ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using PET both in assessing the susceptibility to stress and in the diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorders. Mentally and somatically healthy soldiers were subjected to PET-CT head scan examinations before and after virtual reality stimulation with warfare scenarios. Despite stimulation of peripheral nervous system after 10 minutes, VR exposure in any of the examined soldiers simulation did not cause changes in any brain structure that was visualized in PET. PET-CT head scan was also performed in patients with typical symptoms of acute PTSD according to the criteria of DSM IV TR. In those patients no changes in any brain structure was found. Initially it was found that VR exposure techniques like clinically typical acute symptoms of PTSD do not leave changes in CNS, which could be visualized in PET. The preliminary hypothesis was put forward that exposure to stimuli like symptoms of PTSD must remain long enough to induce permanent damage of brain structure.
Subject(s)
Algorithms , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted/methods , Positron-Emission Tomography/methods , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pilot Projects , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
In order to analyse anxiety and depression states observed during the treatment of lymphoproliferative diseases, a group of 23 patients were studied. For assessment of the variables the following was used: history taking, psychological observation and psychometric techniques. The obtained results point to various dynamics of anxiety and depression. The intensity of anxiety states decreases during single as well as successive courses of chemotherapy. Depression states intensify during one course with a tendency for mood lowering with prolonged treatment duration. Therapeutic conclusions: 1. It is necessary to minimize anxiety attitudes, particularly during the first phase of the treatment (cognitive psychotherapy). 2. In deep depression it is indicated to use antidepressants and supportive psychotherapy.