Angiotensin converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism: case-control association studies in schizophrenia, major affective disorder, and tardive dyskinesia and a family-based association study in schizophrenia.

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a candidate gene for psychiatric disorders. We examined the frequency of a functional insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the 16th intron of the ACE gene (located on chromosome 17q23) in groups of patients with schizophrenia (n = 104 and 113), major depression (n = 55), and bipolar disorder (n = 87) compared to healthy control subjects (n = 87). There was no evidence for allelic or genotypic association of the polymorphism with any of the disorders or with tardive dyskinesia (TD) in patients with schizophrenia.

Placebo-controlled trial of D-cycloserine added to conventional neuroleptics, olanzapine, or risperidone in schizophrenia.

Objective: The authors investigated the clinical effects of D-cycloserine when added to treatment with conventional neuroleptics, olanzapine, or risperidone for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Method: Twenty-four patients participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week crossover trial with D-cycloserine, 50 mg/day, added to their fixed dose of antipsychotic medication. Clinical ratings were performed every 2 weeks.

Evaluation of central serotonergic function in affective and related disorders by the fenfluramine challenge test: a critical review.

Plasma prolactin levels following oral administration of the serotonin (5-HT) releasing agent, fenfluramine hydrochloride, have been extensively used to evaluate central serotonergic function in affective and related disorders. Cortisol responses to fenfluramine have generally been a less informative measure. In healthy subjects, prolactin release by fenfluramine is dose-dependent, blocked by antagonists of serotonin receptors of the 5-HT-2a/2c type, negatively correlated with age and increased in young females.

Age-Dependent Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy on Memory.

We examined the relation between age and recovery of memory functions after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In a group of patients 20-65 years of age, older depressed patients treated with ECT experienced more severe and longer lasting memory deficits than did younger patients. Testing conducted 24-72 h after a course of ECT showed more severe deficits in older patients for verbal and visuospatial anterograde memory, and for retrograde memory.

Factors Influencing Response to Bilateral Electroconvulsive Therapy in Major Depression.

The records of 52 patients with major depression who were treated with bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were reviewed. Responders and nonresponders were compared on demographic, clinical, and treatment parameters. ECT nonresponders had a longer duration of current depressive episode as well as a greater initial severity of depression.

Change in Attitude Toward Electroconvulsive Therapy: Effects of Treatment, Time Since Treatment, and Severity of Depression.

Attitudes toward electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) of patients with major depressive episodes who are treated with ECT were evaluated before the beginning of treatment, 1 to 2 days after completion of the 12th treatment, and 6 months after the termination of the series using a questionnaire (adapted from Freeman and Kendall, 1980). Attitudes toward ECT become more positive after treatment, and remain so at the 6-month follow-up. Attitude changes correlate with changes in depressive symptoms and with subjective side effects during treatment.

Disorientation and Bilateral Moderately Suprathreshold Titrated ECT.

Thirty-seven inpatients with major depression were assessed for postictal and interictal disorientation after they received 8 of 12 ECTs. In 20 patients, four of the eight assessments were after simulated ECT only. Only real, but not simulated, ECT produced postictal disorientation.

Atropine and Cognitive Performance After Electroconvulsive Therapy.

Two groups of patients receiving bilateral, moderately suprathreshold electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) were compared in their cognitive functions after receiving either 0.5 mg atropine i.v.

Medication Outcome in ECT-Resistant Depression.

The outcome of antidepressant treatment in 12 cases of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)-resistant depression is presented. Eight patients had been refractory to a clinically adequate course of ECT (Hamilton Depression Scale improvement <20%) and four were partial responders (improvement 20-49%). All remitted completely on antidepressant medication within 2.

Potentiation of Seizure Length and Clinical Response to Electroconvulsive Therapy by Caffeine Pretreatment: A Case Report.

A patient with a history of nonresponse to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) was treated with ECT modified by i.v. caffeine before electrical stimulation for some of the seizures.