Psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Social Phobia Inventory.

Aim: The aim of the current study was to study the psychometric properties of the Japanese version of the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN-J) among Japanese subjects with social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Method: The sample consisted of 86 subjects with SAD and 86 controls. Diagnosis was based on a modified version of the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV.

Using the mood disorder questionnaire and bipolar spectrum diagnostic scale to detect bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder among eating disorder patients.

Background: Screening scales for bipolar disorder including the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) have been plagued by high false positive rates confounded by presence of borderline personality disorder. This study examined the accuracy of these scales for detecting bipolar disorder among patients referred for eating disorders and explored the possibility of simultaneous assessment of co-morbid borderline personality disorder.

Methods: Participants were 78 consecutive female patients who were referred for evaluation of an eating disorder.

Recovery of low plasma BDNF over the course of treatment among patients with bulimia nervosa.

Recent studies have suggested that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with energy balance, eating behaviors, and psychological states such as depression. Although decreased BDNF levels in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) have been reported, the mechanism is still unclear. Few studies have investigated longitudinal changes of BDNF in BN patients.

Comorbid social withdrawal (hikikomori) in outpatients with social anxiety disorder: clinical characteristics and treatment response in a case series.

Background: Severe social withdrawal (called hikikomori, and defined as isolation lasting more than six months and not due to an apparent mental disorder) has drawn increasing public attention in Japan. It is unclear whether hikikomori is merely a symptom or syndrome of social withdrawal.

Aim: To evaluate this phenomenon in relationship to social anxiety disorder (SAD), as few previous studies have.

Correlations between the offensive subtype of social anxiety disorder and personality disorders.

Aims: Recent studies have revealed the possibility that the offensive subtype of social anxiety disorder (SAD) may no longer be a culture-bound syndrome; however, detailed clinical pictures have never been reported. This study investigated the differences between the offensive and non-offensive subtypes of SAD in terms of the background and axis I and II comorbidity.

Methods: A total of 139 patients with SAD based on DSM-IV criteria were studied by conducting a semi-structured interview including the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I and II disorders, and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale.