Why Switch? - Motivations for Self-Substitution of Illegal Drugs.

Self-substitution is the conscious switch from one drug to another for reasons such as price, availability, desired effect, or perceived benefit of the substitute drug. This study aimed to describe drug use patterns and motivations associated with substitution. We examined correlates of lifetime substitution among individuals with substance use disorder.

Factors Associated with Unplanned Early Discharges from a Dual Diagnosis Inpatient Detoxification Unit in Israel.

Objectives: Currently, Israel has a single governmental inpatient dual diagnosis detoxification unit. We provide a cross-section of patient profiles in this study as well as explore possible associations between clinical/demographic factors and the unplanned early discharge of patients from the unit, aiming at improving rehabilitation success rates.

Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of all patients admitted to the unit between January 1, 2012, and July 1, 2013, were examined (N = 323).

Ziprasidone-associated depressive state in schizophrenic patients.

Objectives: Although depression is a recognized side effect of many medications, the association of this condition with neuroleptics has received limited attention in the literature. Atypical antipsychotics may demonstrate a beneficial effect on affective symptoms. On the other hand, they may also cause depression both in those with and without a history of psychiatric illness.

Vitamin B6 treatment for tardive dyskinesia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Background: Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a significant clinical problem. Vitamin B(6) is a potent antioxidant and takes part in almost all of the possible mechanisms that are suggested as being associated with appearance of TD. The aims of this study were (1) to reexamine the efficacy and safety of higher doses of vitamin B(6) versus placebo in a greater sample of patients for a longer time and (2) to evaluate the carryover effect of vitamin B(6).

The prevalence of neuroleptic drug-induced tardive movement subsyndromes among schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients residing in the southern region of Israel.

The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence of tardive movement disorders (TMD) among a group of institutionalized schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients in southern region of Israel. Chronic schizophrenic and schizoaffective inpatients of a psychiatric hospital and its affiliated hostels were screened for the presence of TMD subsyndromes. Twenty percent (107 patients) of 523 patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder exhibited TMD.

Ethnic origin of alcoholics admitted to an Israeli treatment center.

Jews have a low rate of alcohol use and abuse as reported in several different countries. In Israel over the last 10 years there has been a rising rate of alcoholism. We studied consecutive new admissions to our inpatient alcohol center, and an age and sex matched comparison group of patients consecutively admitted with schizophrenia for whether each of their four grandparents was Jewish, or non-Jewish.

High serum homocysteine levels in young male schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients with tardive parkinsonism and/or tardive dyskinesia.

Background: The pathogenesis of neuroleptic-induced tardive movement disorders (TMD), including tardive parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesia (TD), has not yet been established. An elevated serum level of total homocysteine has been implicated as a risk factor for various neuropathologic states and some movement disorders. The aim of our study was to determine whether there is an association between serum total homocysteine level and the presence of TMD among schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients.

Kandinsky-Clerambault's Syndrome: concept of use for Western psychiatry.

The aim of our paper is to describe Kandinsky-Clerambault's Syndrome, which has important cultural-historical value in the history of psychiatry, and to illustrate the syndrome by means of a case report. Although its component symptoms are known among Western psychiatrists, the syndrome's specific name is generally unknown. The authors suggest that detailed clinical descriptions of some specific conditions may contribute to a more detailed knowledge of psychopathology, a more colorful and memorable view of conditions, with an increased awareness of the historical and cultural origins of psychiatry.

Vitamin B6 as add-on treatment in chronic schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background: Vitamin B6, or pyridoxine, plays an intrinsic role in the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters that take part in development of psychotic states. Several reports indicate that vitamin B6 may be a factor in a number of psychiatric disorders and related conditions, such as autism, Alzheimer's disease, hyperactivity, learning disability, anxiety disorder, and depression. Moreover, there are anecdotal reports of a reduction in psychotic symptoms after vitamin B6 supplementation of psychopharmacologic treatment of patients suffering from schizophrenia or organic mental disorder.