Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of Children’s Depression Inventory 2 Short Version as a Screening Tool: A Comparison With the Standard 28-Item Version

Objective@#To investigate the reliability and validity of the Korean version of Children’s Depression Inventory 2 Short Version (CDI 2:S) in comparison with its full-length version (CDI 2) as a screening tool for depressive youth. @*Methods@#A total of 714 children from the community and 62 psychiatric patients were enrolled in this study. The Korean version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL-K) served as the reference standard for computing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. To evaluate the ability of the CDI 2 and CDI 2:S to discriminate major depressive disorders, areas under the curves (AUCs) were compared. To investigate psychometric properties of the CDI 2:S, internal consistency was calculated and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. @*Results@#For the CDI 2, the cutoff at 20 yielded the best balance between sensitivity (83%) and specificity (91%). For the CDI 2:S, the cutoff point of 10 resulted in high sensitivity (82%) and high specificity (93%). The short form was proven to be as sensitive and specific as the CDI 2. Further analyses confirmed that the CDI 2:S also had good reliability and validity. @*Conclusion@#The CDI 2:S, a sensitive and brief form of the CDI 2, may serve as a better option in time-constrained psychiatric settings.

Predicting Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease Transition:Role of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the association with the functioning of instrumental-activities of daily living (I-ADL) and future development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). @*Methods@#A total of 116 patients with MCI, aged 65 years to 91 years (male: 88, female: 91 at first visit), from a large hospital cen-ter in Korea, were identified. Those who developed at least two consecutive 1-year follow up were diagnosed according to the DSM-5criteria. @*Results@#When the same level of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores was given, it could be seen that the probability of AD transfer was predicted differently due to complex changes in I-ADL scores. Specifically, it was observed that with an MMSEscore of approximately 23.9 points, as the I-ADL points increase, the odds of transfer also increase approximately 6.1% (I-ADL low: 8.5 points) to 23.5% (I-ADL high: 31.4), therefore odds of transfer are 17.4% higher than I-ADL low condition. @*Conclusion@#The study suggested that even though cognitive problems were not observed due to high MMSE scores, severe damage to I-ADL could lead to AD. Applications may be limited, but such cases may require careful monitoring at the site.

Predicting Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer’s Disease Transition:Role of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the association with the functioning of instrumental-activities of daily living (I-ADL) and future development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). @*Methods@#A total of 116 patients with MCI, aged 65 years to 91 years (male: 88, female: 91 at first visit), from a large hospital cen-ter in Korea, were identified. Those who developed at least two consecutive 1-year follow up were diagnosed according to the DSM-5criteria. @*Results@#When the same level of Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores was given, it could be seen that the probability of AD transfer was predicted differently due to complex changes in I-ADL scores. Specifically, it was observed that with an MMSEscore of approximately 23.9 points, as the I-ADL points increase, the odds of transfer also increase approximately 6.1% (I-ADL low: 8.5 points) to 23.5% (I-ADL high: 31.4), therefore odds of transfer are 17.4% higher than I-ADL low condition. @*Conclusion@#The study suggested that even though cognitive problems were not observed due to high MMSE scores, severe damage to I-ADL could lead to AD. Applications may be limited, but such cases may require careful monitoring at the site.

The Korean Version of the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale: Clinical Utility in Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / 신경정신의학

Objectives@#To identify the clinical utility of the Korean version of the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (K-BDEFS) assessing executive functioning. @*Methods@#The patient group included 144 adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients visiting the Adult ADHD Outpatient Clinic of the National Center for Mental Health. Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and K-BDEFS were used. The control subjects were 144 age, sex, and education-matched general adults who participated in the study of the validity of the K-BDEFS in Samsung Medical Center. @*Results@#An analysis of the mean total K-BDEFS score, executive functioning symptom count, and ADHD-executive function (EF) index score revealed a significant difference between the adult ADHD and control group (p<0.05). Five subscales of the K-BDEFS, which assess the specific domains of the executive function, revealed a significant difference between the ADHD group and control group (p<0.05). The area under curve (AUC) of the K-BDEFS total score, the EF symptom count, and the ADHD-EF index were 0.943, 0.949, and 0.908, respectively, in the analysis using the receiver operating characteristic curve. All AUC values were over 0.90. Therefore, KBDEFS is a reliable and valid screening instrument for diagnosing adult ADHD. In an assessment of the sensitivity and specificity of the cutoff scores, a cutoff of 183.5 points for the K-BDEFS total score, 26.5 points for the EF symptom count, and 23.5 points for the ADHD-EF index showed a reliable sensitivity and specificity above 80%. @*Conclusion@#To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the predictive validity and clinical utility of K-BDEFS in adult ADHD. The results suggest that the K-BDEFS could be used as a valid and reliable tool for the diagnosis and clinical intervention of adult ADHD.

Restandardization of the Korean Personality Assessment Inventory: Comparisons with the Original Korean Version / 신경정신의학

Objectives@#This study examined the results of the restandardization of the Korean Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI). The Korean PAI was first standardized in 2001 and then restandardized in 2019 to establish new normative data. On the other hand, differences may exist in the results of the restandardized version considering the time interval, which may include cultural and social differences. Thus, differences between the results of the Korean PAI administered in 2001 and 2019 must be examined to confirm its new normative data followed by restandardization. @*Methods@#Data from 2212 adults who administered the original Korean PAI in 2001 and 1263 adults who administered the Korean PAI in 2019 were collected. The study compared the reliability and mean scores. In addition, the mean scores of the Korean PAI administered in 2019 were converted to T-scores adapted to the normative data of 2001. The collected data was analyzed using a t-test and comparing the T-scores. @*Results@#The internal consistency reliability showed a similar pattern in both versions, but the differences among the mean scores and T-scores appeared to be significant. @*Conclusion@#The significant differences between the scores of the Korean PAI administered in 2001 and 2019 reflect the result of the restandardization. Therefore, the restandardized version of the Korean PAI may bring more precise information that can be adapted to the contemporary era.

Association between Executive Functions and Time Perspectives in Patients with Adults Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the association between executive functions and time perspectives in patients with adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The executive function including self-management to time, self-organization/problem solving, self-restraint or inhibition, self-motivation, and self-regulation of emotion was analyzed. In addition, the time perspective, including past-negative, past-positive, present-hedonistic, present-fatalistic, future-negative, and future-positive, were investigated. The correlations between the executive functions and time perspectives were analyzed in an adult ADHD patient group. METHODS: Thirty-six participants were divided into 17 in the ADHD group and 19 in the Control group. The participants conduct psychological tests including Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale (BDEFS), ADHD Self-Report Scale, and the Swedish Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory to confirm their executive functions, attention, and time perspectives. The participants were recruited at Samsung Medical Center from April 2017 to November 2018. The collected data was analyzed using a t-test and Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The adult ADHD patients group showed significantly higher scores in the BDEFS and ADHD Self-Report Scale than the control group. In time perspective scores, the adult ADHD patients group was higher in the past-negative, present-hedonistic, present-fatalistic time perspectives than the control group. In addition, the adult ADHD patients group was lower in future-positive than the control group. In the adult ADHD patients group, the future-positive time perspectives were negatively correlated with the executive functions. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the negative time perspective is related to the executive function deficits in an adult ADHD group, particularly in the self-management of time, self-organization/problem solving, and self-motivation.

Trait Anxiety as a Mediator of the Association between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Severity and Functional Impairment

OBJECTIVE: Anxiety has been shown to influence functional impairment in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study aimed to compare functional impairment in subjects with and without adult ADHD and to investigate the associations among trait anxiety, functional impairment, and ADHD symptom severity. Moreover, the effects of ADHD symptom subtypes on trait anxiety and functional impairment were also examined. METHODS: The sample included 209 adults between the ages of 20 and 31 years. Fifty-one adults received a diagnosis of ADHD, and an additional age, sex-matched group of 51 adults comprised the adult control. Participants were assessed with Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Spielberg Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T), and the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). The relationships among ADHD severity, anxiety, and functional impairment were investigated using Pearson’s correlation analysis. Subtypes of ADHD symptoms that predicted anxiety and functional impairment were investigated using regression analyses. RESULTS: Adult ADHD patients significantly differed from normal control subjects according to BDI, STAI-T, and SDS assessment. Significant positive correlations were noted between ADHD severity, anxiety, and functional impairment. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed anxiety as a mediator between functional impairment and ADHD CAARS symptom subscales. CONCLUSION: Patients with adult ADHD showed higher levels of anxiety, depression, and functional impairment. Additionally, ADHD symptoms and anxiety impacted subject functional impairment. Our results suggest that anxiety may be a strong mediator between ADHD severity and functional impairment.

Clinical Utility of the Korean Version of the WHO Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale Screener

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the 18-item Korean version of the World Health Organization adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder self-report scale (ASRS) with the six-item ASRS Screener for predicting attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) group. METHODS: The study sample included 51 adult patients with ADHD and 158 normal controls. All participants completed the ASRS and were interviewed individually using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the ASRS (ASRS-18) with the ASRS Screener (ASRS-6) in Korean samples. RESULTS: The ADHD group had higher ASRS and ASRS subscale scores than those of the control group. ROC curve analysis revealed the ASRS was more powerful to predict ADHD group than the ASRS Screener, but the ASRS Screener also had strong concordance with clinician diagnoses. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the 18-question ASRS outperforms the six-question ASRS Screener. However, the weighted Screener is also a valid and useful screening instrument both in epidemiological surveys and in clinical settings.

The Relationship between Parental Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Characteristics, Executive Function and Parental Emotional Distress / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disease of high heritability. Parents of children with ADHD have high parenting stress and low parenting efficacy. In this study, we assessed parents' characteristics including inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, executive function, anxiety/depression severity level, child's ADHD symptom severity, and parents' emotional distress level. The relationships between severity of ADHD symptoms in children, cognitive and emotional characteristics in parents, as well as parenting stress and parenting efficacy were evaluated. METHODS: 96 parents participated in the study. Each parent assessed their child's ADHD symptom severity, their own ADHD symptom severity, as well as executive function, depression, anxiety, parenting stress and parenting efficacy. Collected data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean ADHD Rating Scale score of 53 children was 22.91 (±9.63). Of these, 26 (49.0%) were taking medication. Eight (8.3%) of the 96 parents had psychiatric illnesses and 12 (12.5%) had the possibility of ADHD. Mothers showed significantly higher levels of parenting stress (p < 0.001), depression (p=0.006), and parenting efficacy (p < 0.001) compared with fathers. The children's ADHD symptoms, severity, and parental depression were related to high parenting stress. The ADHD symptoms of parents were associated with high parenting stress (p=0.032). Parental executive function was significantly associated with low parenting efficacy (p=0.015). CONCLUSION: Children's ADHD symptoms severity, parental depression and ADHD symptom severity were significantly associated with high parenting stress. Parental executive function was significantly associated with low parenting efficacy. In addition to treating the children with ADHD, evaluation and treatment of parents' symptoms is needed in order to reduce parenting stress and provide a stable parenting environment.

Factor Structure of Burden in Dementia Caregivers : Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Zarit Burden Interview

OBJECTIVE: Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was the most commonly used measure of caregiver burden for demented older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate dimensions of caregiver burden through factor analysis of ZBI. METHODS: The participants were 706 outpatients with dementia and their caregivers in Korea. We assessed the caregiver burden using the Korean version of ZBI. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, for the purpose of identifying the most optimal factor structure through exploratory factor analysis in group 1 (n=368) and confirmatory factor analysis in group 2 (n=338). RESULTS: The results of exploratory factor analysis in group 1 suggested 3-factor structure, which was labeled ‘personal strain,’‘patient dependency,’ and ‘self-criticism.’ The confirmatory factor analysis results indicated the 3-factor structure which was discovered through exploratory factor analysis was the best-fitting model for explaining the caregiver burden in group 2. CONCLUSION: The current study has significant implications for advancing our understanding of ZBI as multidimensional burden scale. Furthermore, differentiating the dimensions may allow researchers to assess the effects of interventions more precisely.

Comparisons of Subthreshold Versus Full Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Distinguished by Subjective Functional Impairment Among Train Drivers: A Population-Based Nationwide Study in South Korea

OBJECTIVE: Subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (SPTSD), a condition that meets the full symptomatic criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without subjective functional impairment, has yet to be fully investigated. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of SPTSD. METHODS: The web-based survey including psychiatric diagnosis and experience of human error was conducted in actively working train drivers in South Korea. RESULTS: Of the 4,634 subjects, 103 (2.23%) were categorized as full PTSD and 322 (6.96%) were categorized as having SPTSD. Individuals with full PTSD showed higher impulsivity and anxiety compared to those with SPTSD and those without PTSD, while those with SPTSD had more frequent clinically meaningful depression, posttraumatic stress, and alcohol and nicotine dependence and significant human error. CONCLUSION: Despite not qualifying as a subjective functional disability, SPTSD still had significant psychiatric symptoms. More clinical attentions need to be given to the diagnosis and treatment of SPTSD.

Reliability and Validity of the Beck Depression Inventory-II among Korean Adolescents

OBJECTIVE: The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) is one of the most popular scales for evaluating the severity of depression in adolescents as well as adults. The prevalence of depression increases during adolescence, and it has shown a rapid increase with occurrence at an earlier age and a tendency to continue into adulthood. Data from an adolescent nonclinical sample provides us more information related to depressive symptoms as potential risk factors. The current study was designed to two objectives: 1) to analyze the reliability and validity the BDI-II among Korean adolescents and 2) to evaluate the factorial structure in a Korean nonclinical adolescent sample. METHODS: The participants included 1072 adolescent boys and girls. We assessed the internal consistency, corrected item-total correlation, and the convergent validity of the BDI-II. We also performed confirmatory factor analyses to determine the internal structure of the BDI-II for Korean adolescents using Mplus 6.1. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha for the BDI-II total score was 0.89. The correlation between the BDI-II and the PHQ-9 was strong (r=0.75), and anxiety-related measures were 0.68 and 0.71, which were also in the high range. Among the five different factor structures, the modified three-factor model demonstrated the best overall fit. CONCLUSION: The BDI-II is a reliable tool for measuring the severity of depressive symptoms in Korean adolescents. Therefore, the findings can provide basic information for examining the prevalence rate, intervention strategies for depression in adolescents.

Validation Study for the Korean Version of Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most prevalent unmet psychosocial needs. This study aimed to confirm the cultural equivalence, reliability, and validity of the Korean version of Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (K-FCRI). We conducted a forward–backward translation of the English version FCRI to Korean version through meticulous process including transcultural equivalence test. The psychometric property of the K-FCRI was then validated in 444 survivors from cancers at various sites. The Korean translation was accepted well by participants. There was a good cultural equivalence between the Korean version and the English version of FCRI. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original seven-factor structure with slightly insufficient level of goodness-of-fit indices (comparative fit index = 0.900, non-normed fit index = 0.893, root mean square error of approximation = 0.060). The K-FCRI had high internal consistency (α = 0.85 for total scale and α = 0.77–0.87 for subscales) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.90 for total scale and r = 0.54–0.84 for subscales). The K-FCRI had significant correlations with the Korean version of Fear of Progression Questionnaire, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Version 3.0, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Fatigue Severity Score, supporting the good construct validity and psychometric properties of K-FCRI. The K-FCRI was confirmed as a valid and reliable psychometric test for measuring FCR of Korean survivors from cancers at various sites.

Factors Associated with Caregiver Burden in Dementia: 1-Year Follow-Up Study

OBJECTIVE: Dementia symptoms (cognitive function, daily-living function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms) become more serious over time, which is likely to increase caregiver burden. The aim of this study is to investigate which dementia-related symptoms, and how the progression of these symptoms, have influenced caregiver burden during a 1-year follow-up assessment. METHODS: A total of 110 patients with dementia were assessed for their cognitive function, daily-living function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Caregivers were assessed for their caregiver burden. Bivariate analyses were conducted between caregiver burden and dementia patients' symptoms, in order to examine which particular symptoms were significantly associated with caregiver burden at the baseline. A multiple regression analysis was then conducted with each significantly associated variable with a view to identifying determinants, influencing caregiver burden. Additionally, bivariate analyses were conducted between the changes in caregiver burden and the changes in patients' symptoms, to investigate which patient variable could best describe caregiver burden from baseline to the 1-year follow-up. A multiple regression analysis was conducted with each significantly-associated change in symptom, in order to identify determinants that influence a change in caregiver burden. RESULTS: Neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as irritability, aberrant motor-behavior, delusions and disinhibition were found to be significant predictors of caregiver burden at baseline, according to multiple regression analysis. In addition, changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as delusions, agitation and memory-related functioning in daily-living significantly predict a change in caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that neuropsychiatric symptoms and memory impairment in daily-living functions are significant predictors of an increase in caregiver burden.

Reliability and Validity of the Korean Version of the Beck Hopelessness Scale / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) is a 20-item scale for measuring the extent of negative attitudes about the future. Previous studies repeatedly demonstrated clinical utility of BHS, particularly for predicting suicide. The aim of this study is to examine the reliability and validity of the Korean version of the Beck Hopelessness Scale (K-BHS), which is commonly used for measuring hopelessness. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 1022 community-dwelling general adults from 4 regional areas (i.e., Seoul, Gyeonggi, Cheongju, and Jinju) across South Korea. They completed the K-BHS, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha value for the K-BHS was 0.85. Test-retest reliability at average 7.2 days was 0.86. Discriminant validity was determined. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a three factor model. CONCLUSION: The K-BHS demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity and therefore may be useful in measuring the construct of hopelessness and in clinical suicide risk assessments. Further studies are needed in order to explore the psychometric features and correlates of this scale among clinical populations.

Altered Gut Microbiota Composition in Rag1-deficient Mice Contributes to Modulating Homeostasis of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) can produce all kind of blood lineage cells, and gut microbiota that consists of various species of microbe affects development and maturation of the host immune system including gut lymphoid cells and tissues. However, the effect of altered gut microbiota composition on homeostasis of HSPCs remains unclear. Here we show that compositional change of gut microbiota affects homeostasis of HSPCs using Rag1(-/-) mice which represent lymphopenic condition. The number and proportions of HSPCs in Rag1(-/-) mice are lower compared to those of wild types. However, the number and proportions of HSPCs in Rag1(-/-) mice are restored as the level of wild types through alteration of gut microbiota diversity via transferring feces from wild types. Gut microbiota composition of Rag1(-/-) mice treated with feces from wild types shows larger proportions of family Prevotellaceae and Helicobacterceae whereas lower proportions of family Lachnospiraceae compared to unmanipulated Rag1(-/-) mice. In conclusion, gut microbiota composition of lymphopenic Rag1(-/-) mice is different to that of wild type, which may lead to altered homeostasis of HSPCs.

The Usefulness of the Korean Version of Penn State Worry Questionnaire for Screening Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Receiver Operating Characteristic Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Excessive worry about minor matters and a state in which this worry is experienced as uncontrollable are known to be key symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Given the importance of pathological worry in GAD, the need for psychometrically sound measures of this construct has increased. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the Korean version of Penn State Worry Questionnaire (K-PSWQ) for screening GAD. METHODS: Two hundred and forty six patients were initially screened, from which 102 GAD patients and 118 patients with anxiety disorder not otherwise specified (anxiety disorder NOS) were finally enrolled. Patients were diagnosed by a structured clinical interview for the DSM-IV Axis I. We also enrolled 114 control subjects who had no medical or psychiatric history. Pathological worry in both patients and control subjects were assessed at baseline using the PSWQ and we estimated optimal cutoff score by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. RESULTS: We found that in the first ROC analysis, a score of 53 could simultaneously optimize sensitivity and specificity in order to discriminate GAD patients from control subjects. From the second receiver operating characteristic analysis, when both sensitivity and specificity were optimized, we can suggest a score of 61 as being the cutoff for differentiating GAD patients from patients with anxiety disorder NOS. CONCLUSION: The Korean version of PSWQ is a useful method for screening GAD patients, although ethnic and cultural differences may affect the cutoff score of PSWQ for GAD.

Vav3, a GEF for RhoA, Plays a Critical Role under High Glucose Conditions

BACKGROUND: The role of small GTPase molecules is poorly understood under high glucose conditions. METHODS: We analyzed the expression pattern of Vav3 in skeletal muscle C2C12 cells under high glucose culture condition with reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. We also measured glucose uptake using isotope-labelled glucose. RESULTS: We showed that expression of Vav3 (a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for RhoA) increased. mRNA and protein levels in skeletal muscle C2C12 cells under high glucose conditions. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator AMPK agonist 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxy-amide-1-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) suppressed high glucose-induced Vav3 induction. In addition, exposure of cells to high glucose concentration increased the phosphorylation of PAK-1, a molecule downstream of RhoA. The phosphorylation of paxillin, a downstream molecule of PAK-1, was also increased by exposure to high glucose. Phosphorylation of these molecules was not observed in the presence of AICAR, indicating that AMPK is involved in the RhoA signal pathway under high glucose conditions. Knock down of Vav3 enhances metformin-mediated glucose uptake. Inhibition of AMPK blocked the increases of Vav3 knock down-induced glucose uptake. Metformin-mediated Glut4 translocation was also increased by Vav3 knock-down, suggesting that Vav3 is involved in metformin-mediated glucose uptake. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that Vav3 is involved in the process of metformin-mediated glucose regulation.

Clinical Characteristics of the Respiratory Subtype in Panic Disorder Patients

OBJECTIVE: Panic disorder has been suggested to be divided into the respiratory and non-respiratory subtypes in terms of its clinical presentations. The present study aimed to investigate whether there are any differences in treatment response and clinical characteristics between the respiratory and non-respiratory subtypes of panic disorder patients. METHODS: Among the 48 patients those who completed the study, 25 panic disorder patients were classified as the respiratory subtype, whereas 23 panic disorder patients were classified as the non-respiratory subtype. All patients were treated with escitalopram or paroxetine for 12 weeks. We measured clinical and psychological characteristics before and after pharmacotherapy using the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS), Albany Panic and Phobic Questionnaire (APPQ), Anxiety Sensitivity Index-Revised (ASI-R), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T, STAI-S), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). RESULTS: The prevalence of the agoraphobia was significantly higher in the respiratory group than the non-respiratory group although there were no differences in gender and medication between the two groups. The respiratory group showed higher scores on the fear of respiratory symptoms of the ASI-R. In addition, after pharmacotherapy, the respiratory group showed more improvement in panic symptoms than the non-respiratory group. CONCLUSION: Panic disorder patients with the respiratory subtype showed more severe clinical presentations, but a greater treatment response to SSRIs than those with non-respiratory subtype. Thus, classification of panic disorder patients as respiratory and non-respiratory subtypes may be useful to predict clinical course and treatment response to SSRIs.

Intra-Individual Neuropsychological Test Variability : A Comparison of Patients with Schizophrenia, Their Siblings, and Healthy Controls / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Intra-individual variability of cognitive performance across different tests or domains has been reported as an important index of cognitive function. The aim of the current study is to examine the intra-individual variability across different cognitive domains and tests in patients with schizophrenia, their unaffected siblings, and normal controls. We also compared the variability among three patient sub-groups divided according to the duration of illness. METHODS: Comprehensive neurocognitive tests were administered in order to stabilize patients with schizophrenia (n=129), healthy siblings (n=38) of the patients, and normal controls (n=110). Intra-individual variability was computed from the variance of the scores of six cognitive domains of the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia consensus battery. We examined intra-individual variability across six factor-based cognitive scores and individual test scores of each cognitive domain. RESULTS: Compared to the normal control and sibling groups, patients showed significantly increased intra-individual variability across six cognitive domains and individual cognitive tests of each domain. Compared to the normal control, siblings showed significantly increased intra-individual variability only across individual tests of the processing of speed domain. Among patient sub-groups, those with the longest duration of illness (> or =11 years) showed significantly higher intra- individual variability across six cognitive domains and across individual tests of the processing of speed domain compared to the other two groups. CONCLUSION: This study identified cognitive dissonances across six cognitive domain schizophrenia patients. These cognitive characteristics were not observed in the sibling groups and seemed to progress during the course of illness.