PubMed · 105131
The source did not provide an abstract. Follow the original record for more information.
Explore connections, maps & timelines
J H Greist, M H Klein, R R Eischens, J Faris, A S Gurman, W P Morgan. 1978. Running through your mind.. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(78)90049-1
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.
KEEP EXPLORING
Most heart transplant candidates are equipped with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). LVAD therapy is associated with characteristic psychiatric and psychosocial problems. To investigate the mental states of heart transplant candidates, psychiatric diagnosis, psychological or behavioral problems, and the need for treatment were evaluated around the time of registration to the waiting list and during follow-up. Saitama Medical University Hospital has been designated a hospital for heart transplantation since October 2002. The subjects were 14 heart transplant candidates (9 male candidates and 5 female candidates, mean age 29 years) at the hospital from September 1997 to October 2005. These 14 candidates were equipped with LVADs. The waiting periods on LVAD support were from 119 days to 1028 days, and the average waiting period was 313 days. Six candidates among the 14 had more than one DSM-IV diagnosis. Seven candidates were diagnosed with adjustment disorder, which was the most frequent diagnosis. Three candidates had depressive disorder, one had psychotic disorder, and one had dissociative disorder. Three candidates had acute cognitive dysfunction (delirium) due to their general medical condition. All three had other disorders with mainly psychological elements. Nine candidates (64%) were diagnosed with disorders with mainly psychological elements. Antipsychotics were used for the candidates in psychotic states and with delirium, and there was a need for crisis intervention. Antidepressants and antianxiety drugs were used for the candidates with depressive disorder; they needed intensive observation. Four candidates (28%) needed some attention and some antianxiety drugs or hypnotics. Psychiatric interventions were not necessary in five candidates (36%).
BACKGROUND: There is no generally accepted instrument for measuring quality of life (QOL) in patients with ALS. Current instruments are either too heavily weighted toward strength and physical function or useful for the evaluation of individuals but of less utility in assessing large samples. OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an ALS-specific QOL instrument (the ALSSQOL) that would reflect overall QOL as assessed by the patient and would be valid and reliable across large samples. METHODS: The ALSSQOL is based on the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MQOL), modified by changes in format and by adding questions on religiousness and spirituality, items derived from interviews with ALS patients, and items identified from open-ended questions administered during the MQOL. The psychometric properties of the ALSSQOL were assessed by a prospective multicenter study in which participants completed the ALSSQOL, other instruments measuring overall QOL, and instruments assessing religiousness, spirituality, and psychological distress. RESULTS: A 59-item ALSSQOL was developed; 342 patients evaluated its psychometric properties. Completion time averaged 15 minutes. Forty-six items loaded on six factors. The ALSSQOL demonstrated concurrent, convergent, and discriminant validity for the overall instrument and convergent validity for its subscales. Analysis of individual items permitted insight into variables of clinical importance. CONCLUSIONS: This new ALS-specific quality of life instrument is a practical tool for the assessment of overall quality of life in individuals with ALS and appears to be valid and useful across large samples. Validation studies of a shortened version are now under way.
To study different aspects of regional pre-synaptic brain (123)I-beta-CIT uptake on serotonin and dopamine re-uptake sites in drug-free suicide attempters in comparison with age- and sex matched control subjects, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) measurements were analysed for regional serotonin re-uptake (5HTT) and dopamine re-uptake (DAT) capacity (binding potential, BP()) after i.v. (123)I-beta-CIT administration. All suicide attempters were examined concerning seriousness of the attempt, and DSM-IV diagnosis. Both suicide attempters and control subjects were tested for psychotropic drugs, and completed the Marke-Nyman Temperament (MNT) test, including solidity (level of impulsiveness/initiative) and validity (level of mental energy). We found no significant difference between suicide attempters and control subjects concerning the regional levels of 5HTT BP() or DAT BP(). However, in suicide attempters, but not controls, we found significant regional correlations between MNT variables and SPECT results. We interpret the discrepant findings in suicide attempters and control subjects to be due to a disability of the suicide attempters to regulate their serotonin and dopamine levels, e.g. in response to external stress.