Dissociation, epileptic-like activity and lateralized electrodermal dysfunction in patients with schizophrenia and depression.

OBJECTIVES: Recent evidence indicates frequent EEG abnormalities in dissociated patients. This evidence is in agreement with findings that in certain psychiatric patients, psychosensory symptoms of epileptogenic nature, the so-called complex partial seizure-like symptoms occur. With respect to these findings, a hypothesis examined in this study states that increased level of experienced traumatic stress and dissociation in pathological conditions such as schizophrenia or depression relates to increased score of complex partial seizure-like symptoms. Also is suggested that the complex partial seizure-like symptoms might be related to unilateral hemispheric electrophysiological dysfunction, stress and dissociation. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Psychometric assessment of dissociation, stress and measurement of right-left asymmetry of bilateral EDA in patients with schizophrenia (N=34) and depression (N=41) in comparison to healthy controls (N=36). RESULTS: Results indicate that increased traumatic stress and dissociation in both groups of patients significantly relate to increased level of complex partial seizure-like symptoms, and may cause the right-left EDA asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest relationship between left-hemispheric asymmetry and sympathetic over-activation in schizophrenia, and between right-hemispheric asymmetry with sympathetic under-activation in depression.

Metabolic stroke in three years old boy as the consequence of metabolic derangement. A case report of recidiving Reye's-like syndrome.

Three years old boy with developmental renal dysplasia was hit as newborn child by attack of cerebral edema with metabolic disturbances (hypoglycemia, hypophosphatemia, ketoacidosis and with hypocoagulation state) and was classified as child at risk in the pediatric evidence. In the third year of the age he went through nephrectomy and after the operation, the similar metabolic disturbances occurred (hypoglycemia, ketoacidosis, derangement of the metabolic situation). Cerebral edema and the metabolic stroke developed. Reye's-like syndrome was considered and serious functional disturbances of basal ganglia and brain-stem structure were observed.

An integrative approach to the study of human behavior. (Poster accepted for the International Conference of Psychology "Psychology After The Year 2000" at the University of Haifa, Israel, June 12-14, 2000).

The human behavior is a fundamental phenomenon in contemporary sciences in the widest sense of the word. The wide range of world problems such as wars, criminality, social depravation, famine, different catastrophes as Tjernobyl up to the pandemic AIDS, etc. are transferable into one common denominator: the failure of man in his behavior. Adequate understanding of all behavioral mechanisms and their failures is condition sine qua non for the most important task-the prediction of actual behavior resulting from different bio-psycho-socio-cultural sources. The authors express presumption about the essential importance of three basic postulates (I-III) in every kind of behavioral research: (I) Human life is an indivisible continuum from its very beginning (especially vulnerable) over adulthood (inclusive reproduction) until death. The prenatal stages of life are integral and very sensitive periods of human ontogenesis. Every discontinuity in this development can lead to physical, mental and social disfunctions in both prenatal and postnatal life. (II) Motivation is a basic inner drive generating the actual human behavior. All its five components should be taken into consideration: 1. Qualitative (the kind of motivational state: alimentary, sexual, territorial, etc.) 2. Quantitative (the intensity of motivational state, "arousal"). 3. Inner structure of each motivational state (into partial motivational states with specific sensitivity to external stimulation). 4. Synthetic (causal and functional aspects of actual motivation). 5. Hierarchy of motivational states (self-preservation of the individual is probably on the top of such a hypothetical hierarchical structure). (III) Both previous postulates demand the integrative approach to the study of human behavior and refers to three basic sources of behavior: 1. Function of the CNS. 2. Function of the endocrine system. 3.Variability of external conditions (including all kinds of behavioral stimulation).

Psychoimmuno-neuroendocrinology: An integrative approach to modern philosophy in medicine and psychology.

The immune system is now seen to be closely integrated with other physiological circuits, such as the central nervous system (CNS) and the neuroendocrine system. There is also an increasing amount of evidence that this integrated circuit is bidirectional and both systems exert a reciprocal effect on each other. We have always stressed the interdisciplinary nature of the science where disciplines and sciences such as medicine, biochemistry, genetics, psychology, human ethology, etc. meet and undergo a process of "cross-fertilization." We also have stressed the indivisibility of the somatic and psychological processes in the indivisible continuum of human life from its very beginning and the inseparability of the development and functions of the central nervous system and the immunological and neuroendocrine processes. This transdisciplinary and integrative aspect of sciences and their entree in the twenty-first century is the true vision for our common efforts. Integration means also amalgamation, assimilation, blending, combining, incorporation, unification and harmony. This last mentioned, harmony, should be stressed and underlined specifically: a harmony between different views and approaches, between different methods and methodologies, different theories and practices. In order to undertake such a challenge, a new scientific theory and a common language is required, a language that would be understood across disciplines and would be able to assist in getting beyond semantic problems. The bridge between the immune system, neuroendocrinology and the rest of the central nervous system opens the gateway to more common understanding and acceptance across the disciplines. It is an umbrella for the endeavor that unites various scientific fields in their attempt to elucidate the processes of experience involved from the earliest stages of human life. This integration does cross over the different disciplines and diagnostic systems. It attaches theoretical and applied fields, basic research and clinical experience throughout the whole continuity of human life from conception and onwards. Integrated Psychoimmuno-Neuroendocrinology represents a unique opportunity for the primary prevention of psychological, emotional and physical disorders.