Clinical use of aripiprazole in patients with schizophrenia: a real-life setting results from the German Postmarketing Surveillance Study.

When aripiprazole (ABILIFY) received its approval in Germany for the treatment of schizophrenia, a hospital-based postmarketing surveillance study was initiated in order to gain further insights concerning safety and efficacy of the antipsychotic under real-life conditions. Efficacy was rated by using standard CGI, GAF, and SF-12 instruments, whereas safety was evaluated according to the reports on adverse effects. Data from 799 patients with schizophrenia from 122 psychiatric hospitals returned for evaluation.

Glucocorticoid receptor mediated negative feedback in chronic fatigue syndrome using the low dose (0.5 mg) dexamethasone suppression test.

Background: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with hypocortisolism, but it is not yet clear the extent to which enhanced negative feedback may underlie this finding.

Methods: We undertook a low-dose dexamethasone (0.5 mg) suppression test in 18 CFS patients and 20 matched, healthy controls.

Enhanced wound healing after emotional disclosure intervention.

Objectives: Psychological stress is believed to impair wound healing via a down-regulation of the immune system. Since previous research suggests that disclosure of tra-umatic experiences can result in an up-regulation of immune function, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of a disclosure intervention on the progress of wound healing.

Design: The study used a prospective, longitudinal design with random assignment to the control (writing about time management) and experimental group (writing about a traumatic event).

The effect of psychological stress on symptom severity and perception in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux.

Objective: Using an experimental paradigm this investigation explored whether exposure to psychological stress would produce a significant increase in acid-reflux episodes or modify subjective perceptions of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) symptoms.

Methods: Forty-two patients presenting with heartburn and acid regurgitation underwent 24-h oesophageal pH monitoring. During the last 90 min of this monitoring period, 21 patients received a psychological stressor, while the remaining participants were randomly assigned to a no-stress control condition.

Perceived stress and cortisol levels predict speed of wound healing in healthy male adults.

The main purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between perceived stress and impaired cutaneous wound healing in humans using a novel wound assessment technique, and taking into account putative mediating factors such as cortisol levels, health behaviours, and personality factors. The study made use of a prospective, within-subjects design in which 24 male non-smokers participated. Every subject received a standard 4mm-punch biopsy, and the healing progress was monitored via high-resolution ultrasound scanning.