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Biomedical subjects

B D Garfinkel

Publications and source records attributed to B D Garfinkel.

35 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Neuroendocrine aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

This article summarizes the existing neuroendocrine literature and reports the growth hormone response to stimulation with L-dopa and clonidine in male children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Because growth hormone secretion is regulated by monoamine neurotransmitters, hyposecretion of growth hormone may reflect generalized changes in the neurochemical substrate of this disorder. With refinement, these neuroendocrine challenge tests may become unique biologic markers in identifying attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Psychiatric diagnosis and behavioral characteristics of phenylketonuric children.

This study evaluated the psychiatric characteristics and the behavioral effects of an acute load of phenylalanine on phenylketonuric children. The sample consisted of 13 normal-IQ children who were identified at birth as having phenylketonuria and were subsequently treated with a strict low phenylalanine diet. After baseline measurements, the subjects were loaded with placebo or phenylalanine following a double-blind design. Behavioral and metabolic variables were monitored at hourly intervals for five subsequent hours. The effects of acute loading were measured by changes in a standardized Continuous Performance Task (CPT). Psychiatric symptoms were compiled through a structured psychiatric interview of the child and the parent. Results demonstrated that phenylalanine loading, compared to placebo, caused a nonsignificant decrement in performance on CPT testing. Psychiatric disorders were found in six of the 13 subjects with three currently meeting criteria for attention deficit disorder (ADD). In addition, six other subjects were diagnosed in the past as having ADD using DSM-III criteria.

Adjustment Disorders↗
PubMed1983

The computerized continuous performance task: a new measure of inattention.

Attentional performance was measured using a computerized continuous performance task, several psychometric tasks, and ratings of classroom behavior. Subjects were 51 children in the inpatient and day hospital programs of a psychiatric hospital. The relationship between performance on the computerized task and all other measures was examined. Results indicated that the continuous performance task significantly correlated with several other psychometric measures of inattention, ratings of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The CPT had slightly better sensitivity and the same specificity as the Conners Teacher Rating Scale in identifying Conduct and Attention Deficit Disordered children. Implications for the use of the computerized continuous performance task as a screening measure for attentional difficulties is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Suicide attempts in children and adolescents.

In a review of pediatric hospital emergency room admissions over 7 years, the authors found 505 children and adolescents who had attempted suicide. There were three times as many girls as boys, and the boys were significantly younger. Features that distinguished them from matched controls were religion, living situation, substance abuse, current psychiatric illness, prior psychotherapy, and current medical illness. Their families had more psychiatric illness (primarily drug or alcohol abuse), suicide, paternal unemployment, and paternal and maternal absence than the controls' families. The suicide attempts usually occurred in the winter, after school or in the evening, at home with someone nearby, and by drug overdose.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Responses to methylphenidate and varied doses of caffeine in children with attention deficit disorder.

Six children with the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder were treated as day hospital patients, using different stimulant medication. They were studied in a double-blind crossover experiment in which they received caffeine in low dose or in a high dose. Methylphenidate was added to both dosages, as well as administered alone. Results indicated that caffeine in low dosage when added to methylphenidate was superior to all other treatment conditions. Caffeine in low dosage could not be differentiated from 10 mg of methylphenidate. High dosage caffeine was not different from placebo or no-drug conditions. This study offers evidence to support a curvilinear pattern of dose-response for caffeine, in attenuating the behavioural manifestations of this syndrome.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗
PubMed1975

Individual responses to methylphenidate and caffeine in children with minimal brain dysfunction.

Eight children with minimal brain dysfunction were studied for their individual responses to two stimulant medications--methylphenidate hydrochloride and caffeine citrate. Four types of behavioural responses were observed in the double-blind crossover experiment: four children responded favourably to both psychostimulants, one responded to methylphenidate alone and two responded to the placebo. The behaviour of one child deteriorated while he was taking methylphenidate and caffeine. In general, methylphenidate was superior to caffeine in diminishing hyperactive and aggressive behaviour. It is apparent that such stimulant medication exerts its therapeutic effects in these two areas primarily and would therefore be useful as one aspect of a complete treatment program for children with this syndrome.

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity↗
PubMed1975

Methylphenidate and caffeine in the treatment of children with minimal brain dysfunction.

In this double-blind, crossover study of 8 boys with minimal brain dysfunction, 20 mg of methylphenidate daily was significantly better than 160 mg of caffeine in controlling behavior, especially impulsivity and hyperactivity, and methylphenidate alone was superior to decaffeinated coffee and placebo. The tentative results of this study confirm the primary position of sympathomimetics in the pharmacotherapy of minimal brain dysfunction and, in addition, suggest the involvement of dopamine pathways in this disorder. The authors urge further study of this hypothesis.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1974

Suicide and depression in childhood and adolescence.

Suicide and depression in children and adolescents are reviewed. The true incidence of suicide in the pediatric population is not known because of under-reporting; suicide is, however, considered as a leading cause of death in this age group. Suicide in young children often reflects an immature comprehension of the state of death, combined with a wish to alter an intolerable living situation or to punish individuals significant in his environment. At age 14 the incidence of suicide increases markedly. These acts of self-destruction reflect a developmental process that follows puberty. During this period the youth experiences an impoverishment of values and controls, as well as an intensification of emotions and needs, resulting in extreme disequilibrium. In the late adolescent, as in the adult, suicide occurs commonly in response to real or imagined loss. Specific guidelines are set out for the assessment and management of the depressed and suicidal youth. Community and medical measures of a prophylactic nature are recommended in the belief that the rising incidence of suicide can be halted through an intensification of efforts on the part of the medical profession.

Adolescent↗