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Biomedical subjects

F B Glaser

Publications and source records attributed to F B Glaser.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Obsessive and compulsive characteristics of alcohol abuse and dependence: quantification by a newly developed questionnaire.

The purpose of the this study was to develop an instrument for measuring the obsessive and compulsive characteristics of drinking-related thought and behavior in subjects who abuse or are dependent on alcohol, and to quantify the extent to which drinking-related thought and behavior in these subjects resemble the obsessions and compulsions seen in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). To achieve these goals, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was modified to reflect obsessionality and compulsivity specifically related to heavy drinking rather than to obsessions and compulsions generally. The modified Y-BOCS (Y-BOCS-hd) was administered to 62 subjects satisfying DSM-III-R criteria for alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence and 62 matched normal controls. The data showed that the Y-BOCS-hd is a sensitive and specific instrument for measuring the obsessive and compulsive characteristics of drinking-related thought and behavior in alcohol-abusing and alcohol-dependent populations, and that there are specific and quantifiable similarities between these characteristics and the obsessions and compulsions of OCD. The data also indicated that the Y-BOCS-hd may be a useful screening instrument for the presence of alcohol abuse and dependence.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Obsessive and compulsive characteristics of craving for alcohol in alcohol abuse and dependence.

The purpose of this study was to quantify the extent to which subjective ratings of craving for alcohol in the alcohol-abusing or dependent person (herein, alcoholic) correlate with measurable and specific characteristics of obsessions and compulsions. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified to reflect obsessionality and compulsivity specifically related to heavy drinking (Y-BOCS-hd) was used for this purpose. Highly significant correlations were found in the alcoholic population (n = 62) between subjectively rated craving for alcoholic beverages and several of the Y-BOCS-hd questions regarding alcohol-related thoughts and drinking behavior. Additionally, mean craving scores were considerably greater in the alcoholic population than in the matched control population (n = 62). The data suggest that craving shares specific features in common with the obsessions of obsessive-compulsive disorder and that the existence of craving is dependent on the presence of obsessive thoughts about drinking. Positive correlations between craving and measures of compulsive drinking behavior also were found; compulsive drinking behavior, however, may reflect the consequences of craving rather than a fundamental characteristic of craving itself. The data show that despite difficulties in defining the term craving, it is clearly a phenomenon that is experienced or endorsed by most alcoholic subjects and is not by most persons who do not abuse alcohol.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Psychiatric screening of alcohol and drug patients: the validity of the GHQ-60.

The 60-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) were administered to 501 patients presenting for assessment or treatment of alcohol or drug problems at the Addiction Research Foundation, Toronto, Canada. The GHQ proved to be a useful, if limited, instrument for routine screening for psychiatric disorders other than substance abuse in this population. The sensitivity or "utility" of the test at the optimum threshold score was considerably lower in this sample than in medical or community samples. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis suggests a need for an upward revision of the cut-off score to 23/24 inpatients with alcohol or drug problems. At this threshold, sensitivity was 69%, specificity 75%, positive predictive value 77%, negative predictive value 66%, and overall misclassification rate 29%. A definition of "caseness" was used that included all DIS Axis I disorders with the exception of substance use and "cognitive impairment." Sensitivity of the GHQ was highest for the affective disorders (79%). False negatives accounted for the bulk (61%) of the misclassification rate. At the threshold score of 23/24, positive predictive values were greater for the unemployed and for patients with either no current substance use disorder or with both alcohol and drug disorders.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

Components of care for patients with schizophrenia.

To assist in the planning of mental health services for Metropolitan Toronto, the Mental Health Care Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto District Health Council convened a Task Force on Mental Health Epidemiology to help determine the need for services for patients suffering from schizophrenia. As part of its work, the Task Force described components of care which comprise a comprehensive treatment model. Underlying this approach was the recognition that many efficient, effective interventions for the treatment of schizophrenia have been developed and evaluated, but few attempts have been made to apply these various interventions in a systematic, comprehensive manner. This report presents an inventory of state-of-the-art approaches to dealing with schizophrenia which should be of interest both to practicing clinicians and health care planners.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

The prevalence of psychiatric disorders in patients with alcohol and other drug problems.

A survey evaluated the lifetime and current prevalence of mental disorders in 501 patients seeking assistance with alcohol and other drug problems at an addiction research and treatment facility. Information was gathered using the National Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) and computer diagnoses were generated according to DSM-III criteria. Four fifths (78%) of the sample had a DIS lifetime psychiatric disorder in addition to substance use, and two thirds (65%) had a current DIS mental disorder. Excluding the unreliably diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder, the most common lifetime disorders were antisocial personality disorder, phobias, psychosexual dysfunctions, major depression, and dysthymia. Patients who abused both alcohol and other drugs were the most psychiatrically impaired. Patients with DIS psychiatric disorders had more severe alcohol and other drug problems. Barbiturate/sedative/hypnotic, amphetamine, and alcohol abusers were the most likely to have a DIS mental disorder.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Alcohol and drug problems: a challenge to consultation-liaison psychiatry.

Although alcohol and drug problems are prevalent in the population at large and among patients in general hospitals, they have not been a major concern of consultation-liaison psychiatry. A setting in which all psychiatric consultations are directed to such problems, the Clinical Institute of the Addiction Research Foundation, is described, and parameters of its consultation experience are explored. It is suggested that dealing with alcohol and drug problems should become an integral aspect of consultation-liaison psychiatry. Such a development may prove to be especially fruitful in teaching a comprehensive approach to patient care.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1978

Use of the life table method in determining attrition from treatment.

Life table analysis of attendance at an outpatient clinic indicates levels of attrition similar to those reported by follow-up and other studies of treatment for drug dependence. With appropriate qualifications, rates of attrition may be viewed as measures of treatment outcome.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1975

Relationship between treatment facilities and prevalence of alcoholism and drug abuse.

Data are presented which suggest that, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the availability of treatment of drug abuse and alcoholism is inversely related to the prevalence of the problems. It is hypothesized that as the treatment response to one increases, the treatment response to the other declines. Some of the possible causes and consequences are outlined.

Alcoholism↗