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Biomedical subjects

C Bouwer

Publications and source records attributed to C Bouwer.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Pica and the obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders.

BACKGROUND: The concept of a spectrum of obsessive-compulsive related disorders may have clinical and research heuristic value in the approach to disorders similar to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in respect of phenomenology and psychobiology. Like other repetitive and ritualistic behaviours, pica may be postulated to fall at times on this spectrum. METHODS: Five cases of pica seen at our clinics are presented here in order to test this hypothesis. Phenomenology, neurobiology (where available) and pharmacotherapy data are provided in order to consider a possible relationship with OCD and OCD spectrum disorders. RESULTS: In 2 of the cases, pica appeared to be a compulsion and patients had additional symptoms which met diagnostic criteria for OCD. In 2 of the cases, the clinical picture and neurobiological data were reminiscent of an impulse control disorder. Four of the 5 patients responded to treatment with a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SRI). CONCLUSION: These results are consistent with a hypothesis that at least some cases of pica may usefully be conceptualised as lying within a compulsive-impulsive spectrum of symptoms and disorders.

1-Naphthylamine↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A neuro-evolutionary approach to the anxiety disorders.

BACKGROUND: Advances in our understanding of the anxiety disorders and in the application of evolutionary principles to medicine provide the possible basis for a neuro-evolutionary approach to these conditions. In this paper, initial steps taken towards such an approach are described. METHODS: Neuro-evolutionary accounts of each of the anxiety disorders have been offered. Notably, several of these accounts have suggested that particular anxiety disorders are mediated by specific brain-based false alarms. This paper reviews the strengths and weaknesses of such accounts. RESULTS: The false suffocation alarm of panic attack is the most fully elaborated of the neuro-evolutionary accounts of an anxiety disorder. However, viable neuro-evolutionary approaches have also been offered for other anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia. CONCLUSIONS: Further work is necessary to consolidate a neuro-evolutionary approach to the anxiety disorders. Although the theoretical basis for such an approach has become increasingly appealing over the last several years, this foundation requires supplementation by further empirical research.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Trichobezoars in trichotillomania: case report and literature overview.

OBJECTIVE: Although trichobezoars are well described in the surgical literature, there is relatively little in the psychiatric literature on them. This study aims to focus the attention of readers on trichobezoars by means of a case report and an overview of the literature. METHOD: We present a case of a patient with trichotillomania and a trichobezoar, including psychiatric management. We also briefly review the relevant literature. RESULTS: Hair-pulling significantly improved in response to treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine and supportive psychotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The medical and psychiatric sequelae of trichotillomania should not be underestimated. Pharmacotherapy may be play a useful role in some patients with this disorder.

Adult↗