Showing papers in "American Journal of Psychiatry in 1972"
TL;DR: An abbreviated version of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) is reported, on the basis of previously published data, that scores based on ten of the questions of the MAST would be as effective in discriminating between alcoholics and nonalcoholics as scoresbased on all 25 questions.
Abstract: The authors report an abbreviated version of the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). They hypothesized, on the basis of previously published data, that scores based on ten of the questions of the MAST would be as effective in discriminating between alcoholics and nonalcoholics as scores based on all 25 questions. The responses of 60 alcoholic and 62 nonalcoholic psychiatric patients supported their hypothesis.
819 citations
TL;DR: Cellular monoamine oxidase activity measured in blood platelets is significantly lower in depressed patients with a history of mania than in nonbipolar depressed patients and normal controls of similar age and sex.
Abstract: Cellular monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity measured in blood platelets is significantly (45 percent) lower in depressed patients with a history of mania (bipolar patients) than in nonbipolar depressed patients and normal controls of similar age and sex. This difference in MAO activity may be related to other biological and psychological characteristics of these patients that suggest that bipolar patients constitute a specific subgroup among patients with affective disorders.
314 citations
TL;DR: The author found discriminations between age groupings that center largely on the subjects' sense of time and on their attitudes toward self and others in relation to that variable.
Abstract: The author believes that adulthood as a developmental period has been conceptually and empirically ignored in the psychiatric literature with but few exceptions. Two studies on the subject are reported: an observational study of psychiatric outpatients seen in age-homogeneous groups and a questionnaire study of 524 nonpatients. The author found discriminations between age groupings that center largely on the subjects' sense of time and on their attitudes toward self and others in relation to that variable.
308 citations
TL;DR: A genetic factor seemed to he more closely associated with the development of alcoholism in children who had an alcoholic biologic parent but who were raised by nonalcoholic parent figures.
Abstract: The authors studied the incidence of alcoholism in children who had an alcoholic biologic parent but who were raised by nonalcoholic parent figures and in children who did not have an alcoholic biologic parent and who were raised by alcoholic parent figures. Similarly, children with and without alcoholic biologic parents who shared their childhood homes with alcoholic probands were compared. For each comparison of genetic and environmental factors, the genetic factor seemed to he more closely associated with the development of alcoholism.
284 citations
TL;DR: The antidepressant effects of lithium carbonate were evaluated in a group of 52 depressed patients, using a longitudinal double-blind design that involved alternating drug and placebo periods in the same patient.
Abstract: The antidepressant effects of lithium carbonate were evaluated in a group of 52 hospitalized depressed patients, using a longitudinal double-blind design that involved alternating drug and placebo periods in the same patient. Thirty-six of the 52 patients showed some improvement on lithium, including 15 who had complete remission of symptoms. Virtually all of the antidepressant responses occurred in patients with a past history of mania or hypomania (the bipolar group).
204 citations
TL;DR: Neurotic depressive reactions of mid-childhood may be classified into three distinct categories: Masked depression is the most frequent, appearing in children whose personality and family display severe psychopathology, and Chronically depressed children have a history of marginal premorbid social adjustment, depression, and repeated separations from important adults.
Abstract: Neurotic depressive reactions of mid-childhood may be classified into three distinct categories. Masked depression is the most frequent, appearing in children whose personality and family display severe psychopathology. Children suffering acute depression are fairly well adjusted prior to the traumatic event that precipitates the depression; there may be mild psychopathology in the family. Chronically depressed children have a history of marginal premorbid social adjustment, depression, and repeated separations from important adults; in addition, at least one parent has a history of recurrent depression.
204 citations
TL;DR: The authors' data suggest that genetic factors may play a major role in the etiology of this disorder; however, they stress the need for further research.
Abstract: The authors conducted a three-week controlled, double-blind (methylphenidate-placebo) study of 31 hyperkinetic boys. Response to treatment was judged on the basis of improvement in pretreatment and posttreatment teacher ratings. Pretreatment measures indicated a high arousal state in those children who obtained a poor clinical response to methylphenidate. Changes in indicators of arousal suggested a greater physiological effect from methylphenidate treatment in the low-arousal (good clinical response) group. The authors' data suggest that genetic factors may play a major role in the etiology of this disorder; however, they stress the need for further research.
193 citations
TL;DR: The authors relate the wrist-cutting gestures to genital conflict, reactions to helplessness, and an inability to handle aggression.
Abstract: The phenomenon of repeated wrist cutting in young women, performed in a nonsuicidal manner, was studied through the use of a control group. Histories revealed a significant incidence of early physical illness and surgery and markedly abnormal patterns of menstruation. The subjects interviewed immediately after cutting described an inability to deal with specific feelings, leading to a state of depersonalization. They cut themselves in an effort to reintegrate, and seemed to know exactly what was necessary to accomplish this: seeing a certain amount of blood, feeling a degree of pain, or being able to look inside the gaping wound. The authors relate the wrist-cutting gestures to genital conflict, reactions to helplessness, and an inability to handle aggression.
188 citations
TL;DR: There was an overall pattern of declining interest and activity with advancing age, but it was also clear that sex still continued to play an important role in the lives of the vast majority of the subjects studied.
Abstract: Data on sexual behavior were gathered on 261 white men and 241 white women aged 45 to 69. Dramatic differences between men and women of like age were observed in regard to virtually all indicators of sexual behavior, with the men generally reporting greater interest and activity than the women. While there was an overall pattern of declining interest and activity with advancing age, it was also clear that sex still continued to play an important role in the lives of the vast majority of the subjects studied.
185 citations
TL;DR: The finding that hypersomnia is not an unusual symptom of depression has implications both for the classification of affective disorders and for biologic research.
Abstract: The authors studied 84 bipolar and unipolar depressed patients by means of a questionnaire to determine whether they showed symptoms of increased sleep time. Their finding that hypersomnia is not an unusual symptom of depression has implications both for the classification of affective disorders and for biologic research.
154 citations
TL;DR: Since 1959, the University of Nebraska Medical Center has been using two-way closed-circuit television for medical treatment and education, largely in psychiatry.
Abstract: Since 1959, the University of Nebraska Medical Center has been using two-way closed-circuit television for medical treatment and education, largely in psychiatry. Television has been used to link the medical center with hospitals in remote rural areas, as well as to assist in educational programs within the university complex. Electronic communication has been valuable in extending education and services.
TL;DR: The authors found that the clinical depressions which occurred following withdrawal from amphetamines after prolonged abuse were temporally associated with a decrease in the excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), a metabolite of norepinephrine, and altered EEG sleep patterns including an increased amount of D sleep (REM sleep).
Abstract: The authors found that the clinical depressions which occurred following withdrawal from amphetamines after prolonged abuse were temporally associated with a decrease in the excretion of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG), a metabolite of norepinephrine, and altered EEG sleep patterns including an increased amount of D sleep (REM sleep). As the depressions subsided, MHPG excretion increased and measures of D sleep decreased.
TL;DR: In this study the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was given to 400 adult psychiatric inpatients in order to test its capacity for distinguishing between alcoholic and nonalcoholic patients.
Abstract: In this study the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST) was given to 400 adult psychiatric inpatients in order to test its capacity for distinguishing between alcoholic and nonalcoholic patients. Thirty percent of the total population—50 percent of the men and 22 percent of the women—scored in the alcoholism range. The correlation with the attending psychiatrists' opinions was 78 percent. Of 128 diagnosed problem drinkers, the test missed only two.
TL;DR: The relationship of depression to mania in 20 hospitalized patients was systematically investigated through an analysis of nurses' and physicians' behavioral ratings and notes, and statistically significant positive associations between mania and depression were found in the majority of cases.
Abstract: In the course of longitudinal studies of patients with manic-depressive illness, the authors regularly observed clear features of depression during periods of acute mania. The relationship of depression to mania in 20 hospitalized patients was systematically investigated through an analysis of nurses' and physicians' behavioral ratings and notes. Statistically significant positive associations between mania and depression were found in the majority of cases. The psychological implications of the concurrent presence of depression and mania are discussed.
TL;DR: This study demonstrated a close clinical relationship between good prognosis schizophrenia and the affective disorders.
Abstract: The authors studied 28 good prognosis and 25 poor prognosis schizophrenics, differentiated on the basis of duration of illness and premorbid level of functioning. When compared for differences in symptomatology, the good prognosis group was found to be more likely to have diagnosable mania or depression, visual hallucinations, perceptual disorders, and confusion, and was less likely to have affective blunting and a combination of special types of auditory hallucinations and haptic hallucinations. Like previous reports, which have established that good prognosis schizophrenia is closely related to the affective disorders by family history, this study demonstrated a close clinical relationship between good prognosis schizophrenia and the affective disorders.
TL;DR: The results indicate that imipramine is an effective agent for the control of hyperactivity and aggression in behaviorally impaired children.
Abstract: This study assessed the comparative effectiveness of imipramine, placebo, and dextroamphetamine as therapeutic agents for the control of hyperkinetic and aggressive behaviors in children. Behavioral change under the drug conditions was evaluated using a 39-item behavior rating scale. The results indicate that imipramine is an effective agent for the control of hyperactivity and aggression in behaviorally impaired children. Implications of the findings for clinical application in pediatric psychopharmacology are presented and discussed.
TL;DR: The authors report that premenopausal depressed women with regular menstrual cycles have higher levels of plasma MAO activity and greater EEG responses to photic stimulation than do nondepressed women, interpreted as evidence of adrenergic insufficiency.
Abstract: The authors report that premenopausal depressed women with regular menstrual cycles have higher levels of plasma MAO activity and greater EEG responses to photic stimulation than do nondepressed women. These abnormalities are interpreted as evidence of adrenergic insufficiency. Oral conjugated estrogen therapy moved both indices toward normal levels. Although the study did not attempt to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the estrogen therapy, the patients reported improvement in their mental status.
TL;DR: Data on homicides were analyzed by computer to determine whether a relationship exists between the lunar synodic cycle and human emotional disturbance and statistically significant lunar periodicity was demonstrated for homicides committed in Dade County, Fla.
Abstract: Data on homicides were analyzed by computer to determine whether a relationship exists between the lunar synodic cycle and human emotional disturbance. A statistically significant lunar periodicity was demonstrated for homicides committed in Dade County, Fla., over a 15-year period. A similar, but nonsignificant, periodicity was found for homicides occurring over a 13-year period in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
TL;DR: The results of this study, which are clearly negative, raise serious questions as to the efficacy of these hormones in enhancing the antidepressant activity of imipramine and ECT.
Abstract: A double-blind, controlled study with frequent rating of symptoms, using a homogeneous population of 49 patients with primary depression, was conducted to measure the possible enhancement of imipramine's antidepressant activity by T3 and dexamethasone and the possible enhancement of the antidepressant activity of ECT by dexamethasone. The results of this study, which are clearly negative, raise serious questions as to the efficacy of these hormones in enhancing the antidepressant activity of imipramine and ECT.
TL;DR: A correlation between alcoholism and heavy cigarette smoking is drawn and a statistically significant number of the alcoholics smoke, but a significant number smoked heavily.
Abstract: The author draws a correlation between alcoholism and heavy cigarette smoking. He interviewed 130 men who were hospitalized for withdrawal from alcohol and 100 men who were hospitalized for other reasons. Not only did a statistically significant number of the alcoholics smoke, but a significant number smoked heavily.
TL;DR: The author studied the outcome of 16 subjects who had exhibited feminine behavior as young boys, finding there appeared to be two peaks for the age of onset of symptoms: before age six and after age ten.
Abstract: The author studied the outcome of 16 subjects who had exhibited feminine behavior as young boys. A structured interview, devised b culling from the literature those factors considered to be associated with gender identity disturbances, and a battery of psychological tests were administered. Six of the subjects showed markedly deviant gender identities; three were transsexuals, one a transvestite, and two homosexuals. There appeared to be two peaks for the age of onset of symptoms: before age six and after age ten. The data suggest that those with the earlier age of onset are more likely to develop severe gender identity disturbances.
TL;DR: The authors stress the need for more longitudinal research on the characteristics of the criminally insane to aid in the clinical determination of dangerousness.
Abstract: This research examines what happened to the nearly 1,000 patients transferred from two New York State hospitals for the criminally insane to civil mental hospitals in 1966 as the result of a Supreme Court decision. Four years later, about half were in civil mental hospitals, 27 percent in the community, and 14 percent dead. Only three percent were in a correctional facility or hospital for the criminally insane. The authors stress the need for more longitudinal research on the characteristics of the criminally insane to aid in the clinical determination of dangerousness.
TL;DR: A comparison of the psychological and intellectual development of children whose parents were mentally ill and children of normal parents disclosed significant differences between the two groups, and the former group should be viewed as a population at risk.
Abstract: A comparison of the psychological and intellectual development of children whose parents were mentally ill and children of normal parents disclosed significant differences between the two groups. The authors believe the former group should be viewed as a population at risk; serious consideration should be given to their needs, and services—including the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with stable adults—should be provided for them.
TL;DR: Because the quality of the suicidal ideation in this syndrome differs from the usual indicators of suicidal intent, physicians should be alert to early symptoms of the syndrome and take measures to protect the patient against suicidal impulses.
Abstract: The authors report on six patients with diazepam (Valium) toxicity. All showed symptoms of tremulousness, apprehension, insomnia, depression, and (later) ego-alien suicidal ideation. None had a history of previous psychiatric disorder, and all were taking greater than the maximum recommended dose of diazepam. Because the quality of the suicidal ideation in this syndrome differs from the usual indicators of suicidal intent, physicians should be alert to early symptoms of the syndrome and take measures to protect the patient against suicidal impulses.
TL;DR: The author advances the hypothesis that when addiction supervenes it is no longer a symptom but a morbid condition of its own; its development will not be affected by removal of the initiating factors.
Abstract: The author advances the hypothesis that while drug abuse may be a symptom of psychological or social disturbances, when addiction supervenes it is no longer a symptom but a morbid condition of its own; its development will not be affected by removal of the initiating factors. Addiction has the strength and character of a natural drive: it may be considered as an artificially induced drive developed through chemical stimulation of the pleasure center. The author observes that addiction occurs spontaneously among insects and can easily be induced in other animals.
TL;DR: The authors suggest that because response to the latter two drugs is highly individualized, final selection must depend upon clinical acumen and perhaps a trial of medication.
Abstract: In an eight-week double-blind study 61 hyperactive school-age boys were randomly assigned to chlorpromazine, dextroamphetamine, hydroxyzine, or placebo groups. Chlorpromazine and dextroamphetamine, virtually equally effective, were significantly more effective than hydroxyzine in modifying hyperactivity. Dextroamphetamine produced frequent side effects; chlorpromazine did not. The authors suggest that because response to the latter two drugs is highly individualized, final selection must depend upon clinical acumen and perhaps a trial of medication.
TL;DR: The authors hypothesize that the patients needed to assuage their guilty consciences by sacrifice, in this case a substitution of the eye for the self, and connect their hypothesis to the Bible, myth, religion, and talion law.
Abstract: The authors discuss two patients who self-enucleated during psychotic episodes. Both patients had had sexual experiences that they believed to be sinful and a history of LSD use. The authors hypothesize that the patients needed to assuage their guilty consciences by sacrifice, in this case a substitution of the eye for the self. They connect their hypothesis to the Bible, myth, religion, and talion law.
TL;DR: The authors developed the "Continuity of Care Inventory" for measuring the continuity provided to clients of a community mental health center as they moved among or stayed within particular services.
Abstract: After defining continuity of care operationally, the authors developed the "Continuity of Care Inventory" for measuring the continuity provided to clients of a community mental health center as they moved among or stayed within particular services. The results obtained from using the inventory in the center for a one-month period illustrate the potential value of this procedure for other centers.
TL;DR: The authors concluded that the BRS is useful as a measure of deviant behavior as well as for assessing improvement following drug therapy.
Abstract: Employing a recently developed behavior rating scale (BRS), it was found that the factors for aggressivity and for hyperactivity clearly differentiated among children in an outpatient psychiatric clinic, in a special school, and in public schools. In addition, significant improvement was shown on both factors after drug treatment of the psychiatric group. The authors concluded that the BRS is useful as a measure of deviant behavior as well as for assessing improvement following drug therapy.
TL;DR: There is a significant correlation between blood COMT activity and SAMe concentration, which suggests that some schizophrenics may methylate biogenic amines more actively than others.
Abstract: The authors examined the hypothesis of disordered transmethylation in schizophrenia by comparing S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) concentration and cathechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) activities in venous blood of schizophrenic and nonschizophrenic patients. While they did not find a difference in blood SAMe concentration between the groups, they did find a significant correlation between blood COMT activity and SAMe concentration. This suggests that some schizophrenics may methylate biogenic amines more actively than others.