Psychiatry Commons^™

Infant Depression: Nature Seeking Nurture, Paul V. Trad, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Of the numerous clinical and theoretical problems confronting medicine today, infant depression represents an increasingly compelling and misunderstood concern (1). Early studies notwithstanding, the concept of infant depression remains in the embryonic and evolving stages of clarification. In studying infant depression, the clinical investigator is initially faced with the difficulty of devising a specific operational definition. Several definitional schemes have been proposed. The first advocates that depression is a proliferative idea that retains a concrete, immutable definition; another scheme argues that depressive affect, a key index of the disorder, is merely an illusory signal that masks the underlying process; still …

Hypnosis In The Criminal Case: Facts And Fallacies, Phyllis E. Amabile, Jd, Md, Thomas H. Jobe, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Throughout the past century, criminal cases have been documented in which a party has sought to introduce into evidence information obtained through the process of hypnosis. The usefulness of the technique of hypnosis in various psychological the rapies has already been well established. The courts, however, have differed markedly in their decisions on the admissibility of hypnotic material into evidence. Consequently, no clear rationale or guidelines for admissibility have been established.

Synthetic Heroin-Induced Parkinsonism, B.K. Gupta, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive, neurodegenerative disorder affecting one in 1,000 of the general population; its incidence increases with age, but the cause remains unknown. The disease is characterized pathologically by a loss of neurons from the pigmented substantia nigra pars compacta, and a triad of physical symptoms of rigidity, tremor, and bradykinesia or akinesia . Thus the clinical condition of Parkinson's disease is a rather complex disorder with a variety of physical symptoms due to neuronal damage in a number of brain regions. Additional brain regions also affected in clinical Parkinson's disease include the ventral tegmental area, locus …

Body-Snatching: Medicine And The Cartesian Threat, Mark D. Sullivan, Md, Phd

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Twentieth century physicians are proud to be biological scientists. It is this feature above all others that distinguishes us from our predecessors. Because it is the badge of our progress in medicine, biology is often considered the essential core of medical care. Indeed, we can become so focused upon the biology inmedicine that all other aspects of caring for patients fade into a murky background of ill-defined sentimentality.

Different Perspectives Of Psychiatry Within Two Neighboring Residency Training Programs, Bruce Rosenblum, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

This paper arises out of my fortunate opportunity to observe two very different psychiatric residency training programs. While a fourth-year resident at a large, psycho dynamically-oriented private psychiatric hospital, I was able to do a consultation liaison rotation at a neighboring academic institution at the vanguard of biological psychiatry. I left the familiar, we ll-manicured suburban grounds for the inner city of Baltimore to be one of the first experiments in "cross-fertilization" between these residency training programs. Although the two institutions are located in the same city and stem from the early history of American psychiatry, they have been worlds …

Dynamic Considerations In Psychiatric Crisis Intervention, Keith Cheng, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

One of the most challenging tasks for psychiatrists and psychiatric residents is emergency room triage. This task becomes more frequent as more patients depend on the emergency room for psychiatric treatment. Various social and economic pressures account for an increased utilization of psychiatric triage. The government funds that were to provide community care for the ex-patients of state hospitals have never materialized in adequate amounts (1). Many of these patients become dependent transients who in a crisis must use the emergency room as a psychiatric clinic. To keep premiums down, some insurance companies have eliminated their outpatient psychiatric coverage, often …

Treatment Of Mental Disorders In Pregnancy: A Review Of Neuroleptics, Antidepressants, And Lithium Carbonate, Lawrence L. Kerns, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Pregnancy is frequently complicated by the development or recurrence of a serious mental disorder; neurotic, major affective, and psychotic illnesses have all been observed (1-4). When a major mental disorder arises in a pregnant woman and threatens the health or life of the patient and/or fetus, it should be treated early and aggressively to minimize complications and forestall the advance of the disease. Nonbiologic methods like individual psychotherapy, couples or family therapy, social casework, and hospitalization in a supportive, structured milieu should form the first line of treatment. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be the treatment of choice for some patients, …

Masochistic Personality Disorder: A Diagnosis Under Consideration, A. Kenneth Fuller, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

In the past three decades, few diagnoses in psychiatry have had a more turbulent history than the personality disorders (1). Labels such as inadequate, emotionally unstable, and asthenic personalities entered the official nomenclature and were later withdrawn. Borderline, antisocial and compulsive personality disorders are additions that have become entrenched in the classification of mental disorders. The turmoil maintains its course with a diagnosis of Masochistic Personality Disorder under consideration to join the existing categories of personality disorders in the revised edition of DSM-III (DSM-III-R) (2).

The category of Masochistic Personality Disorder does not exist in the three earlier versions of …

The Webs We Weave: A Patient With Depression, Mary Ann Venezia, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Looking back over C.'s records, I was struck by a phrase I had used to describe her, "She really seems at a loss as to what she should do with herself. " A more accurate appraisal might have reflected my own uncertainty as to how I could help C. Hospitalized eight times in eight years after serious suicide attempts, she had been treated with neuroleptics, antidepressants, psychotherapy, and been involved with a day program. Once again she was in the hospital, severely depressed following a suicide attempt. There was little the psychiatric establishment had not tried . So I taught …

The Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Do We Know Enough?, Ali Hassan M. Ali, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

The Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) is a potentially grave adverse reaction to oral or parenteral neuroleptic therapy that may be an underdiagnosed and easily overlooked clinical problem. NMS is characterized by hyperthermia, hypertension, diaphoresis, muscular rigidity, and altered mentation. There is currently no way of predicting which patients will develop NMS, although its incidence may be higher in patients who are unresponsive to usually effective dosages of neuroleptics ( I) .

NMS was first described in the French literature by Delay and Deniker in 1960 (2). They reported five cases among several hundred patients who were treated with haloperidol (Haldol"), …

Bulimia As A Masturbatory Equivalent, Eric Levin, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Introduction

In the last few years much has been written about those who binge-eat and then purge. These people, most of whom are women, resort to extreme measures to avoid gaining weight while not foregoing the gratification of eating.

Most recent papers on this disorder have focused upon description, classification, and the search for neurobiological causality . Little has been presented on the psychodynamics of bulimia that would help us understand the symbolic significance of this disorder. The following case presentation illustrates how bulimia may present as a neurotic symptom, and as such may be overdetermined, yet representative of a …

Some Reflections On Termination: Transference And Countertransference, Frederick L. Becker, Jr, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

INTRODUCTION

Nearing the completion of my psychiatric residency, I ingenuously told my supervisor that I needed to know the steps of termination in therapy with patients. On the surface, this request reflected an awareness of the issues at hand and their importance. Beneath lay ambivalence and countertransference anxiety . For the graduating resident, time ordinarily invested in thought and study fills with practical considerations of job hunting and starting a practice. The resident' s own unresolved and unsettling separation issues can further push aside therapeutic considerations for his patients. Termination, the art of the veteran therapist, becomes an unwelcome …

The Use Of Light In The Treatment Of Depression, Mark D. Miller, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

INTRODUCTION

Light has recently been reported to be a useful treatment in affective illness (1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6). What type of patients respond to this type of treatment ? What is the theoretical mechanism of action of light therapy and what are the implications of this research for the existing theories of affective illness? This review will seek answers to these questions by summarizing the recently reported studies of the effects of light on depression , by reviewing the pertinent contributions from neuroanatomy, endocrinology and circadian rhythm physiology, and, finally, by suggesting some points of integration of these recent …

Problems With Separation In An Identical Twin, Henry A. Doenlen, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Introduction

During residency we learn to apply the theories of development to understand and help our patients. These theories are based upon the relationship between a single childand his parents as he struggles to separate and individuate. Identical twins have special problems in that not only do they have to separate from their parents, but also from each other.

The Importance Of Comprehensive Assessment Of The Sexually Abused Child, Luz N. Colon-De Marti, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

In the past few years public awareness of sexual abuse of children has increased, together with the recognition of its social, physical, and psychological effects (I). We must emphasize our role as diagnosticians in doing a comprehensive assessment of the sexually abused child. It is our professional responsibility to assess the general psychological status of the child before and after sexual abuse.

The Use Of Art Therapy In A Patient With Chronic Schizophrenia, Robert Morrow, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

The artistic drawings of psychiatric patients have been of increasing interest to mental health professionals over the last hundred years. In the 1870's Simon speculated on the relationship between the art of psychotics and their illnesses (1) . Freud and Jung made observations about the symbolism of art work. By the 1940's Naumberg developed a system of art therapy relying heavily on psychoanalytic theory that is now a therapeutic discipline in its own right (2).

In the inpatient milieu art therapy is commonly offered in conjunction with other therapies that make up the inpatient experience. The art therapist often shares …

Interaction Of The Opiate And Neuroendocrine Systems, Peter Demaria, Jr, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Opiates are known to produce various physiological effects. Our understanding of these effects has been greatly increased by the discovery of the opiate receptor and the endogenous opioid peptides. Recent investigation has demonstrated that three distinct receptor subtypes exist; their function is currently being actively investigated.

Caring For Survivors Of Sudden Death In The Emergency Ward, Jeffrey Sarnoff, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Frequently, emergency physicians have to interact with family and friends of persons who have died suddenly, often unexpectedly. These interactions are in complex ways difficult for both emergency ward (EW) staff and for survivors of sudden death. It may be that the way in which this crisis is managed will be a major determinant in how these survivors will remember the incident of sudden death, and how they will cope with it psychologically and physiologically.

Parental Bereavement Following The Death Of An Adult Child, Allan E. Crandell, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Introduction

To coin a title with the words "death" and "children" in it appears to me like the height of incongruity. Children are like definitions of life itself. They seem to bubble over and to foam with vitality. Life seems to be theirs, even the sickly and skinny ones, and death is the property of the old. Children have sparkling eyes and uncomplicated ways and innocence and a simplicity I envy. I am temporarily tempted to keep the little ones that way. I think of joining parents and educators who struggle to spare them from any ugliness in their world, …

On The Outskirts Of Babel, John Matt Dorn, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

INTRODUCTION

I admit to a fondness for book lists that began on Wednesdays in the eighth grade, when feet perched imperiously on the table in the corner I would review with inordinate glee the list of recommended reading. What seemed to others an onerous and pedantic exercise was to me a treasure map that dissolved the walls of the school around me.

Munchausen’S Syndrome: Towards A Psychodynamic Understanding, Sharon Riser, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

INTRODUCTION

The third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders cites two essential criteria for the diagnosis of chronic factitious disorder with physical symptoms, more poetically known as Munchauseri's Syndrome:

a) Plausible presentation of physical symptoms that are apparently under the individual's voluntary control to such a degree that there are multiple hospitalizations;

b) The individual's goal is apparently to assume the "patient " role and is not otherwise understandable in light of the individual's environmental circumstances(I).

Additionally noted is the frequent occurrence of a true physical illness entailing extensive hospital treatment during the childhood or adolescence …

Psychosis In A Patient With Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome, Vivian Charneco, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Introduction

Autoimmune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease whose incidence has grownprecipitously in recent years. Its victims face social and psychological isolation (I) .Contributing to this isolation is the fear of contact with AIDS patients that exists among health care workers and the public (2).

Increasingly more is being under stood about this mysterious disease. Recent reports have supported a viral etiology. The chief criterion for diagnosis is an inverted helper to suppressor T-cell ratio. Other supportive findings include lymphopenia,leukopenia, elevated IgA levels, and anergia. The following case report highlights the neurological and psychiatric symptoms that may be seen in …

Chronic Pain, Roberta Ball, Do

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

A complex problem of vast dimensions, chronic pain is receiving increasing attention due to the expansion of knowledge of the neurophysiology, neurochemistry and psychology of pain. Chronic pain presents a challenge to many disciplines in the health professions, and one that is more recently being presented to the psychiatrist.This paper will attempt to define the problem of chronic pain, to explore the concept of organic versus psychogenic pain, to describe the psychodynamics and other characteristics seen in the chronic pain patient and to discuss the importance of the psychiatristin evaluation and treatment of chronic pain .

The Evaluation And Treatment Of A Patient With Anorexia Nervosa, Gail S. Greenspan, Md

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa is a serious illness that has generated enormous public interest during recent times. Within the psychiatric field, numerous articles and books have been written about this syndrome. This literature reflects varied theoretical frameworks, from primarily biological approaches to family systems to psychodynamic theory. In this paper I will attempt to integrate family systems and psychodynamic theory in an understanding of a young woman with anorexia nervosa who was treated in a hospital setting.

Misuses Of Computers By Adolescents, Henry A. Doenlen, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

One subject that has been a topic of much recent publicity and concern has been that of computer misuse. Teenage computer programmers gaining entry into the systems of universities, hospitals and businesses have caused the most concern . The duplication of copyrighted programs and information has also been reported to cause loss of considerable money. There seems to be a subpopulation of people who spend considerable time working with computers. These individuals may do so to the exclusion of other aspects of life such as human interaction . This paper will present both my observations of this behavior and my …

Possible Synergistic Action Between Carbamazepine And Lithium Carbonate In The Treatment Of A Manic Patient., John Matt Dorn, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Introduction

Carbamazepine has been proven to be efficacious in some patients with affective disorders, notably those who have not responded well to lithium carbonate or neuroleptics (1,2,3) . For those who have responded poorly to either regimen, however, there have been no effective pharmacotherapies until recently, when case reports have suggested a possible synergistic action between lithium carbonate and carbamazepine (4,5,6). The following case report supports this hypothesis.

The Use Of Carbamazepine (Tegretol) In Psychiatry And Its Association To Kindling, Temporal Lobe Epilepsy And Psychopathology, James Stanch, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

The recent theory of kindling may help to link neurophysiologic, neurotransmitter and neuroanatomic mechanisms important in understanding the neurology of behavior. Limbic kindling is of interest in developing models of epilepsy, psychosis, learning and memory (l -5). Kindling might explain the late development of psychopathology.

This paper will first define kindling and demonstrate how kindling offers a model within which to view more prolonged behavioral deviations as neurophysiological processes. The use of carbamazepine and its association to kindling, temporal lobe dysfunction and psychopathology will be discussed .

The Hemispheric Specialization Of The Human Brain And Its Application To Psychoanalytic Principles, David A. Scola, M.D.

Jefferson Journal of Psychiatry

Volumes of research have been accumulated over the past decade concerning hemispheric specialization of the human brain. Likewise, over the past century, psychoanalysts have painstakingly unraveled through their clinical observation many of the mysteries of intrapsychic functions. Yet little has been written concerning attempts to integrate these seemingly divergent viewpoints.

It was Freud's hope that a neural basis for his clinical observations and psychological explanations of the human mind would eventually be established . This was not possible in his day, however, so this idea was gradually abandoned. With the advent of computers and high technology, perhaps it is time …