The Relationship between Plasma Oxytocin Levels and Social Anxiety Symptoms

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of social anxiety disorder (SAD) is not yet well understood, but previous research has suggested that oxytocin is associated with social behavior and may play a role in human anxiety states and anxiety-related traits. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between social anxiety symptoms and plasma oxytocin levels. METHODS: Twenty-three male patients with SAD and 28 healthy male controls participated in this study. All participants were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify associations between plasma oxytocin levels and SAD. RESULTS: In multiple regression models, after controlling for age and years of education, we found that higher oxytocin levels were significantly associated with higher total LSAS scores (R²=0.157, coefficient=0.145, 95% CI=-0.0005–0.291, p=0.051) and fear subscale scores (R²=0.134, coefficient=0.083, 95% CI=0.007–0.159, p=0.034) in the SAD group. CONCLUSION: In this study, increased plasma oxytocin levels were associated with higher social anxiety symptoms among SAD patients, but not among controls. This might be because among SAD patients, higher oxytocin (OT) secretion is an insufficient compensatory attempt to reduce social anxiety symptoms.

The Effect of Korean-Type Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Korean-type cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBGT) in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD). METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with SAD completed the Korean-type CBGT for SAD. The Korean-type CBGT for SAD is characterized by Korean-culture specific methods such as paradoxical intention, video feedback, and Korean cultural receptivity process on the classical CBGT course. The main outcome measure was a self-report version of the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS-SR). RESULTS: After the treatment, the total score on the LSAS-SR had significantly improved (15.80+/-29.14, p=0.006, cohen's d=0.69), with both fear and avoidance subscales decreased (7.60+/-13.94, p=0.006 vs. 8.30+/-16.31, p=0.009, respectively). We also found significant correlation between the effect of the Korean-type CBGT (r=0.414, p=0.026) and the educational level of subjects. Accompanying pharmacotherapy for SAD did not elicit any differences in the treatment response. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the Korean-type CBGT was effective in the treatment of SAD patients in reducing both fear and avoidance symptoms.

Comparison of Clinical Characteristics Between Respiratory and Non-Respiratory Subtypes of Panic Disorder

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics of panic disorder respiratory subtype(PD-R) and non-respiratory subtype(PD-NR). METHODS: 84 patients with panic disorder were enrolled and divided into 2 groups, 29 PD-R and 55 PD-NR. Diagnosis of panic disorder was evaluated using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. They were also measured with Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety(HAM-A), Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression(HAM-D), and Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS). RESULTS: PD-R group showed significantly higher scores in PDSS than those of PD-NR group(p=.027). After controlling for the severity of panic disorder and gender, PD-R group showed higher HAM-D and somatic anxiety subscale of HAM-A than those of PD-NR group. Furthermore, results of logistic regression analysis suggested that the somatic anxiety was a possible risk factor of PD-R(OR=1.404,p=0.009). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that somatic anxiety and depressive symptom would be important clinical characteristics of PD-R.

Refeeding Syndrome Associated with Delusion in a Schizophrenic Patient

Refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening but treatable condition occurring in any patients with starvation. Electrolyte imbalance, especially hypophosphatemia and fluid shift result in metabolic changes in various systems. The authors reported a case of refeeding syndrome associated with prolonged starvation due to delusion and hallucination in a 38-year-old schizophrenia patient. Hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, edema and elevation of liver enzyme was occurred despite careful treatment. The symptoms were improved after consistent electrolyte supplement. Close observation and repetitive monitoring are important to prevent refeeding syndrome.

Effect Of Pentoxifylline, Aspirin, And Heparin On Skin Flap Survival And Bleeding Tendency In Rabbits

A Clinical Study On The Parotid Gland Tumors

Management of pleomorphic adenoma of the palate

No abstract available.