Showing papers in "Neuropsychobiology in 1985"
TL;DR: The behavioural, physiological and pharmacological validation of one animal test of anxiety, the social interaction test, is described in detail and is able to distinguish anxiolytic from sedative effects and is not sensitive to the actions of antidepressants or neuroleptics.
Abstract: The behavioural, physiological and pharmacological validation of one animal test of anxiety, the social interaction test, is described in detail. The effects of anxiolytic and anxiogenic drugs, and manipulations of catecholaminergic and serotonergic pathways are considered. The test is able to distinguish anxiolytic from sedative effects and is not sensitive to the actions of antidepressants or neuroleptics.
149 citations
TL;DR: Social interaction between two unfamiliar male rats in a dimly lit, familiar environment has been investigated as a model of anxiety, where novelty of the partner remains as the principal anxiogenic stimulus.
Abstract: Social interaction (SI) between two unfamiliar male rats in a dimly lit, familiar environment has been investigated as a model of anxiety, where novelty of the partner remains as the principal anxiogenic stimulus. A range of centrally acting drugs have been tested in this situation. Chlordiazepoxide, nitrazepam, flunitrazepam, and flurazepam all increase SI, as does buspirone, CL 218872, suriclone, sodium valproate, and nicotinamide in the model described. Anxiogenic agents FG 7142 and yohimbine reduced SI without significant modification of motor activities. However, the stimulant amphetamine increased all behaviours in this condition. Amphetamine also increased all behaviours when rats were tested with their cagemates, when the desire for SI is largely satiated. CL 218872 also increased SI in this second situation, and it is suggested that this agent may have a non-specific component in its action in this test. Additionally, caffeine, theophylline, and piracetam may also have non-specific behavioural actions in this model.
129 citations
TL;DR: A positive correlation was found between strong suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts and self-aggressivity and low concentration of 5-HIAA in CSF and a less significant but still positive correlation with abnormal DST response and with clinical response to the treatment.
Abstract: 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and cortisol in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), response of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST) and the clinical response to treatment with 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTp) plus carbidopa were studied in a group of 21 depressed inpatients (major depression with melancholia) in order to correlate biological findings with psychopathologicalones. A positive correlation was found between strong suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts and self-aggressivity and low concentration of 5-HIAA in CSF and a less significant but still positive correlation with abnormal DST response and with clinical response to the treatment.
98 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that adoptive fathers of children with aggressive conduct disorder less often had alcoholism and antisocial personality than the natural fathers of nonadopted children with the same disorder.
Abstract: The authors found that adoptive fathers of children with aggressive conduct disorder less often had alcoholism and antisocial personality than the natural fathers of nonadopted children with the same disorder. This evidence suggests that social factors which are widely held to produce the disorder are not necessary causes.
75 citations
TL;DR: The biochemical correlates of the sensation seeking trait in normals including: gonadal hormones, monoamine oxidase, CSF norepinephrine, plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and serotonin are described.
Abstract: Mania is a clinical state that could be described as sensation seeking behavior out of control. This article describes the biochemical correlates of the sensation seeking trait in normals including: gonadal hormones, monoamine oxidase, CSF norepinephrine, plasma dopamine-beta-hydroxylase and serotonin. The findings on monoamines and their neuroregulators in manic and depressed states of bipolar affective disorders are also discussed. Some hypotheses are suggested that link the personality disposition with the variations in the clinical state, and make some high sensation seekers 'at risk' for the affective disorder.
61 citations
TL;DR: Experiments show that biochemical, physiological and/or pathological changes in an organism do not seem to be caused by the aversive or noxious nature of the stressor but by the ability or inability of the organism to deal with this stressor.
Abstract: The conventional sequence of stressful event (stressor) causing stress (biochemical and physiological changes) which, in turn, causes pathological consequences (diseases) is examined. A number of experiments are described which show that biochemical, physiological and/or pathological changes in an organism do not seem to be caused by the aversive or noxious nature of the stressor but by the ability or inability of the organism to deal with this stressor. If an individual can cope successfully with the environmental challenge, little or no stress is experienced, the challenge is viewed as only minimal stressful and no major health consequences seem to arise. If an individual cannot cope or needs a great deal of effort to cope, stress is experienced, the environmental event becomes stressful and major health consequences seem to arise. Thus, coping strategies available to and employed by an individual will determine whether or not stress is experienced, whether or not an event becomes stressful and whether or not pathological consequences will occur.
57 citations
TL;DR: The results can be taken as evidence that flupentixol has an impairing effect on human information processing resources; in particular functions related to motor preparation, perceptual analysis, and memory retrieval are affected.
Abstract: A new experimental paradigm for studying cognitive functions by means of endogenous event-related brain potentials is presented. The paradigm has the following characteristics: (1) subcomponents of ‘P300’ (P3a, P3b, positive slow wave) and subcomponents of ‘CNV (early and late wave) are separated in time; (2) probability effects known to work on P300 subcomponents are completely under experimental control; and (3) psychologically defined antecedent conditions which affect particular endogenous components can be manipulated precisely and independently of each other. The usefulness of the paradigm for monitoring pharmacopsychological effects on cognitive functions is exemplified by means of flupentixol (Fluanxol 0.5®). Reliable drug effects were observed with a dosage of 2 mg/day after 4 days of treatment. The results can be taken as evidence that flupentixol has an impairing effect on human information processing resources; in particular functions related to motor preparation, perceptual analysis, and memory retrieval are affected.
51 citations
TL;DR: Treatment-refractory depressed patients who objected to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were given a series of anesthesias with isoflurane (Forane), a modern and established inhalation anesthetic, which is the only drug known to effect an ES in the EEG in nontoxic concentrations.
Abstract: Treatment-refractory depressed patients who objected to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were given a series of anesthesias with isoflurane (Forane®), a modern and established inhalation anesthetic. Ac
49 citations
TL;DR: The somnopolygraphs of 26 sober chronic alcoholics were compared with those of an age-matched control group, after approximately 25 days of sobriety, and the sleep efficiency index and latency to sleep onset were significantly disturbed in alcoholic subjects.
Abstract: The somnopolygraphs of 26 sober chronic alcoholics were compared with those of an age-matched control group, after approximately 25 days of sobriety. The sleep efficiency index and latency to sleep on
45 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of specific drugs or neurotransmitter systems on cognitive functions are reviewed and a review of animal experiments is presented. But much of what we know about drugs' effects on memory is derived from animal experiments.
Abstract: In this article we review the effects of specific drugs or neurotransmitter systems on cognitive functions. While much of what we know about drugs’ effects on memory is derived from animal experiments
44 citations
TL;DR: The results are discussed with respect to the anti- and proconvulsant and convulsant activity of psychotropic drugs and their underlying mechanisms of action, particularly with regard to their interaction with central alpha-adrenergic mechanisms.
Abstract: Approximately 20% of Charles River rats which were chronically implanted with brain electrodes for EEG recordings exhibited within half a year of the implantation spontaneous, paroxysmally occurring,
TL;DR: 18 endogenous depressives who proved to be refractory to tricyclic antidepressive therapy were treated with periodic sleep deprivation under continued drug therapy, which led to a better result than would have been expected from drug therapy alone.
Abstract: For some time it has been known that total and partial sleep deprivation (in the second half of the night) produces an immediate antidepressive effect and a short-term effect of approximately 1-week d
TL;DR: A study was undertaken on the effects on pure manic syndromes of the reduction of intracytoplasmic ionized calcium by administration of a calcium antagonist, and four well-known bipolar patients (manic type) were significantly improved.
Abstract: A study was undertaken on the effects on pure manic syndromes of the reduction of intracytoplasmic ionized calcium by administration of a calcium antagonist. Four well-known bipolar patients (manic type) were significantly improved. 1 patient was rapidly cured, though in this case (first attack in a young man) the possibility of spontaneous remission could not be excluded. 2 patients showed no improvement, suffering from a secondary manic state related to the onset of cerebral atrophy. If confirmed, these results should orientate future research in primary manic syndromes and in the mode of action of lithium on calcium metabolism.
TL;DR: Findings reinforce the value of lumbar puncture and CSF analysis in acute psychiatric disorders.
Abstract: In a prospective study, an abnormal white cell count and/or elevated protein concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was observed in 14/54 patients (26%) with acute psychiatric disorders, but i
TL;DR: It is seen from the results of the clinical global impression that the members of the paroxetine group improved most of all in the somatic symptoms, while considering their moods the authors found no differences between the groups.
Abstract: 21 depressed patients of the Basle University Psychiatric Outpatient Clinic were treated in a double-blind study with paroxetine and amitriptyline. 11 of these patients did not continue the trial until the end of the 7th week. There was a significant difference in the number of dropouts between the two groups: 80% of the amitriptyline group did not continue until the end, while in the paroxetine group we found only 30% dropouts. The patients of both groups showed a gradual decrease of the median total scores on the Hamilton and the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scales. Although the number of patients who stayed in the trial for at least 4 weeks (8 with paroxetine, 6 with amitriptyline) is quite small, we see from the results of the clinical global impression that the members of the paroxetine group improved most of all in the somatic symptoms, while considering their moods we found no differences between the groups. Patients of both groups complained about side effects, most of all about dry mouth and tiredness. From the high rate of dropouts under amitriptyline we found that the side effects under this drug were more severe and therefore led to the dropouts.
TL;DR: In a group of female smokers, cortical evoked potentials (EP) were averaged to low and high intensity auditory stimuli which were presented during both task and non-task conditions and in separate smoking andnon-smoking sessions in relation to arousal and information processing.
Abstract: In a group of female smokers, cortical evoked potentials (EP) were averaged to low and high intensity auditory stimuli which were presented during both task and non-task conditions and in separate smoking and non-smoking sessions. Four individual EP peaks, P1,N1,P2,N2 and 3 peak-to-peak measures, P1-N2, N1-P2, N2-P2, were involved in amplitude analysis. Tobacco significantly interacted with intensity and task condition to produce both increases (P1, N1) and decreases (P2, P2-N2) in amplitudes of EP peaks. The results are discussed in relation to arousal and information processing.
TL;DR: The results indicate that the hormonal status should be taken into consideration in studies dealing with platelet MAO activity in depressed women.
Abstract: The influence of endocrine factors on monoamine oxidase activity (MAO) and on noradrenaline metabolism has been evaluated by measuring platelet MAO activity and plasma levels of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylene glycol (DOPEG), the major deaminated metabolite of noradrenaline, as well as serum levels of steroid hormones weekly in 9 young healthy women during one menstrual cycle A decrease in platelet MAO activity (correlated with high serum estradiol levels) was observed during the ovulatory period In contrast, plasma free or sulfoconjugated DOPEG remained unchanged throughout the menstrual cycle These results indicate that the hormonal status should be taken into consideration in studies dealing with platelet MAO activity in depressed women
TL;DR: The therapeutic efficacy and safety of oxiracetam (ISF 2522), a new nootropic cyclic GABA derivative, were investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 40 patients with organic brain syndrome in late life, characterized by memory deficits, intellectual dysfunction, lack of drive, and disturbance of affectivity.
Abstract: The therapeutic efficacy and safety of oxiracetam (ISF 2522), a new nootropic cyclic GABA derivative, were investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 40 patients with organic brain syndrome in late life. The psychopathology was characterized by memory deficits, intellectual dysfunction, lack of drive, and disturbance of affectivity. Patients were randomly assigned to a 4-week treatment with either 2 X 400 mg oxiracetam capsules t.i.d. or identical placebo capsules in the same dosing schedule. Evaluation of the psychopathology and side effects was carried out at weeks 0, 1 and 4; laboratory tests (hematology, blood chemistry and urinalysis), a battery of psychometric tests and quantitative EEG investigations were done at weeks 0 and 4. In the oxiracetam group a slight but significant improvement in global symptomatology was observed within 1 week, with further improvement after 4 weeks. In the placebo group, an improvement was seen only in the 4th week. Evaluation of the detailed psychopathology by means of the Sandoz clinical assessment geriatric scale (SCAG) showed in the oxiracetam group significant improvements in loss of appetite and vertigo after 1 week and in short-term memory, anxiety, emotional lability, fatigue, loss of appetite and vertigo after 4 weeks. In contrast, not a single item improved significantly during placebo treatment. Although the differences in SCAG scores between the two groups failed to reach statistical significance, the overall trend towards improvement was significantly better in the oxiracetam group. The tolerability of the drug was good.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
TL;DR: Investigation of the changes over time concerning prevalence of age psychosis and mortality among age psychotics in the Lundby Study during the 25-year observation period found a significantly lower mortality during the second time period was found among mentally healthy women.
Abstract: It has been suggested that persons suffering from age psychosis have benefited from social and medical improvement in the society so that they live longer with their illness than they did before. The
TL;DR: Tobacco significantly altered the amplitude of P2 in response to S1 and CNV amplitudes depending on the pre-experimental expired air carbon monoxide levels of the smokers.
Abstract: Sensory and slow cortical evoked potentials (EP) of female smokers were investigated under two conditions in separate sham and real smoking sessions: (1) a non-distraction (ND) condition consisting of
TL;DR: Results showed that auditory 'hallucinations' were more likely to occur after scopolamine than when subjects had received a placebo, and this change was attributed to the impairment of information processing induced by scopolamines.
Abstract: By means of a sensory conditioning procedure, auditory 'hallucinations' were produced in a set of subjects by pairing a light and a tone. The effect of two doses of scopolamine on the occurrence of these hallucinations was investigated, and the results showed that they were more likely to occur after scopolamine than when subjects had received a placebo. This change was attributed to the impairment of information processing induced by scopolamine.
TL;DR: It would seem that in conjunction with the other established neuroendocrine markers, the above-mentioned tests can be of assistance in determination of suicidal intent.
Abstract: 13 patients who had used violent means of parasuicide, e.g. jumping from a height and hanging were compared with 19 wrist-slashers. The former had significantly higher 24-hour urinary cortisol levels and significantly lower 24-hour norepinephrine to epinephrine ratio. It would seem that in conjunction with the other established neuroendocrine markers, the above-mentioned tests can be of assistance in determination of suicidal intent.
TL;DR: It is concluded that alcohol affects signal detection performance under conditions of low signal probability, and individuals with a relatively low performance level are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol.
Abstract: The acute effects of alcohol (0.7 g/kg) on visual signal detection performance and critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) of normal volunteers were investigated using a signal detection theory analysis. When signal probability was low, alcohol affected the stimulus sensitivity and the reaction times of hits. Under a high signal probability these indices were not affected, whereas the response bias did not change after the administration of alcohol under both signal probabilities. CFF values were not altered by alcohol. A correlation was found between the magnitude of the alcohol effect and the performance level under placebo. Changing the signal probability caused significant differences between the sensitivity measures, the response bias measures and the reaction times of hits. It is concluded that alcohol affects signal detection performance under conditions of low signal probability. Individuals with a relatively low performance level are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol.
TL;DR: In autopsy brain samples from 19 elderly schizophrenic patients and controls, data from the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens demonstrate altered catecholamine metabolism associated with cognitive impairment in these subjects, arguing for examination of catecholinamine metabolism with respect to dementia in a broad range of elderly subjects.
Abstract: Central catecholamine concentrations were determined in autopsy brain samples from 19 elderly schizophrenic patients and controls. Data from the hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens demonstrate altered catecholamine metabolism associated with cognitive impairment in these subjects. Both loci show decrements of norepinephrine concentrations, while the nucleus accumbens samples also show increased dopamine, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol concentrations associated with dementia in these subjects. The data argue for examination of catecholamine metabolism with respect to dementia in a broad range of elderly subjects.
TL;DR: A significant association between narcolepsy and the symptoms of schizophrenia is found and Premorbid history of organic brain disease was associated with mental illness, but was nonspecific for psychopathology.
Abstract: Twenty-eight patients with narcolepsy are compared to a sex- and age-matched control population with regard to the frequency of psychiatric symptoms. The occurrence of psychiatric syndromes in narcolepsy patients is also examined. The frequency of psychiatric illness in patients with cataplexy or hypnagogic/hypnopompic hallucinations is evaluated as well. Analysis with the Mann-Whitney test found a significant association between narcolepsy and the symptoms of schizophrenia. Premorbid history of organic brain disease was associated with mental illness, but was nonspecific for psychopathology.
TL;DR: The majority of the patients received concurrently more than 1 neuroleptic, medications from 2 or more categories, and neuroleptics combined with other agents, and polypharmacy appeared to be universal in this population.
Abstract: Prescription practices were examined as part of a multinational study of chronic hospitalized schizophrenic patients. The study included a total of 768 patients from 8 countries. All patients had a diagnosis (ICD-9) of schizophrenia and met defined criteria for chronic hospitalization. The patients were treated with psychotropic drugs from 6 categories, i.e., neuroleptics, antidepressants, lithium salts, anxiolytics, anticonvulsants, and antiparkinsonian medications, as well as with a variety of nonpsychotropic drugs. The majority of the patients received concurrently more than 1 neuroleptic, medications from 2 or more categories, and neuroleptics combined with other agents. Polypharmacy appeared to be universal in this population.
TL;DR: Findings concerning plasma noradrenaline are interpreted as an indication that the state of increased autonomic arousal of schizophrenic patients is closely linked to daytime social interaction.
Abstract: The 24-hour pattern of prolactin, cortisol and growth hormone (GH) secretion, and the diurnal variations of plasma catecholamine levels, were tested in a sample of DSM III schizophrenics and in a cont
TL;DR: Ninety-two outpatients with depressive disorders which met Research Diagnostic Criteria were treated either with mianserin or placebo in a 6-week controlled trial, showing a rate of drug response comparable to that achieved with a tricyclic antidepressant in a similar study done in the clinic.
Abstract: Ninety-two outpatients with depressive disorders which met Research Diagnostic Criteria were treated either with mianserin or placebo in a 6-week controlled trial. Twenty-four of 42 (57 %) mianserin-t
TL;DR: It was found that beta-blockade had the predicted effect on heart rate and peripheral temperature while diastolic blood pressure was unaffected and there was no general effect of the beta-blocking drugs on subjective anxiety.
Abstract: 14 phobic subjects were given propranolol (Inderal®), atenolol (Tenormin®) and placebo in a double-blind fashion according to a repeated measurement design. Subjects were exposed to their source of fe
TL;DR: LISA is applied to data sets from a clinical follow-up study and from a longitudinal study within developmental psychology and is shown to be a useful technique for the interpretation of such data.
Abstract: Longisectional interaction structure analysis (LISA) is a method for evaluating multivariate observations in a sample of individuals (patients) at two or more than two subsequent times (stages). It combines cross-sectional configural frequency analysis (CFA) for defining interactions between variables at a given stage with longitudinal interaction structure analysis (ISA) in relating variables observed at two subsequent stages, nonparametrically. The interactions are identified locally as types rather than globally as contingencies, where types are defined as (cross-sectional or longitudinal) patterns occurring in more individuals than expected under H₀ of no (cross-sectional or longitudinal) interaction. LISA is applied to data sets from a clinical follow-up study and from a longitudinal study within developmental psychology. It is shown to be a useful technique for the interpretation of such data.