bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Event-related potentials and white matter lesions in bipolar disorder
Authors: Vuurman E. F. P. M. , Honig A. , Lamers T. H. , Wiersma J. , Krabbendam L. , Hofman P. A. M. , Nolen W. A. , Jolles J. 
Published: March 2003

Objectives:To investigate neurophysiological parameters which possibly distinguish subtypes I and II of patients with a bipolar disorder, and contrast the findings with observations from a group of schizophrenic patients and a group of healthy controls.Methods:Sixty-six volunteers underwent a MRI scan to determine the number and location of white matter lesions (WSL). A electrophysiological registration was made while all volunteers performed a auditory ‘oddball’ task, and the amplitude of the resulting P300 wave was compared.Results:Earlier reports of higher numbers of WSL in bipolar disorder were not replicated in this study. Subtypes I and II showed a different P300 amplitude and subtype I resembled the results of the schizophrenia group.Conclusion:Bipolar patients in remission have a functional brain disorder that is expressed by a change in physiological response to external stimuli.
Low IQ scores in schizophrenia: primary or secondary deficit?
Authors: van Beilen M. , Withaar F. , van Zomeren A. H. , van den Bosch R. 
Published: March 2003

Background:Schizophrenia is consistently associated with lower IQ compared to the IQ of control groups, or estimated premorbid IQ. It is not likely that the IQ scores deteriorate during the prodromal phase or first psychotic episode; they are already present before the onset of the prodromal phase and have been detected in childhood.Methods:We investigated cognitive functioning and IQ levels in a group of 36 patients with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders.Results:The IQ scores in our sample were lower than average. The IQ showed a relation with attention, memory, speed of information processing and some aspects of executive functioning. However, when IQ scores were corrected for processing speed, they were no longer below average.Conclusions:These findings are important in considering the value of intelligence levels in schizophrenia. IQ scores should be judged in combination with cognitive functioning and school career to assess a patients capabilities in society. Cognitive functions and other variables might have a considerable influence on IQ scores. This rises the question of whether the low IQ scores are a primary or secondary deficit. Schizophrenia patients may have normal IQs, but could be less capable of making an IQ-test.
Chronic fatigue syndrome in the psychiatric practice
Authors: Van Duyse A. , Mariman A. , Poppe C. , Michielsen W. , Rubens R. 
Published: March 2003

Background:Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex syndrome with a psychiatric comorbidity of 70–80%. A psychiatric interview is necessary in order to exclude psychiatric illness and to identify psychiatric comorbidity. Studies have demonstrated that in general medical practice and in the non-psychiatric specialist practice, physicians tend to underdiagnose psychopathology in patients with CFS. There are many questions unanswered about the treatment of CFSAim:Typical issues for the psychiatric practice are reviewed: psychiatric comorbidity, dysregulation of the PHA-axis and the treatment of CFS.Conclusions:Depression, somatization, sleeping disorders and anxiety disorders are the most important psychopathological symptoms found in CFS patients. CFS should not be regarded as a masked (somatoform) depression. Although the results from neuroendocrinological studies assessing the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA-axis) are inconsistent, they suggest that there is a subgroup of CFS patients suffering from a discrete dysregulation of the HPA-axis resulting in basal hypocortisolaemia. These findings, however, do not reveal a causal relationship. Antidepressants do not seem to have a positive influence on the symptom of fatigue, but appear to be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of depression and social functioning. Cognitive behaviour therapy and graded exercise show a significant improvement on fatigue and other symptoms and are the only treatments available for CFS patients.
Neuroticism, alexithymia, negative affect and positive affect as predictors of medically unexplained symptoms in primary care
Authors: De Gucht V. 
Published: March 2003

Background:Somatization has been defined in a number of ways. Despite their differences, these definitions have one element in common, namely the presence of somatic symptoms that cannot be explained (adequately) by organic findings.Objective:The primary objectives of the dissertation were to gain a better insight into the concept of somatization, and to study (prospectively) the relationship between neuroticism and alexithymia, two personality traits that have been shown to be related to somatization, the affective state dimensions positive and negative affect (or psychological distress) and medically unexplained symptoms.Method:A selective review was conducted regarding conceptual and methodological issues related to somatization. A total number of 318 patients, presenting to their primary care physician with medically unexplained symptoms, participated in the prospective study. Both at baseline and at 6-month follow-up a number of measures were filled out with respect to somatization, neuroticism, alexithymia, negative and positive affect, anxiety and depression.Results:The concept of somatization was clarified, thereby making use of the distinction between presenting and functional somatization. The personality traits neuroticism and alexithymia were found to have an indirect influence on symptom reports. Both the cross-sectional and follow-up data pointed to the importance of positive and negative affect as determinants of (changes in) number of symptoms (over time). Negative affect, together with the alexithymia dimension measuring difficulty identifying feelings, predicted symptom persistence.Conclusions:The theoretical as well as therapeutic implications of the present paper may give an impetus to new research in the domain of somatization.
The clinical application of the stress concept
Authors: Koerselman F. 
Published: March 2003

Background:Knowledge on fundamental aspects of the influence of ‘stress’ on animal and human organisms is accumulating. In clinical situations, however, psychiatrists still do not use apropriate instruments to recognize and handle the impact of daily life stress. DSM-IV is insufficient in this respect.Objective:A different approach is sketched for clinicians to be able to integrate knowledge from research more effectively.Method:Application of a ‘broad’ biological view may reveal the significance of interpretation, emotion, impulse and reaction as stages of a ‘mental tract’, which is involved in processing the input of stressful situations.Result:This may lead to a more rational ‘targeting’ of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic strategies in clinical practice.Conclusion:A re-orientation of clinical psychiatry from mere classification towards a ‘broad’ biological approach may pave the way for a more rational and purposeful application of research findings to therapy.
Clinical models of stress
Authors: Hoes Mjajm 
Published: March 2003

Background:Here we propose a stress model with disease-specific aspects and aspecific factors. The latter are subdivided into load (perception, psychic defence mechanisms), strain (psychophysiological responses) and stress sensu strictu (biological and behavioural compensation). Insufficiently compensated strain will result in being sick and precipitation of a specific disease according to one's predisposition. In the clinical practice, multiconditionality requires a multidimensional analysis, the the five-axial DSM-system being designed especially for this purpose. Multidisciplinary treatment is then organized accordingly, i.e. Axis I: case management, medication; Axis II, (focal) psychotherapy; Axis III, somatic specialists; Axis IV, social worker; Axis V, psychotherapy for coping deficits.Objective:To test the efficacy of this multimethodical approach.Method:In a 1-year prospective study of 257 admissions in a department of psychiatry in a general hospital, the General Health Questionnaire (30 items) was filled out at admission, discharge and first polyclinical visit post-discharge.Results:The 213 evaluable questionnaires at admission did not show differences (17–18.9) between the four groups, mood disorders (62%), alcoholism (17%), psychoses (15%) and anxiety disorders (6%). At discharge all four groups had reached the cut-off value for ‘not-sick’ (< 6), this remaining so at follow-up; the three measurements differed significantly throughout the patient groups. Hospitalization was definitely 28.2 days shorter than the Dutch mean of 42 days.Conclusions:Working to the proposed clinical model for multiconditionalty is effective on intensity and duration of disorders, sustained improvement is attained.
Lack of effect of eicosapentaenoic acid in the Porsolt forced swimming test model of depression
Authors: Shaldubina Alona , Nemets Boris , Bersudsky Yuly 
Published: March 2003

Background:Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of the major components of fish oils. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have been hypothesized to play a role in the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of mood disorders. Clinical studies have shown beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in major depression, bipolar disorder and other psychiatric disorders.Objective:The present study design evaluates the effect of EPA in the Porsolt forced swimming test.Results:EPA alone did not reduce the immobility time and did not enhance the anti-immobility effect of a low dose of imipramine. Contrary to the hypothesis, EPA slightly increased the immobility time, and in some experiments tended to reduce the anti-despair effect of imipramine.Conclusion:The present results do not provide an animal model for the antidepressant effect of EPA as demonstrated in clinical experiments. The mechanism of EPA antidepressant action is unknown and the Porsolt forced swimming test could be non-sensitive for its antidepressant properties.
No allelic association between harm avoidance and the debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase gene
Authors: Veefkind Adriaan H , Ingenhoven Theo J M , De Groot Izaäk W 
Published: March 2003

Background:Several reports suggest that variance in personality traits is inherited, but little is known about the genes responsible. It has been suggested that there is a relationship between personality characteristics and the gene responsible for the activity of the enzyme debrisoquine 4-hydroxylase (CYP2D6).Objective:To examine the proportion of poor metabolizers in a group of personality disordered patients.Methods:Blood samples were obtained from 23 patients with a high or very high score on the dimension ‘harm avoidance’ of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The samples were genotyped for the null alleles CYP2D6*3 and*4 by performing an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction.Results:The frequencies of genotypes in the sample were very similar to the frequencies found in a general white population.Conclusions:The investigation produced no support for the idea that the CYP2D6 gene is related to personality by means of variations in the temperament dimension of harm avoidance.
Post-stroke quality of life and depression
Authors: Jaracz Krystyna , Jaracz Jan , Kozubski Wojciech , Rybakowski Janusz K 
Published: March 2003

Background:Studies on the determinants of the quality of life (QOL) after stroke bring differing results depending on the applied concept of QOL. This may lead to confusion about the contribution of various factors to the post-stroke QOL.Objective:The aim of the study was: (i) to investigate functional and psychological QOL in the individuals after the first ischemic stroke; (ii) to identify the most important correlates of QOL; and (iii) to examine the significance of depression among the other possible predictors of QOL.Methods:A hospital-based sample of 72 stroke patients was followed up to 6 months after stroke onset. QOL was assessed using the Polish version of the Quality of Life Index and the Sickness Impact Profile. A multiple regression procedure was performed to examine relationships between QOL and the study variables.Results:In spite of good recovery, the psychological and functional QOL of the examined patients was impaired, although the negative impact of stroke was greater on the objective QOL than on the subjective QOL. Stroke-related impairment, depression, functional disability and marital status predicted 80% of the variance in the functional QOL. Emotional support, depression and functional disability explained 38% of the variance in psychological well-being.Conclusions:Depression and physical disability were the most important predictors of QOL after stroke since their impact on QOL was more robust in comparison to the remaining variables. For improving QOL, a comprehensive care for patients aimed at reducing physical dependence and ameliorating depressive symptoms could be recommended.
Suppressive effect of TRH and antidepressants on human interferon-γ productionin vitro
Authors: Kubera Marta , Kenis Gunter , Basta-Kaim Agnieszka , Bosmans Eugene , Budziszewska Bogustawa , Scharpe Simone , Maes Michael 
Published: March 2003

Background:It has been established that thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) affects several aspects of immunoreactivity, e.g. production of proinflammatory cytokines. It has been shown that TRH enhances the therapeutic efficiency of classical tricyclic antidepressants. Proinflammatory cytokines may play a role in the etiology of depression, whereas the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants may be related to their negative immunoregulatory effects.Objective:In order to verify the hypothesis that TRH-induced increase of therapeutic efficiency of classical tricyclic antidepressants results from synergistic inhibitory effects of these agents on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, we determine the effect of imipramine or fluoxetine with and without TRH on the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) by stimulated human whole blood cells.Methods:Diluted whole blood of 17 volunteers was incubated with imipramine or fluoxetine (both in doses of 10−5M) with or without TRH (in a dose of 10−5M). The supernatants were collected 24 h later for the assay of TNF-α and after 72 h for the assays of IFN-γ and IL-10. The three cytokines were assayed by ELISA methods.Results:A significant decrease in production of IFN-γ was observed in cells stimulated with mitogens and co-incubated with imipramine or fluoxetine and TRH. Under the same conditions, TRH alone did not change the production of these cytokines, whereas imipramine alone significantly decreases IFN-γ production, and fluoxetine alone significantly decreases IFN-γ and TNF-α production.Conclusion:Although a significant decrease in IFN-γ production was observed after joint application of TRH and antidepressants, our data did not support the above-mentioned hypothesis. Indeed, we did not observe synergistic inhibitory effects of these agents on the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.
Korsakoff's syndrome on the MMPI-2
Authors: Egger Jos I. M. , Wester Arie J. , De Mey Hubert R. A. , Derksen Jan J. L. 
Published: March 2003

Background:This article describes an exploratory study of MMPI-2 administration to 20 patients with Korsakoff's disease, all admitted to the Korsakoff unit of a major psychiatric hospital in the Netherlands.Methods:We compared their MMPI-2 basic profiles with those of an inpatient alcohol-dependent non-Korsakoff group. Attention was also given to content scales and some selected supplementary scales. Furthermore, we explored the differences between MMPI-2 profiles of Korsakoff patients with and without insight into oneself and one's disease.Results:Compared with both the Dutch norms and the scale means of the non-Korsakoff alcoholics, Korsakoff patients showed an extraordinary flat profile. Illness insight appeared to be related to the levels of the various scales.Discussion:The results show the potential usefulness of the MMPI-2 in the differential diagnosis of chronic alcoholism and Korsakoff's disease.
Risperidone in the treatment of childhood autistic disorder: an open pilot study
Authors: Casaer Paul , Croonenberghs J. A. N. , Lagae Lieven , Deboutte Dirk 
Published: March 2003

Objective:To evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of risperidone in childhood autistic disorder.Methods:A multicenter, open-label, dose-titration study involving seven autistic children (mean age 7.6 years) receiving risperidone for 4 weeks.Results:Mean dose was 0.01 mg/kg/day on day 1, 0.019 mg/kg/day on day 7 (range 0.01–0.041 mg/kg/day) and 0.035 mg/kg/day on day 28 (range 0.014–0.064 mg/kg/day). Over the 4-week period, the Ritvo–Freeman Real Life Rating Scale total score measuring autistic behavior was significantly decreased (P = 0.019), as was the affectual reactions subscale (P = 0.029). Aberrant Behavior Checklist total score was significantly improved (P < 0.001), as were all subscales except inappropriate speech. Visual Analog Scale for individual target symptoms was significantly decreased (P = 0.001), and Clinical Global Impression severity of illness score was significantly improved (P = 0.006). The incidence of adverse effects was low, and no extrapyramidal symptoms were observed. No significant changes or clinically relevant abnormalities occurred in laboratory tests, vital signs or electrocardiograms. Plasma concentrations of the drug were similar to those in adult patients.Conclusions:These favorable results suggest that larger controlled trials of risperidone should be performed in autistic or mentally retarded patients with behavioral disturbances.
The acute transient polymorphic psychosis: a biochemical subtype of the cycloid psychosis
Authors: Pepplinkhuizen L , van der Heijden F M M A , Tuinier S , Verhoeven W M A , Fekkes D 
Published: March 2003

Background:The pathogenesis of atypical psychoses, in particularly those characterized by polymorphic psychopathology, is hypothesized to be related to disturbances in amino acid metabolism.Objective:In the present study, the role of the amino acid serine was investigated in patients with acute transient polymorphic psychosis.Methods:Patients were loaded with serine and with the amino acids glycine and alanine as controls and subsequently evaluated for the development of psychopathological symptoms. In addition, plasma levels of amino acids were measured.Results:In a subgroup of patients suffering from atypical psychoses, this biochemical challenge resulted in the reappearance of psychedelic symptoms in particular. Furthermore, significantly lower plasma concentrations of serine were found.In vitroexperiments revealed a disturbance in the one-carbon metabolism. In another group of patients the loading provoked vegetative symptoms and fatigue.Conclusions:Disturbances in amino acid metabolism may be involved in the emergence of certain psychotic disorders.
The Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS): psychometric properties of the SDS in English and Australian samples of heroin, cocaine and amphetamine users
Authors: GOSSOP MICHAEL , DARKE SHANE , GRIFFITHS PAUL , HANDO JULIE , POWIS BEVERLY , HALL WAYNE , STRANG JOHN 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) was devised to provide a short, easily administered scale which can be used to measure the degree of dependence experienced by users of different types of drugs. The SDS contains five items, all of which are explicitly concerned with psychological components of dependence. These items are specifically concerned with impaired control over drug taking and with preoccupation and anxieties about drug use. The SDS was given to five samples of drug users in London and Sydney. The samples comprised users of heroin and users of cocaine in London, and users of amphetamines and methadone maintenance patients in Sydney. The SDS satisfies a number of criteria which indicate its suitability as a measure of dependence. All SDS items had significantly with a single factor, and the total SDS score was extremely highly correlated with the single factor score. The SDS score is related to behavioural patterns of drug taking that are, in themselves, indicators of dependence, such as dose, frequency of use, duration of use, daily use and degree of contact with other drug users; it also shows criterion validity in that drug users who have sought treatment at specialist and non‐specialist agencies for drug problems have higher SDS scores than non‐treatment samples. The psychometric properties of the scale were good in all five samples, despite being applied to primary users of different classes of drug, using different recruitment procedures in different cities in different countries.
Teenagers and alcohol misuse in the United States: by any definition, it's a big problem
Authors: ELLICKSON PHYLLIS L. , McGUIGAN KIMBERLY A. , ADAMS VIRGIL , BELL ROBERT M. , HAYS RON D. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractDespite the fact that more adolescents use alcohol than any other drug, studies of teenage alcohol misuse are relatively rare. Those that exist frequently fail To include high school dropouts and often focus on only part of the problem, such as how much or how often the adolescent drinks. This study examines the prevalence and demographic predictors of teenage alcohol misuse in a diverse sample of 4390 high school seniors and dropouts. It focuses on three different dimensions of misuse—high‐risk drinking, alcohol‐related problems and high consumption—and provides prevalence estimates by gender and race/ethnicity that are weighted to represent the original seventh grade cohort of 30 California and Oregon schools. Results show that by grade 12, nearly 70% of these teenagers have exhibited some form of alcohol misuse within the past year. Two‐thirds have engaged in high‐risk drinking and over 50% have experienced one or more alcohol‐related problems. More stringent estimates that require variety or persistence of risky drinking and/or alcohol‐belated problems still capture between 40% and 54% of this population. However, focusing solely on high consumption fails to identify as many as half of these at‐risk misusers. Males and females both exhibit high rates of alcohol misuse, as do most racial ethnic groups. However, African Americans and Asians are less likely to misuse alcohol than whites and Hispanics. The results underscore the need for including different forms of alcohol misuse in prevention programs, for improving our understanding of its etiology, and for providing upper and lower bound estimates of alcohol misuse in future research.