[Peduncular hallucinosis caused by a tumour in the right thalamus. A case study]. / Pedunculaire hallucinaties door een tumor bij de rechter thalamus.

Peduncular hallucinations are vivid, complex visual hallucinations. They generally arise as a result of lesions in the midbrain. A 46-year-old man had peduncular hallucinations arising from a tumour in the right thalamus. The patient was not operated on for this tumour. The visual hallucinations were treated with psychiatric medications. This treatment reduced the patient's anxiety and visual hallucinations and he became better able to cope with his symptoms. Psychiatrists need to increase their knowledge with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of these symptoms.

Psychological and social problems in burn patients after discharge. A follow-up study.

Approximately 18 months after discharge we were able to screen 42 burned adult patients for psychological and social problems. Using independent semi-standardized interviews, validated psychological questionnaires and standardized self-reports of the patients, we obtained three separate evaluations. The interreliability between the three different 'judges' varied from poor to moderate. Research suggests that 40% of burned adult patients have psychological problems. The cycle of recovery is dynamic. Only 21% need psychological help 18 months after discharge, but half of these are in danger of becoming 'drop-outs' because they do not receive the necessary treatment. A follow-up consisting of psychological questionnaires six months post-discharge appears to be a good and efficient instrument in limiting the drop-out risk.