Biomedical subjects

S Torgersen

Publications and source records attributed to S Torgersen.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2002

Back-neck pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression: a population-based twin study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and epidemiological studies have shown an association between anxiety and depression and pain in the back and neck. The nature of this relationship is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the extent to which common genetic and environmental aetiological factors contribute to the covariance between symptoms of anxiety and depression and back-neck pain. METHODS: Measures of back-neck pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression were part of a self-report questionnaire sent in 1992 to twins born in Norway between 1967 and 1974 (3996 pairs). Structural equation modelling was applied to determine to what extent back-neck pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression share genetic and environmental liability factors. RESULTS: The phenotypic correlation between symptoms of anxiety and depression and back-neck pain was 0.31. Individual differences in both anxiety and depression and back-neck pain were best accounted for by additive genetic and individual environmental factors. Heritability estimates were 0.53 and 0.30 respectively. For back-neck pain, however, a model specifying only shared- and individual environmental effects could not be rejected. Bivariate analyses revealed that the correlation between back-neck pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression was best explained by additive genetic and individual environmental factors. Genetic factors affecting both phenotypes accounted for 60% of the covariation. There were no significant sex differences. CONCLUSION: The results support previous findings of a moderate association between back-neck pain and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and suggest that this association is primarily due to common genetic effects.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

The prevalence of personality disorders in a community sample.

BACKGROUND: To our knowledge, no previous studies of personality disorders (PDs) in a large representative sample of the common population have been conducted. METHODS: A representative sample of 2053 individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 years in Oslo, the capital of Norway, was studied from 1994 to 1997. Information about PDs was obtained by means of the Structured Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders, in conjunction with an interview recording demographic data. The subjects were interviewed primarily at home, but in some instances, also at the clinic. RESULTS: The prevalence of PDs was 13.4% (SE, 0.7). The prevalence rates (SEs) for specific PDs, irrespective of whether a person had 1 or more PD, were: paranoid, 2.4% (0.3); schizoid, 1.7% (1.6); schizotypal, 0.6% (0.2); antisocial, 0.7% (0.2); sadistic, 0.2% (0.1); borderline, 0.7% (0.2); histrionic, 2.0% (0.3); narcissistic, 0.8; (0.2); avoidant, 5.0% (0.5); dependent, 1.5% (0.3); obsessive-compulsive: 2.0% (0.3); passive-aggressive, 1.7% (0.3); self-defeating, 0.8%, (0.2). The prevalence of PDs was highest among subjects with only a high school education or less, and living without a partner in the center of the city. CONCLUSIONS: Personality disorders were found to be prevalent, with avoidant, schizoid, and paranoid PDs more common, and borderline PD less common than what is usually reported. Personality disorders tend to be more frequent among single individuals from the lower socioeconomic classes in the center of the city. It is impossible to determine what is cause and what is consequence from a cross-sectional study.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

MCMI-II personality traits and symptom traits in parents of children with selective mutism: a case-control study.

The etiology of selective mutism (SM) in children is unknown but is regarded as multifactorial. SM is frequently associated with social anxiety and language disorder or delay. The present study addresses SM and social anxiety as a familial phenomenon by comparing self-reported personality traits and symptom traits (Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory) in parents of 50 SM children with control parents. Personality and symptom traits reflecting social anxiety are also explored separately in the parents of SM children with and without a comorbid communication disorder. The results confirm SM and social anxiety as a familial phenomenon. Assessment and treatment planning should take this into account. The family data also suggest different family transmissions of SM and social anxiety in the SM group with and without a comorbid communication disorder.

Case-Control Studies↗

PubMed2001

A Norwegian psychiatric epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: This study reports results of a large-scale epidemiological investigation of the prevalence of mental disorder in Oslo. METHOD: A random sample of Oslo residents age 18-65 years was drawn from the Norwegian National Population Register. A total of 2,066 subjects, 57.5% of the original sample, were interviewed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview in 1994-1997. The mean age of the interviewed subjects was 39.3 years. RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence of all mental disorders was 32.8%, and the lifetime prevalence was 52.4%. Alcohol abuse/dependence and major depression had the highest lifetime prevalence and 12-month prevalences. All mental disorders were more prevalent in women than in men, with the exception of alcohol and drug abuse/dependence. Severe psychopathology (e.g., three or more diagnoses) was found in 14%-15% of the respondents. The lifetime and 12-month prevalences for all diagnostic categories except drug abuse/dependence were similar to those found in the United States Comorbidity Survey. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological data for Oslo show that the lifetime and 12-month prevalences of mental disorder are quite high, with alcohol abuse/dependence and major depression particularly frequent. The rates for women are higher than those for men for all diagnostic categories, except for alcohol and drug abuse/dependence.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Genetics of patients with borderline personality disorder.

An overview of the existing literature suggests that traits similar to BPD are influenced by genes. It is too early to say to what extent BPD is also influenced by genes, but because personality traits generally show a strong genetic influence, this should also be true for BPD. Nonetheless, if the equal-environment assumption were to be violated for MZ and DZ pairs, twin studies may be overestimating genetic effects and hiding the effect of common family environment. The less than-ideal reliability of measurements used in this research may also reduce the effects of genes and common environment while increasing the effects of unique or nonshared environment. The effect of genes on the development of BPD is likely substantial. The effect of common family environment may be close to zero. More studies, large and small, are needed to reach firmer conclusions about the influence of genetics on BPD.

Borderline Personality Disorder↗

PubMed1999

A psychometric-genetic study of schizotypal disorder.

This study aimed to clarify the structure and the etiological constituents of schizotypal disorder (SPD) by directly interviewing pairs of twins. A latent class analysis was applied to each individual's outcome for specified SPD items, such that each subject's phenotype could be redefined in terms of individual probabilities of class membership. Intraclass correlations were then calculated for each twin pair, and a standard univariate twin model applied. The best latent class analysis solution encompassed a model with four latent classes (three latent classes of SPD subjects, one of non-SPD). The intraclass correlations revealed a moderate to high heritability for two out of three SPD classes and for the modal class (a class composed of subjects that possessed a conditional probability of belonging to any of the SPD classes). Model fittings revealed considerable variation in the extent to which the different classes of SPD were influenced by additive genetic constituents or non-genetic factors. Although these data confirm the importance of genetic contributors in determining liability to SPD and the schizophrenia spectrum, they indicate that there is a relationship between psychometric multidimensionality and etiological heterogeneity in SPD.

Adult↗

PubMed1998

Neuroticism, coping and change in MCMI-II clinical syndromes: test of a mediator model.

The aim of the study was to examine prospectively whether coping mediated the relation between Neuroticism and change in different clinical mental syndromes. Assessments were conducted with 154 former psychiatric outpatients six and seven years after their initial contact with an outpatient clinic. Dispositional coping mediated the relation between Neuroticism and change in four of the nine clinical scales of the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-II) (Millon, 1987). High Neuroticism led to coping strategies of disengagement and the venting of emotions and to a lack of problem-focused coping, which in turn translated into a relative increase on the MCMI-II scales. The mediator model of coping was found to apply to the MCMI-II scales 'somatoform disorder', 'dysthymia', 'alcohol dependence' and 'thought disorder'. Results are discussed under the perspective of an integration of the positions of the transactional theory of stress and personality psychology.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1998

Coping styles predict change in personality disorders.

The present follow-up study is the first to investigate whether dispositional coping styles prospectively influence change in the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI-II) personality disorders. The sample consisted of 155 psychiatric outpatients who where investigated twice--namely six and seven years after their admission to the clinic. Coping styles prospectively predicted change in most of the MCMI-II personality disorders, whereas sex and age did not affect the outcome. The use of problem-focused coping and the seeking of social support improved the patient levels on the MCMI-II personality disorder scores. Dysfunctional coping styles such as selfdistraction, disengagement, use of alcohol or drugs, and venting of emotions, however, aggravated the patient MCMI-II personality disorders. Furthermore, the effects of coping patterns tended to be specific for single personality disorders.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1997

Maternal representations of patients with schizophrenia as measured by the Parental Bonding Instrument.

Maternal perceptions were assessed, using the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) in 19 subjects with schizophrenia, 14 subjects with borderline personality disorder and 15 non-clinical subjects. Subjects with schizophrenia and subjects with borderline personality disorder reported significantly less care and more overprotection than did non-clinical subjects. No significant differences were found in representations by subjects with schizophrenia and subjects with borderline personality disorders. To the extent that the reported negative maternal behaviour gives a true picture of childhood and adolescent experiences, it does not seem to be specific for schizophrenia, but may be one factor in the development of severe mental disorders.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1997

Personality and personality disorders predict development and relapses of major depression.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of personality deviations in the development and relapses of major depression. The study is based on an investigation of an initial sample of 298 psychiatric out-patients, who were re-evaluated after 6 years when the sample included 253 patients. SCID-R was used for assessment of possible relapses and new cases, and a logistic regression analysis was used to determine the best prediction of the recurrence of depression. Borderline personality disorders and dependency predicted relapses. In addition, borderline personality disorders, together with avoidant personality disorders, predicted the development of new cases. Comorbid clinical syndromes appear to be of no importance. These findings suggest that the comorbidity with personality deviations accounts for the chronicity and poor prognosis in major depression.

Bipolar Disorder↗

PubMed1996

Differential effects of coping in mental disorders: a prospective study in psychiatric outpatients.

The present follow-up study investigated the differential effects of dispositional coping styles on change in nine clinical syndromes of the Axis I spectrum of the DSM-III-R. Subjects were 155 psychiatric outpatients who were examined 6 and 7 years after their enrollment in the study. Coping accounted for up to 9% of the variance of symptom change over 1 year. As hypothesized, the effects of different coping styles varied considerably across the clinical syndromes. Active goal-oriented coping improved symptoms of the anxiety and the dependency spectrum; seeking social support had beneficial effects on symptoms of the depressive spectrum. The effects of the coping styles distraction, use of alcohol and other drugs, and focusing on and venting of emotions were detrimental, but again in a specific way. The results suggest that the differentiation of outcome criteria for coping is important.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1996

Schizotypal disorder: at the crossroads of genetics and nosology.

The aim of this paper is to review the available evidence in support of the correctness of including the DSM-III/III-R schizotypal personality disorder (SPD) in the schizophrenia spectrum, to discuss the components that may account for the familial segregation of SPD, and to consider the implications for research and clinical use of this diagnostic category. The majority of the available data from genetic epidemiology studies, starting from probands with schizophrenia or with SPD, suggest that SPD is one of several phenotypes of liability for the schizophrenia spectrum. Recent twin studies suggest that the affect-constricted and eccentric aspects of SPD are the features that truly belong to the spectrum of schizophrenia, sharing important genetic influences. However, other components are more useful for the identification of SPD in clinical settings, and these may be the specific focus of treatment. The present categorization appears to be a reasonable trade-off for the purposes of both the investigator and the clinician, even though different components within SPD may have different origins and can be selectively emphasized according to the different aims involved.

Humans↗

PubMed1995

Immunocompetent cells adjacent to stainless steel and titanium miniplates and screws.

Subepithelial soft tissue and bone obtained from the implant bed in the vicinity of stainless steel and titanium miniplates and screws were evaluated with respect to the presence of immunocompetent cells. The study included tissue specimens from 19 patients, in whom the implants (14 stainless steel and 5 titanium) had been in situ for more than 6 months. The ABC (avidin-biotin-complex) immunoperoxidase staining technique using monoclonal antibodies defining T lymphocytes (CD3+), macrophages (CD11c+) and Class II MHC (HLA-DR) was performed on EDTA demineralized, frozen bone tissue, and on fresh frozen soft tissue specimens. The results showed scattered T lymphocyte clusters, small numbers of macrophages and abundant expression of HLA-DR in the soft tissue adjacent to both stainless steel and titanium implants. There was no substantial difference in tissue reactions between implants of the two materials. The demineralized bone sections disclosed presence of immunocompetent cells in the connective tissue lining the periphery of the screw holes. Metal particles were seen in both the soft tissue and the bone specimens. We conclude that a mild tissue reaction takes place in the vicinity of miniplates and screws of stainless steel and titanium, and that the intensity of the reaction indicates that the implants are well tolerated by the host tissue.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Metal particles and tissue changes adjacent to miniplates. A retrieval study.

Peri-implant soft tissue and bone from 12 patients undergoing removal of stainless steel miniplates and screws after healing of jaw fractures were studied with regard to histomorphology and metal content. Three patients with titanium plates were also included. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis were used. Non-osseous tissue adjacent to devices of both materials showed fibrosis, including areas of mild chronic inflammation. The cellular picture was dominated by fibroblasts with small aggregates of lymphocytes and scattered macrophages. A connective tissue collar was found between the bone tissue and the screws of both stainless steel and titanium. Bone formation was also evident adjacent to screws of both materials. Stainless steel or titanium particles 5-50 microns in diameter were found in both soft tissue and bone next to implants of their corresponding bulk material. The amount of metal impregnation varied between individual sections, and fewer particles were found in the bone specimens than in soft tissue. The mild inflammatory changes were not restricted to areas of metal impregnation.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

A family study of anxiety disorders: familial transmission and relationship to mood disorder and psychoactive substance use disorder.

The prevalence of mental disorders in 76 first-degree relatives (parents and nontwin siblings) of 33 subjects with anxiety disorder was compared with the prevalence of mental disorders in 45 first-degree relatives of 20 subjects with mood disorder and 13 first-degree relatives of 6 subjects with psychoactive substance use disorder. All subjects were personally interviewed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Axis I (SCID I). Interrater reliability was high for most diagnoses. Significantly more first-degree relatives of subjects with anxiety disorder had panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder compared with relatives of probands with mood disorder. Significantly more female than male relatives of anxiety subjects suffered from anxiety disorders; there were no gender differences in the prevalence of anxiety disorders in relatives of mood and psychoactive substance use disorder (PSUD) subjects. The combination of anxiety and mood disorder was overrepresented in first-degree relatives of subjects with the same type of comorbidity. In relatives of subjects with mixed anxiety and psychoactive substance use disorder, but no mood disorder, there was an overrepresentation of PSUD; mainly alcohol abuse or dependence.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Genetics in borderline conditions.

The published and some unpublished studies of the genetic of borderline conditions are reviewed. It appears that the DSM-III-R borderline personality disorder is not genetically transmitted. The evidence for the genetic transmission of schizotypal personality disorder also appears weak. An examination of the 2 personality disorders reveals multidimensionality and heterogeneity. The borderline personality disorder seems to consist of 2 syndromes, an impulsive borderline and an empty borderline syndrome. The schizotypal personality disorder consists of 3 syndromes, one affect-constricted/eccentric, one pseudo-psychotic and one paranoiac isolated syndrome. The impulsive borderline, the affect-constricted/eccentric and the pseudo-psychotic syndromes seem slightly genetically influenced. The affect-constricted/eccentric syndrome appears to be genetically related to schizophrenia. No other Axis I disorders are related to borderline conditions.

Borderline Personality Disorder↗

PubMed1994

Personality deviations within the schizophrenia spectrum.

The aim of this paper is to find out what kind of nonpsychotic personality features may have the same origin as schizophrenia and thus constitute a nonpsychotic alternative to schizophrenia. Family, twin and adoption studies are reviewed. The conclusion is that only schizotypal personality disorder seems to be etiologically related to schizophrenia. Among the schizotypal criteria, only eccentricity, affect constriction and excessive social anxiety are unequivically a nonpsychotic, etiologically linked alternative to schizophrenia.

Humans↗

PubMed1994

Family interaction: parental representation in schizophrenic patients.

12 monozygotic (MZ) and 19 same-sexed dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs discordant for DSM-III-R schizophrenia completed the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The schizophrenic twins described their parents as less caring and being more overprotective compared to their non-schizophrenic co-twins. These results were independent of age, sex and zygosity. Difference in paternal overprotection was the most important variable discriminating between the schizophrenic probands and their co-twins. Three different hypotheses regarding these findings are discussed.

Adult↗