bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological aspects of mianserin
Authors: Pinder R. M. , van Delft A. M. L. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT ‐ S(+)‐mianserin is the more potent enantiomer of mianserin in pharmacological tests indicative for antidepressant activity. Pharmacological tests indicative for sedation suggest that sedative effects are similar for mianserin and its enantiomers.Racemic mianserin had the optimal therapeutic ratio of antidepressant‐like activity versus sedative properties when assessed by computerised EEG in healthy volunteers participating in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled single dose trial.Of the known metabolites, desmethylmianserin and 8‐hydroxymianserin substantially retain pharmacological properties indicative for antidepressant activity but are less active than mianserin in tests indicative for sedation. Mianserin‐N‐oxide is inactive or only weakly active in most pharmacological tests.Desmethylmianserin occurs in human plasma after both single and multiple dosage to an extent of about one‐third that of mianserin.Mianserin has optimal clinical efficacy as the racemate. Desmethylmianserin and 8‐hydroxymianserin are pharmacologically active metabolites and may contribute to the overall antidepressant effects of mianserin.
Zimeldine versus amitriptyline in endogenous depression. A double‐blind study
Authors: Larsen F. Warborg , Hansen C. Eggert 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT– In a double‐blind comparison of 21 inpatients with endogenous depression 225 mg zimeldine demonstrated the same degree of antidepressive efficacy as 150 mg amitriptyline after 4 weeks of treatment. Only “sleep disturbances” on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRS) showed significant (P < 0.05) improvement with amitriptyline.Only small differences in the frequency of side effects were seen. In the zimeldine group, increased sweating and headache were more pronounced, while the amitriptyline patients more often reported dry mouth and constipation. Body weight was not significantly changed by either treatment.In the zimeldine group, treatment had to be interrupted in three patients due to hypersensitivity reactions in the form of drug fever. Three other patients in the zimeldine group showed clinically significant elevation of liver enzymes. Hypersensitivity reactions and abnormal blood chemistry were both reversible. The adverse reactions are discussed, the cause of the occurrence remaining unknown.
Sulpiride versus Haloperidol, a Clinical Trial in Schizophrenia. A preliminary report
Authors: Munk‐Andersen E. , Behnke K. , Heltberg J. , Nielsen H. , Ger‐LACH J. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract Sixteen out of 25 hebephrenic and paranoid schizophrenic patients completed a double‐blind cross‐over study with sulpiride and haloperidol. The patient sample was relatively chronic: Median age was 35 years (range 26–53 years), median duration of illness 10 years (4–35 years), and median duration of neuroleptic treatment 5 years (1–28 years). Each patient was treated with sulpiride/haloperidol in random order for 12 weeks with a drug‐free period before each treatment phase.Mean total BPRS (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) score was reduced from 25 to 15 (P<0.05) during sulpiride (800–2800 mg/day, median 1600 mg/day), and from 28 to 15 (P<0.01) during haloperidol (6–18 mg/day, median 12). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to total BPRS score, single items or symptom clusters. However, in a few, very “chronic”, disturbed, and long‐term treated patients, haloperidol appeared more beneficial than sulpiride. Autonomic side effects and parkinsonism tended to occur more frequently during haloperidol than during sulpiride, but no significant differences were found. It is concluded that sulpiride, a specific dopamine‐2 receptor blocker, has antipsychotic effect, not significantly different from haloperidol, but may produce slightly less side effects.
Relationships Between Drug Concentrations in Serum and CSF, Clinical Effects and Monoaminergic Variables in Schizophrenic Patients Treated with Sulpiride or Chlorpromazine
Authors: Alfredsson G. , Bjerkenstedt L. , Edman G. , Härnryd C. , Oxenstierna G. , Sedvall G. , WIESEL F‐A 
Published: August 2007

Abstract Schizophrenic patients were treated with fixed doses of sulpiride (800 mg) or chlorpromazine (400 mg) during eight weeks using a double‐blind design. In order to examine relationships between pharmacokinetic, clinical and biochemical parameters in relation to treatment the following variables were recorded before and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. Concentrations of sulpiride, CPZ, 7‐OH‐CPZ, nor1‐CPZ were determined in serum and CSF using liquid chromatography and mass fragmentography. Clinical variables were psychotic morbidity and side effects as evaluated by CPRS, NOSIE and side effect ratings. Monoaminergic variables were concentrations of the major cerebral monoamine metabolites, HVA, 5‐HIAA and MOPEG in the cerebrospinal fluid as measured by mass fragmentography. Prolactin levels in serum and CSF were measured by radioimmunoassay.During steady state, concentrations of sulpiride in serum varied fourfold between patients and CPZ twentyfold. Drug concentrations in serum and CSF were highly correlated in CPZ‐ but not in sulpiride‐treated patients. Although sulpiride passed into the CSF, transport between serum and CSF was restricted. In the sulpiride group, improvement of psychotic morbidity and HVA elevation in CSF tended to be negatively related to the drug concentrations in serum. Sulpiride‐treated patients with extrapyramidal side effects had significantly higher drug concentrations in serum.In CPZ‐treated patients, improvement of psychotic morbidity, HVA elevation and prolactin elevation all tended to be positively correlated to drug concentrations in serum and CSF. CPZ‐treated patients with extrapyramidal side effects also had significantly higher CPZ concentrations in serum.In both treatment groups, the MOPEG reduction in CSF tended to be correlated to improvement of psychotic morbidity.The study supplied clinical evidence for the view that antipsychotic drugs belonging to the phenothiazine and benzamide series induce antipsychotic effects in schizophrenic patients in a graded fashion which is proportional to the degree of interaction with the central dopaminergic mechanisms. The results also support the view that sulpiride has a more selective effect on central dopaminergic mechanisms than chlorpromazine.In the schizophrenic patients studied and with the doses used, sulpiride concentrations tended to be maximal with regard to clinical and biochemical effects. For CPZ on the other hand, drug concentrations in some patients seemed to be too low to induce optimal effects.Abstract
Pharmacological Classification of Benzamides
Authors: Puech A J , Lecrubier Y. , Simon P. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract The problem of classifying benzamides is, in general, the same as classifying neuroleptics. A pharmacological classification of neuroleptics can be established on the basis of the following criteria‐ specificity of action on dopaminergic receptors‐ penetration into the CNS‐ dopaminergic profile in the CNS• relative binding with respect to subclasses of DA• preferential antagonism of certain effects of apomorphine• preferential affinity for dopaminergic structures• activating effects on DA systems at low doses‐ different clinical effects: antiemetic, psychiatric (antihallucinatory and disinhibitory), neurologic.A relationship between biochemical, behavioural and clinical effects is proposed‐ antihallucinatory effect: decrease of dopaminergic function‐ disinhibitory effect: increase of dopaminergic function.We emphasize the problem of doses used because the different effects occurred for a given drug at different doses.This hypothesis suggests that positive symptomatology of schizophrenia is related to hyperdopaminergic activity, negative symptomatology is related to hypodopaminergic activity.‐ metoclopramide: peripheral dopaminolytic activity antiemesis without psychiatric or neuroleptic effects with low doses.‐ sulpiride, tiapride, DAN 2163: peripheral effects + preferential blockade of D3 and D4 receptors, central DA activation with low doses, disinhibitory effects.With high doses, decrease of specificity for subclasses of DA receptors, central DA inhibition, antihallucinatory effects but little extrapyramidal symptomatology and sedation.‐ sultopride: central DA inhibition, antihallucinatory effects, sedative and neurological effects.
Behavioural and Biochemical Studies With the Benzamide Sulpiride in Rats
Authors: Herrera‐Marschitz M. , Ståhle L. , Tossman U. , ZetterstrÖM T. , Ungerstedt U. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract We have studied the effects of the benzamide, sulpiride, on dopamine transmission using a functional approach combining brain dialysis experiments with behavioural studies utilising rotational and holeboard models.In the 6‐OH‐dopamine‐rotational model, both apomorphine and pergolide induced a dose‐dependent contralateral rotation. However, sulpiride blocks very effectively the pergolide responses whilst it inhibits poorly the apomorphine rotation. Further studies using the same model suggest different receptor mechanisms distinctly distributed in the striata of rats and involving different efferent pathways.A dialysis tube was implanted into the left striatum of rats in order to study changes in dopamine release after influencing dopamine autoreceptors. Apomorphine produced a decrease of dopamine release which was reversed by sulpiride. The dopamine autoreceptor regulation of exploratory behaviour has been studied using an automatic holeboard device. Apomorphine and pergolide inhibited locomotion in an dose‐dependent manner. This inhibition was selectively reversed by sulpiride but not by cis‐flupenthixol.The dialysis provided also another possibility to study the functional regulation of DA systems. It has been suggested that sulpiride most effectively blocks the dopamine receptors localized presynaptically on cortico‐striatal glutamate afferent neurons. We have compared the effects of cis‐flupenthixol and sulpiride on glutamate and GABA release as measured by dialysis in the striata of rats. We found no clearcut effect after cis‐flupenthixol, while sulpiride caused a significant change in glutamate release.
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

ABSTRACTThe 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

ABSTRACTA 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

ABSTRACTThe 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

ABSTRACTThe 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

ABSTRACTSDepression 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

ABSTRACTThe 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

ABSTRACTThe 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

ABSTRACTOne 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

ABSTRACTSix 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.
An Empirically Derived Hierarchy of Adaptive Mechanisms and its Usefulness as a Potential Diagnostic Axis
Authors: VAILLANT GEORGE E 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis 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

ABSTRACTIn 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.