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Biomedical subjects

D G Folks

Publications and source records attributed to D G Folks.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

The role of psychological factors in gastrointestinal conditions. A review pertinent to DSM-IV.

The authors reviewed the literature to assess the relationship between psychological factors and gastrointestinal conditions. The conditions that were found to be more relevant and worthy of future investigation were nonulcerative dyspepsia, inflammatory bowel disease (regional enteritis), and irritable bowel syndrome. The pertinent findings suggest that an important link exists between psychological factors and gastroenterological disorders, which supports the need for modification of the DSM-III-R's diagnostic category, "Psychological Factors Affecting Physical Condition." In concert with a subcommittee addressing other organ systems and psychological factors, the authors conclude that a diagnostic approach with greater utility would be useful for both researchers and clinicians. A conceptual framework as proposed in DSM-IV could also advance knowledge of psychological factors and their contribution or role in the etiology, perpetuation, and exacerbation of certain gastrointestinal conditions.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1992

The role of psychological factors in dermatologic conditions.

Knowledge about the psychiatric factors affecting dermatologic illness is far from conclusive. Studies in the past decade have strengthened concepts regarding associated psychological factors. Many dermatologic conditions are now considered in the context of genetic predisposition, personality, and biopsychosocial factors. Several psychotropic medications have been observed to affect dermatologic conditions. This article reviews the research and clinical reports of the past decade that address nosologic and diagnostic aspects of psychological factors affecting dermatologic conditions. This article is a result of the efforts of a work group to propose revisions to the DSM-III-R diagnostic category of psychological factors affecting physical condition and supports the need for a systematic, nosologic schema that would potentially increase our knowledge and improve our understanding of this important psychosomatic domain.

Humans↗
PubMed1991

The relationship of high-intensity signals on magnetic resonance images to cognitive and psychiatric state in Alzheimer's disease.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the relationship between white-matter changes on magnetic resonance images and behavior are unclear. Therefore, magnetic resonance images, cognition, and psychiatric state were assessed in patients with AD with depression (AD/DEP; n = 18) and without depression (AD; n = 45), older depressed patients (n = 12) and older normal individuals (n = 25). High-intensity signals in the cortex and subcortical regions were similar in number and proportions among all groups, even when hypertensive patients were excluded. No correlations to cognitive or psychiatric state were found. Periventricular signals were categorized using a 1- (absent) to 6- (thick, irregular caps and stripes) point scale. The categories were similar among groups except that patients with AD exhibited more category 5 changes than did normal subjects, neuropsychological performance was significantly worse in patients with AD who had category 5 and 6 changes when compared to those in category 1. These results suggest that periventricular changes may predict poor neuropsychological performance in patients with AD. However, neither deep white-matter lesions nor periventricular changes are useful for diagnostic purposes.

Aged↗
PubMed1991

Alternatives to lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness affecting a large number of Americans. While lithium, the treatment of choice for this disorder, is usually effective, a substantial number of individuals with bipolar disorder are not helped by lithium or are intolerant to its side effects. Consequently, investigators are searching for alternative drugs in order to treat lithium-resistant patients. Although a number of alternative drug treatments have been discussed in the literature, only the anticonvulsants carbamazepine and valproate appear to warrant serious consideration at this time. Future research will further define their roles as antimanic agents.

Bipolar Disorder↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The clinical validity of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale in staging Alzheimer's dementia.

Considerable heterogeneity exists in the criteria used for the establishment of stages of impairment for patients with dementia. The valid distinction of stages is important both for clinical interpretation and the study of dementia. This study reports on the use of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS) in staging dementia. Using a sample of 42 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer-type dementia, DRS performance and a rating of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) were compared with clinical ratings of dementia severity. Total DRS score provides a clinically valid measure of stage of impairment and appeared to provide a better distinction among stages than IADL score. However, use of the IADL score in conjunction with total DRS may improve correspondence with clinical staging over use of the total DRS score alone. Normative data for the DRS are also provided.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Culture as a variable in drug therapy.

Few studies exist on culture as a variable in psychopharmacological intervention and response. Differences exist, but are they genetic? environmental? social?

Cultural Characteristics↗