Relapse in schizophrenia: is there a relationship to substance abuse?

This retrospective study evaluated relapse in 22 patients with schizophrenia, comparing substance abusers with nonabusers. Medication compliance was ensured as all subjects were treated with decanoate neuroleptics. Substance abuse was documented by multiple urine drug screens. Substance abusers had a significantly higher readmission rate to the hospital compared to nonabusers. These data suggest that in the presence of documented medication compliance substance abuse remains a major factor contributing towards relapse.

Diazepam in intractable sleepwalking: a pilot study.

Nightly ingestion of diazepam, 10mg, alleviated some or all symptoms of intractable sleepwalking in several otherwise healthy adults. Some other patients did not respond as well. The results of this double-blind, crossover study suggest that diazepam is effective for the treatment of adult sleepwalking in some individuals. Data from this study are consistent with uncontrolled case reports of such treatment. Serious side effects or tolerance to the medication did not develop in any of the subjects studied. Other benzodiazepines, which may be more or less effective, remain unstudied. Psychiatric and social histories of these adult sleepwalkers are consistent with earlier work by the authors, which indicates little evidence for an association between uncomplicated sleepwalking and serious psychopathology.

The psychological and social aspects of orthognathic treatment.

Cooperative management of dentofacial abnormalities by orthodontists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Frequently these patients have suffered considerable emotional trauma from ridicule of their deformity. This history of emotional abuse may influence the patient's attitude and expectations regarding corrective treatment and even lead to dissatisfaction in spite of technical success. Review of the literature and interviews with patients previously treated for dentofacial abnormalities revealed a very high rate of satisfaction. This high degree of satisfaction is in contrast to several studies involving patients undergoing cosmetic plastic surgery. However, in spite of over-all satisfaction, retrospective interviews identified a number of concerns which deserve additional attention. These concerns would be best approached with a preoperative interview to delineate the patient's motivation and expectations. Such an interview, including a cursory psychological evaluation, could provide increased insight and communication among orthodontist, surgeon, and patient. The results would help identify and prevent some of the pitfalls leading to patient dissatisfaction after treatment.

Dialysis, depression and antidepressants.

The treatment of depression occurring in patients undergoing chronic renal dialysis is discussed. This study was conducted on a Dialysis Unit where 10 Travenol dialyzers of the recycling single by-pass type are used to maintain a total of 22 patients. Imipramine in the usual dosage range and schedule was used when an antidepressant was indicated.