Prevalence and clinical characteristics of the DSM IV major depression among general internal medicine patients.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of the DSM IV major depressive disorder (MDD) among patients admitted to the General Internal Medicine Service of the Geneva University Hospital.

Method: 557 patients admitted to the IM of the Geneva University Hospital aged 18 to 70 were investigated. Each subject was assessed by a clinical psychologist using the SCID (Structured Clinical Interview Depression for DSM-IV) questionnaire.

[Somatic and psychiatric emergencies: building a mutual view].

The prevalence of behavioural disorders is high among patients admitted to urban Accident and Emergency Departments. These disorders are not necessarily related to the reason for consultation and emergency physicians (EP) should be able to detect these patients and refer them to a psychiatrist when required. On the other hand, the frequent comorbid somatic disorders among patients attending an emergency psychiatric unit should raise concern from psychiatrists and prompt the need for EP advice.

[New ways for treatment of depression in primary care].

Depression is the most frequent psychiatric disorder and is associated with marked distress and work impairment. General practitioners are primarily involved in the treatment of these patients, but they lack specific training and the most important target to enhance access to suitable care. Systematic referral to a psychiatrist is not always recommended, not well accepted from the everyday patient and totally unfeasible due to the lack of therapists' vacancy.

Regulation of platelet alpha 2A-adrenoceptors, Gi proteins and receptor kinases in major depression: effects of mirtazapine treatment.

Major depression is associated with the upregulation of alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors in brain tissue and blood platelets. The homologous regulation of these receptors by G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) might play a relevant role in the pathogenesis and treatment of depression. This study was designed to assess the status of the complex alpha(2A)-adrenoceptor/Galphai/GRK 2 in the platelets of depressed patients (n=22) before and after treatment with the antidepressant mirtazapine, an antagonist at alpha(2A)-adrenoceptors (30-45 mg/day for up to 6 months).