Sleep Deprivation and Self-Harm Associated With Excessive Gaming: A Case Report.

Excessive gaming may be associated with sleep deprivation and self-harm. One active duty member committed self-injurious behavior to avoid work-related consequences. It was discovered that the patient participated in a video-gaming binge throughout an entire 72-hour weekend liberty. The patient experienced severe sleep deprivation to the point where he overslept and failed to report to work. He injured himself and fabricated a robbery and assault to avoid disciplinary consequences. Military health care providers should consider excessive gaming in patients presenting with sleep issues, self-harm, and disciplinary problems. As the prevalence of gaming increases, the military leadership should be aware that excessive gaming can degrade force readiness.

Survey of Sexual Function and Pornography.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to explore and describe the pornography habits of young men and women. Given recent upward trends in pornography use and erectile dysfunction, along with a plausible pathophysiology, we hypothesized that pornography use would correlate with sexual dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Surveys were distributed to 20-40 year old men and women presenting to a urology clinic. Information was collected on demographics and medical history. Sexual function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in men and the Female Sexual Function Index in women. Extent of potential addiction to pornography was measured with the pornography craving questionnaire and the obsessive passion scale. Pornography use was measured based on both frequency and duration, and analyzed relative to sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: Men used pornography significantly more frequently than women (81.1% vs. 39%). Computer and cellular phone image viewing were the most popular modalities in both sexes. There was no association between IIEF and craving for, or obsessive passion for, pornography. Preference for pornography with masturbation was found to be significantly associated with erectile dysfunction (p = 0.001). Rates of erectile dysfunction were lowest in those preferring partnered sex without pornography (22.3%) and increased significantly when pornography was preferred over partnered sex (78%). No correlation was found between any variables and female sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Pornography and sexual dysfunction are common among young people. No clear relationship exists between extent of addiction to pornography and sexual dysfunction in either gender. However, men who prefer masturbation with pornography to partnered sex have a significantly increased risk of sexual dysfunction. Given sexual dysfunction may be associated with mental health concerns, further evaluation of its causes and impact on military operational readiness are warranted.

Behaviors Associated with Internet Use in Military Medical Students and Residents.

INTRODUCTION: Problematic use of video games, social media, and Internet-related activities may be associated with sleep deprivation and poor work performance. The Internet Addiction Test was given to military medical and nursing students and housestaff to assess problematic Internet use. METHODS: Medical and nursing students at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and residents from Naval Medical Center San Diego were contacted via email (n = 1,000) and given a survey that included the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and questions asking about other specific lifestyle variables. Individuals who received an Internet Addiction Score (IAS) ≥50 were identified as likely experiencing harmful effects of Internet addiction (IA). RESULTS: Of 399 surveys submitted, 68 were omitted due to gross incompletion or failing to finish the entirety of the IAT. Of the participants included, 205 (61.1%) were male and 125 (37.9%) were female. The mean age was 28.6 years old (S.D. = 5.1 years). In regards to training status, completed surveys were assessed for 94 medical residents, 221 School of Medicine students, and 16 Graduate School of Nursing students. Our survey showed 5.5% of the participants (n = 18) indicated problems with Internet use that are concerning for IA. CONCLUSIONS: The study results indicated that our population showed problematic Internet use in the lower range of global estimates of IA. Rates of IA further decreased between medical students and residents. Multiple lifestyle variables were significantly associated with IA score and may serve as indicators of a higher score. Interestingly, the use of social media during sleeping hours was most significantly associated with increased IAS. This paper discusses IA among military medical and nursing trainees and how problematic Internet use may affect work performance and force readiness.

Correction: Park, B.Y., et al. Is Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review with Clinical Reports. Behav. Sci. 2016, 6, 17.

The conflict of interest section of the published paper[...].

Is Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review with Clinical Reports.

Traditional factors that once explained men's sexual difficulties appear insufficient to account for the sharp rise in erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, decreased sexual satisfaction, and diminished libido during partnered sex in men under 40. This review (1) considers data from multiple domains, e.g., clinical, biological (addiction/urology), psychological (sexual conditioning), sociological; and (2) presents a series of clinical reports, all with the aim of proposing a possible direction for future research of this phenomenon. Alterations to the brain's motivational system are explored as a possible etiology underlying pornography-related sexual dysfunctions. This review also considers evidence that Internet pornography's unique properties (limitless novelty, potential for easy escalation to more extreme material, video format, etc.) may be potent enough to condition sexual arousal to aspects of Internet pornography use that do not readily transition to real-life partners, such that sex with desired partners may not register as meeting expectations and arousal declines. Clinical reports suggest that terminating Internet pornography use is sometimes sufficient to reverse negative effects, underscoring the need for extensive investigation using methodologies that have subjects remove the variable of Internet pornography use. In the interim, a simple diagnostic protocol for assessing patients with porn-induced sexual dysfunction is put forth.

Case Report: Internet Gaming Disorder Associated With Pornography Use.

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is not currently a recognized diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5). However, IGD has been noted to warrant further research for possible future inclusion in the DSM. In many ways, IGD strongly resembles substance and gambling addictions. Such characteristics include tolerance, withdrawal, and social and occupational neglect resulting from increased time invested in video game use and acquisition. The use of similar or closely related media is also seen, which mirrors the natural course of substance and gambling addictions. We present a case of a 22-year-old man who exhibited IGD and problems associated with pornography use. This case report exemplifies the sequelae of IGD. Our paper also reviews the possible mechanisms of behavioral addiction, as well as the status of IGD as a potential subcategory of behavioral addiction. Additional research is needed to determine if IGD co-occurs with problematic use of pornography.

Excessive Video Game Use, Sleep Deprivation, and Poor Work Performance Among U.S. Marines Treated in a Military Mental Health Clinic: A Case Series.

Excessive use of video games may be associated with sleep deprivation, resulting in poor job performance and atypical mood disorders. Three active duty service members in the U.S. Marine Corps were offered mental health evaluation for sleep disturbance and symptoms of blunted affect, low mood, poor concentration, inability to focus, irritability, and drowsiness. All three patients reported insomnia as their primary complaint. When asked about online video games and sleep hygiene practices, all three patients reported playing video games from 30 hours to more than 60 hours per week in addition to maintaining a 40-hour or more workweek. Our patients endorsed sacrificing sleep to maintain their video gaming schedules without insight into the subsequent sleep deprivation. During the initial interviews, they exhibited blunted affects and depressed moods, but appeared to be activated with enthusiasm and joy when discussing their video gaming with the clinical provider. Our article illustrates the importance of asking about online video gaming in patients presenting with sleep disturbances, poor work performance, and depressive symptoms. Because excessive video gaming is becoming more prevalent worldwide, military mental health providers should ask about video gaming when patients report problems with sleep.

Tendon rupture associated with excessive smartphone gaming.

IMPORTANCE: Excessive use of smartphones has been associated with injuries. OBSERVATIONS: A 29-year-old, right hand-dominant man presented with chronic left thumb pain and loss of active motion from playing a Match-3 puzzle video game on his smartphone all day for 6 to 8 weeks. On physical examination, the left extensor pollicis longus tendon was not palpable, and no tendon motion was noted with wrist tenodesis. The thumb metacarpophalangeal range of motion was 10° to 80°, and thumb interphalangeal range of motion was 30° to 70°. The clinical diagnosis was rupture of the left extensor pollicis longus tendon. The patient subsequently underwent an extensor indicis proprius (1 of 2 tendons that extend the index finger) to extensor pollicis longus tendon transfer. During surgery, rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon was seen between the metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The potential for video games to reduce pain perception raises clinical and social considerations about excessive use, abuse, and addiction. Future research should consider whether pain reduction is a reason some individuals play video games excessively, manifest addiction, or sustain injuries associated with video gaming.

Internet addiction disorder and problematic use of Google Glass™ in patient treated at a residential substance abuse treatment program.

INTRODUCTION: Internet addiction disorder (IAD) is characterized by the problematic use of online video games, computer use, and mobile handheld devices. While not officially a clinical diagnosis according to the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), individuals with IAD manifest severe emotional, social, and mental dysfunction in multiple areas of daily activities due to their problematic use of technology and the internet. METHOD: We report a 31year-old man who exhibited problematic use of Google Glass™. The patient has a history of a mood disorder most consistent with a substance induced hypomania overlaying a depressive disorder, anxiety disorder with characteristics of social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder, and severe alcohol and tobacco use disorders. RESULTS: During his residential treatment program at the Navy's Substance Abuse and Recovery Program (SARP) for alcohol use disorder, it was noted that the patient exhibited significant frustration and irritability related to not being able to use his Google Glass™. The patient exhibited a notable, nearly involuntary movement of the right hand up to his temple area and tapping it with his forefinger. He reported that if he had been prevented from wearing the device while at work, he would become extremely irritable and argumentative. CONCLUSIONS: Over the course of his 35-day residential treatment, the patient noted a reduction in irritability, reduction in motor movements to his temple to turn on the device, and improvements in his short-term memory and clarity of thought processes. He continued to intermittently experience dreams as if looking through the device. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of IAD involving problematic use of Google Glass™.

The ophthalmologist of the future.

Who are the ophthalmologists of the future? How will the new generation practice? How will they interact with their professional organizations? What part will technology play in their lives and professions? A new paradigm is in place that will dramatically affect ophthalmologists' answers to these questions going forward. Given the uncertainty of our future professional lives, it is vital that we anticipate, contemplate, and formulate a plan. To begin this process, the Knapp Symposium at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Ophthalmological Society was devoted to a discussion of the ophthalmologist of the future.

Concordance of diurnal intraocular pressure between fellow eyes in primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To study the concordance of diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) between fellow eyes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-three POAG patients. METHODS: Patients who met the definition of POAG and underwent diurnal curve measurement were included. Subjects were excluded if there was a history of surgery, trauma, ocular vascular disease, incomplete diurnal curve, or asymmetric ocular medication use. Patients on symmetric ocular medication were included and analyzed separately. Goldmann applanation tonometry was performed at 10 am, 1 pm, 4 pm, 7 pm, 10 pm, and 7 am (the next day). The following statistical analyses were performed: (1) average Pearson correlation coefficient (r) from individual correlations of right and left eye IOP over the 6 time points for each subject; (2) linear mixed model analysis for repeated measures, with eye (right and left) and time as the within-subject fixed effects, and (3) absolute difference in change in IOP between fellow eyes over each time interval and probability that the difference was within 2 or 3 mmHg. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The concordance of the IOP between fellow eyes as measured by absolute difference in change in IOP between fellow eyes and probability of the difference being within 2 or 3 mmHg. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were untreated and 56 were treated on symmetric IOP-lowering medications. The diurnal curves of fellow eyes exhibited parallel profiles according to the linear mixed model. The average difference in the change of IOP between fellow eyes over given time intervals ranged from 1.6 to 2.0 mmHg. The estimated probability that the absolute change in IOP between fellow eyes was within 2 mmHg was 68% to 90%, and within 3 mmHg was 78% to 95% for all time intervals. CONCLUSION: The diurnal variation of IOP in POAG is largely concordant between fellow eyes. For any given time interval, the fellow eye IOPs may fluctuate asymmetrically a minority of the time. Clinicians who utilize the uniocular trial should be aware of the limit of the IOP concordance.

Diurnal fluctuation and concordance of intraocular pressure in glaucoma suspects and normal tension glaucoma patients.

PURPOSE: The study objective was to determine the concordance of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma suspects (GS) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG) patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of diurnal curves of untreated GS and NTG patients. No subject had IOP greater than 21 mm Hg. We defined GS patients as having suspicious optic nerves with normal visual fields, and NTG patients as having glaucomatous optic nerves with associated visual field loss. Goldmann applanation tonometry was performed at 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, 22:00, and 07:00. Linear association of OD and OS IOP was estimated using Pearson correlation coefficient (r). The diurnal period was divided into 7 time intervals of 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21 hours, and the absolute difference in change in IOP between fellow eyes and probability that it was within 3 mm Hg were calculated. RESULTS: The study included 68 GS and 95 NTG subjects. The diurnal curves of the OD and OS showed a parallel course in both groups. The average correlations (r) of OD and OS IOP over the 6 time points were 0.78 and 0.81 for GS and NTG, respectively. The mean absolute difference in IOP change between OD and OS over the 6 time intervals ranged between 1.4 and 1.9 mm Hg for GS, and 1.3 and 1.5 mm Hg for NTG subjects. The probability that this difference was within 3 mm Hg ranged between 87% and 94% for GS, and 86% and 93% for NTG subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The diurnal variation in IOP between the 2 eyes in GS and NTG is largely concordant in approximately 90% of the time.

Subperiosteal hematoma of the orbit following an aneurysm coiling procedure.

PURPOSE: To report a case of subperiosteal hematoma formation following endovascular stenting and coiling of an arterial aneurysm. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 51-year-old woman presented with complaints of sudden proptosis, ptosis, and severe orbital pain following endovascular stent placement and coiling procedure of an internal carotid artery aneurysm. The patient did not have a history of recent head trauma. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging showed a superior subperiosteal hematoma of the left orbit with downward displacement of the left superior rectus muscle. No intervention was taken, and the patient was closely monitored. Her symptoms resolved after 4 weeks. Spontaneous subperiosteal hematoma in the absence of trauma is rare. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of subperiosteal hematoma formation following endovascular stenting and coiling of an arterial aneurysm, which may have been the manifestation of anticoagulation and changes in orbital hemodynamics during and after the procedure.

Group B streptococcus endogenous endophthalmitis presenting as septic arthritis and a homonymous hemianopsia due to embolic stroke.

PURPOSE: To report a case of group B streptococcus (GBS) endogenous endophthalmitis in a patient presenting with septic arthritis and a homonymous hemianopsia due to embolic stroke. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 75-year-old woman with septic arthritis and a homonymous hemianopsia due to embolic stroke was examined and found to have endogenous GBS endophthalmitis due to bacterial endocarditis. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging showed many septic emboli to the brain, including the left occipital lobe. Fundus examination showed evidence for endogenous endophthalmitis. Blood and urine cultures were positive for GBS. A mitral valve vegetation was presumed to be the cause of the intracranial septic emboli and was demonstrated on transesophageal echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Septic arthritis and embolic stroke are suggestive of endocarditis and sepsis. Endogenous endophthalmitis in this case led to transesophageal echocardiography, which was diagnostic for endocarditis.