndrome to haloperidol and clonazepam. Because patients with Tourette's syndrome have been reported to have increased red blood cell choline levels, choline levels were examined in relation to treatment response. Differential drug treatment response was found among patients with high versus low red blood cell‐to‐plasma choline ratios. Patients with high red blood cell‐to‐plasma choline ratios responded better to clonazepam than to haloperidol. This suggests that there may be two distinct subtypes of patients with Tourette's syndrome.
Identifying children at high somatic risk: possible effects on the parents’ views of the child's health and parents’ relationship to the pediatric health services
Authors: McNeil T. F. , Thelin T. , Aspegren‐Jansson E. , Sveger T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Country‐wide neonatal screening for α1‐antitrypsin deficiency (ATD) was discontinued due to clinical observations of negative psychological effects on the parents. In a subsequent systematic study, hypotheses of long‐term negative effects on the parents’ views of the child's health and on the parents’ relationship to the pediatric services were tested by comparing these characteristics in parents with a child with ATD versus control parents, studied through interviews in the home. The identification of the ATD was found to have had negatively influenced the parents’ view of the child's general health, but no evidence was found of increased parental anxiety regarding the child's current health or emotional dependence on medical personnel, of increased (reported) usage of pediatric services, or of more negative attitudes toward the pediatric services.
Child psychiatric sequelae of maternal war stress
Authors: Meijer A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Two cohorts of boys were examined while attending a well‐baby clinic and reexamined at the end of the first grade of elementary school. One cohort (n= 57) consisted of boys born in the year of the Six‐Day War in 1967. The other cohort was born 2 years later (n= 63). Data on socio‐demographic background, early development, behavior at school and at home were obtained from the mothers and the teachers. Statistical analysis showed that the “war children” had significant developmental delays and regressive, non‐affiliative and dissocial behavior. The children, who were in their first half year of life at the time of the war, were much more disturbed than those of whom the mothers were pregnant at the time of the war. The findings suggest that a disturbed mother‐child relationship existed in the former group.
Clinical and socio‐cultural parameters in Nigerian psychiatric patients
Authors: Makanjuola R. O. A.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– Three hundred and eighteen consecutive new patients presenting at a psychiatric unit in Yorubaland were prospectively studied. The majority were young, and the sexes were equally represented. Most patients came from within 50 km of the unit. Most were brought by their blood‐relatives. Significant delay before presentation was observed in most cases. Previous treatment by religious and/or traditional healers was common. According to the DSM‐III classification, the majority suffered from functional psychoses, most commonly schizophrenia. Three quarters received neuroleptic medication. The immediate clinical outcome was good in the majority of cases; however, within 6 months of presentation almost half defaulted from treatment. Variables which appeared to be related to delay in presentation, prior treatment by religious or traditional healers and defaulting are presented.
Three tests of cortisol secretion in adult endogenous depressives
Authors: Sachar E. J. , Puig‐Antich J. , Ryan N. D. , Asnis G. M. , Rabinovich H. , Davids M. , Halpern F. S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Seventy‐nine drug‐free adult patients fitting RDC criteria for major depressive disorder endogenous subtype (EMDD), and 64 normal adult volunteers, were studied al pretreatment with at least one of three tests of cortisol secretion. The tests were: 1) Mean half‐hourly cortisol concentrations from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (1‐4 PM CORT); 2) plasma cortisol response to 0.15 mg/kg of dextroamphetamine hydrochloride (DACT) in the afternoon; 3) dexamethasone suppression test (DST) using 1 or 2 mg. Thirty‐six depressives and 27 volunteers underwent all three tests. Analysis of the data was performed for each test singly, for all pairs of tests and for all three tests in same subjects. Results show that the single most sensitive cortisol test for depressions is the DACT (72 %), with a specificity of 88 %. These tests may measure different underlying path (c)physiologies associated with depression.
Long‐term course of acute reactive paranoid psychosis
Authors: Jørgensen P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The study comprises a retrospective evaluation of the case records of 49 first‐admission patients with acute reactive paranoid psychosis and of the subsequent follow‐up almost 10 years later, with special reference to clinical and social course and outcome. Ten of the 41 followed‐up patients were diagnosed schizophrenic in the observation period and a further five fulfilled the Catego Class S+ at a PSE interview. Three patients were diagnosed affective psychosis and one fulfilled Class MT. Three patients were diagnosed paranoid psychosis and four more fulfilled Class P7PT while six patients had reactive psychosis relapses but were non‐psychotic at follow‐up. During the observation period the number of disabled pensioners increased from three to 21, and at follow‐up only seven patients were well‐adjusted in their family and work. The need is stressed for valid predictors in the prognosis of acute paranoid psychoses with or without associated stressful life events.
Depressed patients and non‐psychiatric controls: discriminant analysis on social environment variables
Authors: Eisemann M.
Published: August 2007

Abstract A set of variables from the social environment (e.g. social contacts, confiding relationships, leisure activities, loneliness) was used to differentiate between a consecutive series of 111 patients diagnosed as having a depressive illness and a sample of 98 non‐psychiatric controls. The function derived from the discriminant analysis correctly classified 83 % of the subjects. The results indicate shortcomings in the social environment of depressives and point to the discriminating power of such variables.
Dexamethasone suppression test, TRH test and Newcastle II depression rating in the diagnosis of depressive disorders
Authors: Larsen J. K. , Bjarum N. , Kirkegaard C. , Aggernss H. , Krog‐Meyer I. , Lund‐Laursen A. M. , Mikkelsen P. L.
Published: August 2007

Abstract The dexamethasone suppression test (DST), the thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) test and the Newcastle II depression rating (Nil) were compared with the clinical diagnosis and evaluated in 61 patients fulfilling the criteria of an affective disorder according to the DSM‐III classification. A statistically significant correlation between clinical diagnosis and DST as well as Nil, but not between clinical diagnosis and TRH test, was found. There was do correlation between DST and the severity of depression according to the Hamilton depression rating. The nosographic and the diagnostic specificities and sensitivities for the DST, TRH test and Nil and combinations hereof were correlated with the clinical diagnosis. Combining DST and Nil, a nosographic sensitivity of 50 % and a nosographic specificity of 84 % were found. Correspondingly, the diagnostic sensitivity was 43 % and the diagnostic specificity was 88 %. The DST and the TRH test were found of no value in the prediction of the response to antidepressive treatment. Mainly because of a low diagnostic sensitivity the Nil, the DST and the TRH test are of limited value in the diagnosis of depressive disorders.
Insomnia during the “dark period” in northern Norway
Authors: Lingærde O. , Bratlid T. , Hansen T.
Published: August 2007

Abstract Midwinter insomnia (M1) is an initial type insomnia that is typically seen north of the Polar Circle during the “dark period”, when the sun docs not rise above the horizon. The cause of MI is not known, but it seems reasonable to assume that it is (he expression of a phase delay of the sleep‐wake cycle, due to lack of the entraining effect of normal daylight. Based on his hypothesis, we have studied the effect of intensive light exposure (2000‐2500 lux for half an hour between 7.30 and 8.30 a.m. for 5 days) on selected sleep and endocrinological variables (the latter will be reported elsewhere) in nine subjects with typical MI and eight healthy controls. After light exposure, the MI subjects had a significantly shortened sleep latency and a nonsignificant increase in total sleep time. Before light exposure, the MI subjects reported significantly less drowsiness in the evening than in the morning, whereas the opposite was true after light exposure. No significant changes were seen in the control group. The results of this study give some support to the delayed phase hypothesis.
Headache and noradrenergic involvement: the effects of α2‐stimulants and α2‐antagonists
Authors: Denaro A. , Martucci N. , Ruggieri S. , Manna V. , Agnoli A.
Published: August 2007

The efficacies of an α2‐agonist clonidine and an α2‐antagonist mianserin were compared in two treatment groups, common migraine and tension headache sufferers. Forty patients entered this double‐blind placebo‐controlled study. Placebo, clonidine 0.150 mg, and mianserin 30 mg were each administered for 90 day periods. Headaches were induced by intravenous doses of histamine dihydrochloride. The histamine threshold in the common migraine group was significantly lower than in the tension headache group. In the common migraine group, mianserin decreased headache frequency. In the tension headache group, at 90 days mianserin significantly decreased headache intensity and headache frequency. Clonidine significantly decreased headache intensity at 90 days in the common migraine group. At 90 days, mianserin had significantly reduced the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) mean total score, (in the tension headache group), HDRS mean anxiety cluster scores (in both groups), and the HDRS mean depression cluster score (in the tension headache group). At 90 days, clonidine had significantly reduced the HDRS mean total score (in the tension headache group) and HDRS mean anxiety cluster scores (in both groups).
Clinical and neuroendocrine features of endogenous unipolar and bipolar depression
Authors: Gurpegui Manuel , Casanova Javier , Cervera Salvador
Published: August 2007

A group of 19 patients suffering from endogenous unipolar depression was compared with another group of eight patients with bipolar depression. Comparisons were based on psychopathological features together with results of the dexamethasone suppression test and the thyrotropin releasing hormone stimulation test. Unipolar patients showed more frequent loss of weight, reduced appetite, autonomic disturbances, muscular tension, sadness, and reduced sexual interest, whereas bipolar patients showed more frequent hostile feelings. Each neuroendocrine test identified at least 50% of the patients in each group. The combined use of both tests identified about 75% of the patients. The bipolar depressives obtained slightly but not significantly higher rates of positive results in each test and a more frequent association of abnormality in both tests.
Antidepressant therapy: benefits and risks in perspective
Authors: Burrows Graham D. , Norman Trevor R. , Dennerstein Lorraine , Davies Brian M.
Published: August 2007

The introduction of second generation antidepressants, such as mianserin and nomifensine, was prompted by the desire to produce drugs which were safer, had fewer side‐effects and were faster acting than the tricyclics. A brief review of the data on mianserin and nomifensine is presented in relation to these aims. Some advantages for the new drugs can be claimed and the risks of severe adverse effects relating to blood dyscrasias in the case of mianserin, and fever in the case of nomifensine, appear outweighed by the therapeutic gains.
A double‐blind group comparison of mianserin and clomipramine in the treatment of mildly depressed psychiatric out‐patients
Authors: Dunbar G.C. , Naarala M. , Hiltunen H.
Published: August 2007

The effects of mianserin 30–60 mg and clomipramine 75–150 mg were compared in a randomized double‐blind study of 62 mildly depressed outpatients. Treatment was continued for three to four weeks, after which approximately 50% of patients left the study clinically much improved. Significant benefits for mianserin were apparent at days 7 and 21 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) total score and at day 7 on the HDRS anxiety‐somatization factor score. No difference in overall antidepressant activity was found in those patients treated for four weeks. There was a significantly greater number of side‐effects in the clomipramine treated group. It is suggested that mianserin is a more rational treatment than clomipramine in this group of patients because of a greater anxiolytic action and a lower incidence of side‐effects.
Efficacy and safety of mianserin in the treatment of depression of women with cancer
Authors: Costa D. , Mogos I. , Toma T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTS

Depression is a major complication of cancer. The efficacy and safety of mianserin were evaluated in a randomized placebo‐controlled trial of 73 depressed women with cancer. According to RDC diagnosis, all patients showed situational major depression. Both groups were well matched for cancer localization, clinical stages, Karnofsky scores, duration of depression, baseline values on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (ZSRDS), and Clinical Global Impression of Illness Severity (CGI‐S), and for type of depression, whether dominantly depressive or depressive‐anxious. Between days 7–21, there were significantly fewer dropouts with mianserin (7) than with placebo (15). When compared with placebo, there were significant improvements for mianserin for HDRS on days 7, 21 and 28, for ZSRDS on days 7 and 28, and for CGI‐S on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. According to Clinical Global Impression of Illness Improvement (CGI‐I) there were significantly more responders with mianserin (28) than with placebo (18). The efficacy index for mianserin was significantly greater than for placebo on days 21 and 28. At the end of the trial the scores for HDRS sleep disturbance factor and HDRS anxiety‐somatization factor were significantly reduced for mianserin than for placebo. There were no significant differences in side‐effects between treatment groups. It is concluded that mianserin is superior to placebo in reducing the severity and duration of depression which is present especially in patients with advanced cancer. The fact that side‐effects were not a problem with mianserin and that mianserin treatment was safe when used in association with other anticancer drugs suggests that mianserin can be prescribed routinely for alleviating depression in cancer patients.
A MODEL OF A SINGLE COMPREHENSIVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE FOR A CATCHMENT AREA: A COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVE TO HOSPITALIZATION
Authors: Martini P. , Cecchini M. , Corlito G. , D'Arco A. , Nascimbeni P.
Published: August 2007

The possibility of overcoming the Psychiatric Hospital with a single Community Service consisting of a network of territorial activities for the total population of a defined area is described. An evaluation is made from 1971 to 1983. Handicapped children are treated essentially in the family and normal educational structures. Diagnostic prevalence of more serious cases, modes of treatment, scholastic facilities and rejection of special schools are described. Work methods and community facilities, mean‐year incidence and one‐year prevalence of patients aged 15 + are examined. The latter convalidates priority towards serious risk situations. Specific rehabilitation and work‐reintegration are programmed for handicap and disability patients. Release of long‐stay psychiatric patients continues through alternative programmes with housing facilities. By 1985 the Psychiatric Hospital should close down. The population is treated by the C.M.H.S. when hospitalized in the General Hospital where no psychiatric ward exists. Crisis intervention, alternative treatment and hospitalization statistics are described.
PSYCHIATRIC PRACTICE IN UMBRIA: RESEARCH AND TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES IN THE LIGHT OF JURIDICAL ‐ PRESCRIPTIVE EVENTS
Authors: Ciappi Fabrizio , De Pascalis Antonio , Lorenzetti M. Patrizia , Orlando Claudio
Published: August 2007

The present paper provides a synthetic account of the process of renewal and transformation of psychiatric care in Umbria, and, more specifically, in Perugia, in the last two decades. In the first part we attempt to show that the significance assigned to the normative aspect in the framework of psychiatric care in Italy has been excessive, particularly in the last few years. In the second, we try to give an account of the psychiatric work done in Umbria. We deal first with the period preceding the passing of Law no. 180 by the Italian Parliament; then we discuss the relationship between the new law and the processes in action; finally, we consider more recent problems concerning the attempts to promote a psychiatric counter‐reformation and the theory and practice of our work.
APPLICATION OF THE PSYCHIATRIC REFORM ACT IN THE CITY OF NAPLES. A SURVEY OF REQUESTS FOR COMPULSORY ADMISSION TO THE SPECIAL UNIT AT THE UNIVERSITY PSYCHIATRIC DEPARTMENT
Authors: Kemali Dargut , Perris Carlo , Maj Mario , Amati Amato , Vacca Lucio
Published: August 2007

One of the most patent inconsistencies in the application of the 1978 Psychiatric Reform Act in many areas of Southern Italy has resulted from the irrational choice, by regional governments, of the general hospitals in which Psychiatric Special Units had to be implemented, and from the inappropriate determination of territorial boundaries defining the competence of such Units. Thus, in the city of Naples, it was decided, in June 1978, to set up Psychiatric Special Units only in the two University Psychiatric Departments and in the Psychiatric Emergency Ward at S. Gennaro Hospital. These Unites, equipped with an overall number of 39 beds, were put in charge with the whole province of Naples (about three millions inhabitants). Quite arbitrarily, it was established that University Departments had to admit patients coming from the city of Naples and S. Gennaro Hospital those residing in the rest of the province. By an equally arbitrary choice, female patients from the city of Naples were entrusted to the University Department I and male patients to the Psychiatric Department II. In the following years, from 1979 to 1983, some additional Units were set up in general hospitals of the Naples province. Nonetheless, available beds have not exceeded the overall number of 69, and the catchment areas of the three pre‐existing Special Units have not been modified. The chaotic situation engendered by this incongruous application of the Reform Act is outlined, by means of an analysis of the requests for compulsory admission addressed to the Special Unit at the Psychiatric Department I of Naples University during the periods June 16, 1978 ‐ December 31, 1979 and June 16, 1982 ‐ December 31, 1983.
THE IMPACT OF PSYCHIATRIC REFORM ON INPATIENT SERVICES IN A METROPOLITAN AREA OF SOUTHERN ITALY: THE NAPLES CASE
Authors: Scala A. , Gritti P.
Published: August 2007

Six years after the Psychiatric Reform, phasing out of Mental Hospital and implementing a community based Mental Health System, i.e. the main goals of the Reform, are not yet performed in Southern big cities of Italian peninsula. In Naples metropolitan area this new Mental Health policy faces with a dramatic lack of community services.

This paper summarizes data concerning the trends in psychiatric admissions to some inpatient public settings of Naples before and after the Reform, with the intent of pointing out the short‐time outcomes of this law in a highly populated area. The Authors stress some positive results of the Reform in the study area, as well as the factors which have contributed to the inadequate application of the new law.
Controversies and Consistencies in Psychiatric Genetics
Authors: BERTELSEN A
Published: August 2007

Abstract:

The methodology in psychiatric genetics, including family studies, twin studies, and adoption strategies, developed during the last 70 years to a high degree of perfection, has established beyond doubt the heritability of the major psychoses, the schizophrenic and manicdepressive disorders. In spite of recent refinements, including twin‐family‐study strategies, dual mating strategies, and advanced mathematical models and statistics the mode of inheritance is stil undetermined. Evidence for heterogeneity in both schizophrenia and manic‐depressive psychosis has been brought up leading to new approaches in diagnostic delimitations. However, the final solution of this issue probably has to await the finding of a genetic marker, for which recent advances in molecular biology as seen in Huntigton's disease may give some hope.
Interaction of Biologic and Psychologic Factors in the Origin of Depressive Disorders
Authors: AKISKAL HAGOP S
Published: August 2007

In reviewing the literature 12 years after the publication of a unified model of depressive illness, the author finds that such a model still provides the most adequate explanation of this illness permitted by current data.
An Empirically Derived Hierarchy of Adaptive Mechanisms and its Usefulness as a Potential Diagnostic Axis
Authors: VAILLANT GEORGE E
Published: August 2007

This report empirically examines the utility of the model of ego mechanisms of defense to explain psychological resilience in 307 middle aged men with socially disadvantaged childhoods. The sample has been prospectively followed for forty years. The model arranges defense mechanisms along a hierarchy reflecting severity of psychopathology and hypothetical immaturity. The value of this hierarchy of defenses in relation to diagnosis is discussed.
Long‐term Depot Neuroleptic Treatment With Perphenazine Decanoate II
Authors: Knudsen Peder , Hansen Lars Bolvig , Højholdt Karsten , Larsen Niels‐Erik
Published: August 2007

In order to investigate the feasibility of administering perphenazine decanoate (PD) at three week intervals the 42 patients participating in the previously reported open, prospective 12 month study were, after six months, treated according to the following scheme: 21 patients continued to receive injections every two weeks (group I), whereas in the remaining 21 patients the intervals between injections were extended to 3 weeks (group II). Both groups continued to respond equally well to therapy. Moreover it was observed that the mean daily dose of perphenazine was significantly reduced when using 3 weeks intervals.

This study demonstrates that PD administered every 3 weeks is a safe and effective remedy for maintenance therapy in psychotic patients.
The paranoid quotient A BPRS ratio for exploring subtypes in schizophrenia
Authors: Karson C. N. , Bigelow L.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT A paranoid quotient developed from two items of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, suspiciousness and disorganized speech, is presented as a novel method for estimating the degree of paranoia of chronic schizophrenic patients. The mean quotient for paranoid schizophrenic patients was 70 which significantly exceeded that of non‐paranoid patients (mean quotient = 47. P < 0.002). This difference proved more discriminatory than that obtained by examining the constituent items alone. Hence, the quotient strategy offers a promising way to quantify paranoid symptoms in a population of patients in whom diagnostic subtyping is often difficult.
Self‐poisoning and the menstrual cycle
Authors: Ekeberg Ø. , Jacobsen D. , Sørum Y. , Aass G.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT A study of the menstrual cycle phase on day of admission was conducted on 156 women with regular menstruation admitted for self‐poisoning to a medical department. No relation of statistical significance was found between the day of self‐poisoning and the menstrual cycle phase. This was also the case when a distinction was made between suicidal and non‐suicidal attempts and between the main toxic agents taken. The findings are partly in contrast to earlier investigations.
Imipramine in adolescent major depression: plasma level and clinical response
Authors: Ryan N. D. , Puig‐Antich J. , Cooper T. , Rabinovich H. , Ambrosini P. , Davies M. , King J. , Torres D. , Fried J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Thirty‐four adolescents with mean age 14.25 years who met RDC criteria for major depressive disorder as assessed with the K‐SADS, were treated for 6 weeks on a fixed schedule of imipramine hydrochloride titrated to a dosage of 5.0 mg/kg/day except as limited by side effects. Mean dose was 246 mg/day (4.5 mg/kg/day). In spite of good indications of compliance with treatment only 44% of the adolescents improved to the level of no or only slight depressed mood or anhedonia, though most had less depressive symptomatology at the end of treatment. There was neither a linear nor curvilinear relationship between total plasma level of IMI plus DMI and clinical response, despite a wide range of both plasma level (77 ng/ml to 986 ng/ml) and outcome. Adolescents with associated separation anxiety had significantly poorer response to treatment of their depressive disorder than those with major depression alone. Poor response was also weakly associated with being female, having endogenous subtype of depression, and having higher plasma IMI (but not DMI) level. In the context of similar studies of IMI on depression in other age groups, it is hypothesized that high levels of sex hormones during adolescence and young adulthood may interfere with IMI's antidepressant effects. It is concluded that other types of antidepressants should be tested in adolescents with major depression.
Sex differences in adolescent psychopathology
Authors: Almqvist F.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The patterns of sex differences in psychiatric morbidity are reviewed and hypotheses for the empirical study formulated. Psychiatric treatment and registration for social problems are thoroughly examined in a prospective longitudinal study of a representative birth cohort of 6,482 adolescents. Mental health and psychiatric symptomatology are also checked by a questionnaire. The data obtained are analysed for males and females separately. The results clearly show that there are major sex differences in the pattern of psychopathology in adolescence. These differences are complex and seem related to sex role expectations among parents, adolescents and mental health professionals, and to social factors and the changes experienced in life. The results give some guidelines for the future development of psychiatric care for adolescents.
Relationships between EEG and clinical characteristics in major depressive disorder
Authors: Nystrom C. , Matousek M. , Hallstrom T.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Twenty‐five patients with major depressive disorder (MOD) according to RDC were examined with computerized EEG before antidepressive treatment was initiated. Relationships between EEG parameters and clinical characteristics were studied. Age and pharmacological treatment were taken into account. Primary MDD was associated with an increase of delta amplitude. Retarded MDD was associated with an increase of delta and theta amplitudes and EEG variability. Recurrent unipolar MDD was related to a decrease of total alpha symmetry. Thus, subdiagnoses according to RDC were validated. The anxiety subsyndrome and to some extent vital symptoms, depressed mood, and CPRS total sum, were associated with asymmetry of the EEG pattern, whereas retardation was not. The number of former depressive episodes was positively correlated to amplitude of beta activity and negatively correlated to symmetry of EEG in the delta frequency band.
The premenstrual syndrome – an equivalent of depression?
Authors: Hallman J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The prevalence and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) were studied in a survey using a random selection of fertile women (n= 1,852). The prevalence of PMS was 72.8%. 7.5% of the women with PMS felt they needed to see a physician. The survey responses from this latter group were compared with the answers from the remaining women with PMS. The symptoms differ significantly in many respects between the groups. Women who want to see a physician report, to a greater extent, symptoms during the premenstrual period which are seen in depressive states. Oral contraceptives do not seem to affect premenstrual symptoms in this group. The results suggest that severe premenstrual symptoms of predominantly depressive nature are probably a manifestation of an underlying depressive disorder.
An American validation study of the Newcastle Scale
Authors: Zimmerman M. , Coryell W. , Stangl D. , Pfohl B.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT One hundred and fifty‐two depressed inpatients were classified endogenous or neurotic according to the Newcastle Diagnostic Scale. Endogenous depressives were significantly more likely than neurotic depressives to be treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Newcastle subtyping was not associated with response to ECT; however, neurotic depressives not treated with ECT were more symptomatic at hospital discharge than endogenous depressives not treated with ECT. A prospective 6 month follow‐up interview was completed with 85% of the patients. There was no association between Newcastle subtyping and follow‐up outcome.
Treatment of psychiatric morbidity in the mentally retarded adult
Authors: Lund J.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT 302 mentally retarded (MR) adults, representative of the total Danish MR population were surveyed for present psychiatric treatment and care. The care was generally satisfactory with the majority living under good conditions and provided with a fairly sufficient level of training and occupational therapy. The psychopharmacological treatment was balanced and performed after modern principles. However, more elaborate psychiatric treatment approaches, such as psychotherapy and behavioural therapy, were only used in very few cases, despite the obvious need. A brief review is given and a guide to the literature on psychiatric treatment in the field of mental retardation.
Drug use and psychiatric symptoms in adolescence
Authors: Lavik N. J. , Onstad S.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Drug use and psychiatric symptoms were independently assessed in a random sample of 177 adolescents from a junior high school population. Pupils who used cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, solutions (sniffing), and tranquilizers, all had higher frequencies of psychiatric symptoms than non‐users. The use of alcohol was shown the lowest connection with psychiatric symptoms, especially among the males. Smoking was more frequent among the females, and the connection with psychiatric symptoms was stronger than in the males. The importance of both a clinical and a public health approach to drug use in this age group is stressed.
Suicide in psychiatric patients in Denmark, 1971–1981
Authors: Barner‐Rasmussen P.
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT A register‐based analysis was made of hospital utilization and time of suicide among psychiatric patients in Denmark. Suicidal schizophrenic patients had long hospitalizations and their suicide frequency was comparatively constant. Patients with reactive psychoses and affective reactions had more often only one hospitalization and few bed/days. Forty percent of the latter group had previously attempted suicide and only one in six was offered outpatient follow‐up. The highest age‐, sex‐, and diagnosis‐specific suicide rates were found among middle‐aged and elderly men with manic‐depressive or reactive psychoses, and neuroses or personality disorders. Some groups of patients with affective reactions had comparatively high suicide rates, whereas those for patients with a main diagnosis of substance abuse corresponded to the average for the whole patient population. The average suicide rates for manic‐depressive women corresponded to that for all male patients.