Showing papers in "Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)) in 2004"

The genetics of eating disorders.

Abstract: The eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa traditionally have been viewed as sociocultural in origin. However, recent behavioral genetic findings suggest substantial genetic influence on these disorders. Molecular genetic research of these disorders is in its infancy, but initial results are promising. This article reviews findings from family, twin, and molecular genetic studies that support substantial genetic influences on disordered eating and highlights additional areas for future research.

Borderline personality: a primary care context.

Abstract: BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER (BPD) IS A COMPLEX AXIS II Phenomenon that is typically described in a psychological or psychiatric context. In this article, we translate the various aspects of BPD to the primary care setting. Previous work in this area has explored specific relationships between BPD and individual medical disorders or between BPD and general somatic symptoms, but the synthesis of these findings and their augmentation with cogent psychological theory is new to the field. Specifically, we highlight the prevalence rate of BPD in the primary care setting, the effects on healthcare utilization, the themes of somatic preoccupation and somatization disorder, several medical syndromes that illustrate the dynamics of the disorder in the medical setting, and the relationship of BPD to disability. We believe that the BPD concept needs to extend beyond its traditional psychological/psychiatric borders to include the subset of BPD patients with somatic symptoms who are seen in primary care settings.

Computerized neurocognitive testing and its potential for modern psychiatry.

Abstract: PSYCHIATRISTS SHOULD REVISIT THE ISSUE OF HOW TO ASSESS, OBJECTIVELY AND reliably, patients' cognitive status. Cognitive disorders, like ADHD (attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder), and the various dementias are increasing in importance, and perhaps in number. The modern study of schizophrenia has focused on cognition as an outcome predictor; even the mood disorders can be associated, over time, with cognitive impairment. And with so many perfectly good drug alternatives in every therapeutic category, medications might be differentiated by virtue of their comparative effects on cognition. The best reason, however, is this: in clinical practice, cognitive assessment is either gross and insensitive or arduous and inordinately expensive.

Cognitive therapy for adjustment disorder in cancer patients.

Abstract: A DIAGNOSIS OF CANCER INTERRUPTS THE LIFE OF A PATIENT AND HIS OR HER FAMILY. Cancer treatment often entails continued investigation and therapy that typically has side effects and offers the repeated warning to be vigilant. Cancer is often a life-threatening illness. The field of psycho-oncology is well established, and clinical oncologists often have a good awareness of the psychological challenges cancer poses to their patients. Despite the nature of the stressor, it is important to note that the majority of cancer patients do not meet diagnostic criteria for any emotional disorder.(1) Rather, their psychosocial stress can be conceptualized on a continuum (Figure 1) from normal adjustment to diagnosable mental disorders.(2).

Hyperprolactinemia associated with risperidone: a case report and review of literature.

Abstract: This case report describes a 19-year-old Caucasian woman who presented to a state psychiatric facility with symptoms of depression and auditory hallucinations. She was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, depressed type, and was treated with risperidone and sertraline. Soon after initiation of drug therapy, the patient developed galactorrhea and dysmenorrhea, and her prolactin level was 171.6ng/mL (normal level 2.8-29.2ng/mL in adult women). Upon discontinuation of risperidone, the prolactin level dropped to 17.2ng/mL within one week. The patient was treated with quetiapine and titrated up to 800mg daily. Repeated prolactin levels continued to be normal during treatment with quetiapine. This case report and others from literature suggest that risperidone is associated with hyperprolactinemia, and that quetiapine is less likely to be associated with hyperprolactinemia.

Genetics of major mood disorders.

Abstract: The results presented in recent research suggest that nosology must be changed to reflect the genetic origins of the multiple disorders that are collectively described by the term bipolar disorder.

Evidence-based addiction medicine: the use of lofexidine for opioid detoxification.

Abstract: Is there any evidence that lofexidine is as effective as and better tolerated than clonidine for opiate detoxification? Could lofexidine be safely combined with other agents in the management of withdrawal? The purpose of this review is to seek answers to these postulates by using evidence-based testimony.

Symptom control and patient adherence to treatment: key goals in the treatment of psychosis.

Abstract: A CLINICIAN'S KEY GOALS WHEN TREATING PSYCHOSIS ARE TO control disease symptoms and to ensure patient adherence to treatment. Efficacy as well as side-effect profile are, therefore, the major selection criteria when choosing an antipsychotic medication.