Socio-Demographic and Clinical Variables Associated with Chronic Homelessness among the Street Homeless People / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This exploratory study was designed to estimate the socio-demographic characteristics, course of homelessness, adverse childhood experiences, and prevalence of mental disorders among the street homeless people in Seoul, Korea. In addition, we examined the associations between chronic homelessness and study variables. METHODS: The study subjects were 75 homeless people dwelling in the street around Seoul Station. Questionnaires related to socio-demographic data and the course of homelessness were provided to each subject. The subjects' Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) mental disorder diagnoses were made by using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview-Plus interviews. RESULTS: Most subjects exhibited chronic homelessness and the prevalence of DSM-IV mental disorders among the homeless subjects was higher than that among the Korean general population. There was a statistically significant association between chronic homelessness and adverse childhood experiences. Compared to those with no history of childhood adversity, homeless people with a history of childhood adversity had a younger age of first homeless episode and a higher prevalence of DSM-IV major mental disorders. The association between DSM-IV diagnosis and chronic homelessness was not significant, but the group with mental disorders had more prevalent re-housing and homeless recurrent histories. CONCLUSION: Street homeless people were often involved in chronic homelessness. Results of this study suggest that homeless people who were never married and had adverse childhood experiences were more vulnerable to chronic homelessness. In addition, we detected a possible relationship between the recurrence of homelessness and the presence of mental disorders.

Evaluation of P-POSSUM as a Risk Prediction Model in Laparoscopic Gastrectomy of Elderly Patients with Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: The physiological and operative severity score for the enumeration of mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) is a validated scoring system for auditing surgical outcomes. However, evaluation of this system has primarily been applied to open surgical techniques. The present study demonstrates the validity of P-POSSUM in predicting morbidity and mortality in the treatment of elderly patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative laparoscopic gastrectomy. METHODS: All patients aged 70 years or over, who underwent curative laparoscopic gastrectomy between January 2014 and January 2015, were collected from our hospital database. A case-note review was used to collate data in terms of clinical and operative factors as described in P-POSSUM. Observed/Estimated ratio of morbidity and 30-day mortality were calculated. RESULTS: Laparoscopic gastrectomy was performed in 101 patients. The mean age was 74.9 years (70~83 years). A significant postoperative morbidity was observed in 20 (19.8%) of 101 patients. There was no 30-day mortality. Using exponential analysis, P-POSSUM predicted morbidity in 22 patients. Thus, O/E ratios for morbidity and mortality were 0.9 and 0, respectively. CONCLUSION: P-POSSUM scoring slightly overestimated predictions of morbidity and mortality. An assessment of its application to laparoscopic gastrectomy of elderly patients with gastric cancer merits further evaluation. Also, laparoscopic gastrectomy was a feasible and safe treatment for elderly patients in terms of P-POSSUM.

The Relationship between Depression, Anxiety, Somatization, Personality and Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

This study investigated the relationship of personality, depression, somatization, anxiety with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). The LUTS/BPH patients were evaluated with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), 44-item Big Five Inventory (BFI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the PHQ-15, and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7). The LUTS/BPH symptoms were more severe in patients with depression (p=0.046) and somatization (p=0.024), respectively. Neurotic patients were associated with greater levels of depression, anxiety and somatisation (p=0.0059, p=0.004 and p=0.0095, respectively). Patients with high extraversion showed significantly low depression (p=0.00481) and anxiety (p=0.035) than those with low extraversion. Our exploratory results suggest patients with LUTS/BPH may need careful evaluation of psychiatric problem including depression, anxiety and somatization. Additional studies with adequate power and improved designs are necessary to support the present exploratory findings.

Depression and Somatic Symptoms May Influence on Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Preliminary Study

The present study is the first one to investigate the impacts of depression and somatization on the disease severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). The Korean version of National Institutes of Health (NIH)- Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI) for severity of CP/CPPS. Korean version of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, Korean version of Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) for somatization, and Korean version of EuroQol Questionnaire-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D)- [(EQ-5D utility index and visual analog scale (EQ-5D VAS)] for QoL, were administered. Eighty patients were enrolled. The NIH-CPSI total scores were significantly higher in those with depression (25.3%, p=0.01) or somatization (23.2%, p=0.03) than in those without. These trends toward significantly negative influence of depression and somatic symptoms on QoL were also observed. Our preliminary results indicate that depression and somatization may have negative influence on the symptom severity and QoL in patients with CP/CPPS. However, adequately-powered and more well-designed studies are mandatory to prove our results.

The Influence of Depression, Anxiety and Somatization on the Clinical Symptoms and Treatment Response in Patients with Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

This is the first study to investigate the influence of depression, anxiety and somatization on the treatment response for lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). The LUTS/BPH patients were evaluated with the Korean versions of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the PHQ-15. The primary endpoint was a responder rate defined by the total score of IPSS (< or = 7) at the end of treatment. The LUTS/BPH severity was significantly higher in patients with depression (whole symptoms P = 0.024; storage sub-symptom P = 0.021) or somatization (P = 0.024) than in those without, while the quality of life (QOL) was significantly higher in patients with anxiety (P = 0.038) than in those without. Anxious patients showed significantly higher proportion of non-response (odds ratio [OR], 3.294, P = 0.022) than those without, while somatic patients had a trend toward having more non-responders (OR, 2.552, P = 0.067). Our exploratory results suggest that depression, anxiety and somatization may have some influences on the clinical manifestation of LUTS/BPH. Further, anxious patients had a lower response to treatment in patients with LUTS/BPH. Despite of limitations, the present study demonstrates that clinicians may need careful evaluation of psychiatric symptoms for proper management of patients with LUTS/BPH.

The Influence of Depression, Anxiety and Somatization on the Clinical Symptoms and Treatment Response in Patients with Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

This is the first study to investigate the influence of depression, anxiety and somatization on the treatment response for lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). The LUTS/BPH patients were evaluated with the Korean versions of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and the PHQ-15. The primary endpoint was a responder rate defined by the total score of IPSS (< or = 7) at the end of treatment. The LUTS/BPH severity was significantly higher in patients with depression (whole symptoms P = 0.024; storage sub-symptom P = 0.021) or somatization (P = 0.024) than in those without, while the quality of life (QOL) was significantly higher in patients with anxiety (P = 0.038) than in those without. Anxious patients showed significantly higher proportion of non-response (odds ratio [OR], 3.294, P = 0.022) than those without, while somatic patients had a trend toward having more non-responders (OR, 2.552, P = 0.067). Our exploratory results suggest that depression, anxiety and somatization may have some influences on the clinical manifestation of LUTS/BPH. Further, anxious patients had a lower response to treatment in patients with LUTS/BPH. Despite of limitations, the present study demonstrates that clinicians may need careful evaluation of psychiatric symptoms for proper management of patients with LUTS/BPH.

Risk Factors of Suicide Attempt in Male Patients with Alcohol Dependence / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of suicide attempt in patients with alcohol dependence. METHODS: A total of 68 patients admitted to the hospital for alcohol dependence were divided into two groups according to history of suicide attempt. In this study, sociodemographic variables, characteristics of alcohol drinking, and clinical scales were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Regarding sociodemographic and clinical features, the alcoholic group with history of suicide attempt included more patients with no spouse, using medical aid in social security, and history of depressive disorder. Regarding characteristics of alcohol drinking, ages of first alcohol problems and first admission for alcohol problems were significantly younger in the attempter group. Patients in the attempter group had been drinking more and had higher frequency of delirium tremens and psychiatric admission. Regarding clinical scales, significantly higher scores for suicide ideation, depression, anxiety, and impulsiveness were observed in the attempter group. Among the scores for Temperament and character inventory, the score for persistence was significantly lower in the attempter group. After controlling for other compounding factors, depressive disorder [p=0.006, odds ratio (OR)=32.2] and suicide ideation (p=0.029, OR=1.2) were significant factors showing correlation with suicide attempt. CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that assessment and management of the depressive disorder and suicide ideation are necessary for suicide prevention in patients with alcohol dependence.

Changes of Appetite and Eating Behavior in Bipolar Disorder Patients: Measurement with General-Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait and the Drug-Related Eating Behavior Questionnaire

OBJECTIVES: In the current study, we quantitatively estimated changes in appetite and eating behavior of bipolar disorder patients during the pharmacotherapy. We also investigated their contribution to the weight gain and their association with specific food-craving characteristics of the patients. METHODS: Subjects included forty-one bipolar disorder patients and fifty-six controls. Currently sustained natures of food craving were assessed using the General-Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait (G-FCQ-T) and changes in appetite and eating behavior were measured using the Drug-Related Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DR-EBQ). RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the patients' group showed significantly higher body mass index (t=2.028, p=0.045). The patients' group had significantly higher 'Preoccupation with food' factor score of G-FCQ-T (p=0.016) than that of the control group. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that only 'preoccupation with food' factor independently predicted psychotropic medication-induced appetite change. CONCLUSIONS: Appetite change while receiving psychotropic medication seems to be related to the weight-gain and associated with craving natures of 'preoccupation with food' in bipolar disorder. Appetite and/or eating behavioral changes measured by G-FCQ-T and DR-EBQ could be regarded as an important mediating factor in future studies exploring biological mechanisms of weight gain related with pharmacotherapy for bipolar disorder.

Neuropsychological Functioning in Detoxified Alcoholics by Seoul Computerized Neurocognitive Function Test / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate consistent and significant findings of neurocognitive functioning in detoxified alcoholics have been inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cognitive functions in detoxified alcoholics and the relationship between neuropsychological test scores and alcohol consumption patterns. METHODS: Twenty-four alcoholics, aging between 30 and 50 years, at least 4 weeks after the beginning of detoxification and 24 normal controls equated for age and education were exmained on Seoul computerized neurocognitive function tests in order to evaluate neurocognitive functions, which include attention, memory function, executive function, motor performance. RESULTS: Compared to controls, alcoholics were more impaired on both finger tapping test (FTT, right: p<0.05, left: p0.01), but there were no significant differences between two groups on any measures including attention, memory function, and executive function. Even though there were significantly negative associations between length of drinking history and performances on FTT with both hands (right: r=-0.55, p0.01; left: r=-0.48, p0.05) in alcohol group, multiple regression analyses showed that age and STAI contributed significantly to the prediction of FTT, ameliorating the dignostic effect. CONCLUSION: There was no evidence of significant declines in attention, memory, and executive functions in alcoholics compared to normal controls, except impaired motor performance functions which may be related to concurrent anxiety.

Neuropsychological Functioning in Detoxified Alcoholics by Seoul Computerized Neurocognitive Function Test / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate consistent and significant findings of neurocognitive functioning in detoxified alcoholics have been inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate cognitive functions in detoxified alcoholics and the relationship between neuropsychological test scores and alcohol consumption patterns. METHODS: Twenty-four alcoholics, aging between 30 and 50 years, at least 4 weeks after the beginning of detoxification and 24 normal controls equated for age and education were exmained on Seoul computerized neurocognitive function tests in order to evaluate neurocognitive functions, which include attention, memory function, executive function, motor performance. RESULTS: Compared to controls, alcoholics were more impaired on both finger tapping test (FTT, right: p<0.05, left: p0.01), but there were no significant differences between two groups on any measures including attention, memory function, and executive function. Even though there were significantly negative associations between length of drinking history and performances on FTT with both hands (right: r=-0.55, p0.01; left: r=-0.48, p0.05) in alcohol group, multiple regression analyses showed that age and STAI contributed significantly to the prediction of FTT, ameliorating the dignostic effect. CONCLUSION: There was no evidence of significant declines in attention, memory, and executive functions in alcoholics compared to normal controls, except impaired motor performance functions which may be related to concurrent anxiety.

The Priming Effect of the Old Age People with Mild Cognitive Impairment / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: In this study, the cognitive characteristics, especially priming effect, of above 50 years old age group who had less than 25 points in K-MMSE were investigated. METHODS: In this study, an implicit memory test measuring priming effect was made and adminis-tered to old age people who had less than 25 points in K-MMSE in screening session. To control the effect of age, educational level and intelligence, demographic variables were measured, and the subtests of KWIS, vocabulary and block design were administered. Descriptive statistical analysis of the two priming measures and correlational analysis between variables were done. To test the effect of cognitive functioning on priming effect multiple regression analysis was done. RESULTS: Correlational analysis revealed priming score obtained from correct identification response was positively correlated with K-MMSE and ADAS-Cog. And priming score obtained from mean reaction time was positively correlated with age and negatively correlated with vocabulary substest of KWIS. The regression analysis results indicated general cognitive functioning measured by ADAS-Cog has significant effect on priming score obtained from correct identification response, whereas age has significant effect on priming score obtained from mean reaction time. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed that as cognitive deterioration progresses priming effect which identify primed stimulus correctly diminish, and as one grow older within age 50 to 70, priming effect which identifies primed stimulus quickly increase.

Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder and Tic Symptom Exacerbation in Tourette's Disorder: Comparision of Treatment Modalities / 신경정신의학

OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to investigate that infection with group A[beta] hemolytic streptococcus may associate the mechanisms that cause or exacerbate some cases of Tourette's disorder and to evaluate the treatment effect of IG therapy, comparing between IG therapy and drug therapy. METHOD: The subjects were divided into three groups composing of the groups with increasing level of ASO titer and the group with normal level of ASO titer, treating with antipsychotics. Children with infection-triggered exacerbation of Tourette's disorder were assigned treatment with IVIG (400mg/kg/daily on 5 consecutive days) or antipsychotic drugs. Symptom severity was rated at baseline, and at 4weeks, at at 8weeks after treatment by use of standard assessment scale of tics. RESULTS: 1) The motor tic score, global severity scores and overall TS impairment rating scores of YGTSS in the group with incresing level of ASO titer were related with ASO titer. 2) Immune therapy was more effective in the group with incresing level of ASO titer than antipsychotic drug therapy. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that increasing level of ASO titer, resulting from group A[beta] hemolytic streptococcal infection has affected worsening the tic symptoms in Touette's disorder and in group with increasing level of ASO titer, IVIG therapy is more effective than drug therapy.