Orienting reaction may help recognition of patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Objective: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are abrupt, paroxysmal changes in behavior or consciousness that may phenomenologically resemble epileptic seizures. Given the known association between anxiety and PNES, we hypothesized that in these subjects there may be evidence that the nervous system is hypersensitive to external stimuli. We aimed to test our hypothesis by means of the auditory startle reaction (ASR).

Dissociative depression among women with fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of this study was to inquire about the possible relations of childhood trauma, anger, and dissociation to depression among women with fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis. Fifty female patients diagnosed as having fibromyalgia (n = 30) or rheumatoid arthritis (n = 20) participated in the study. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Somatoform Dissociation Questionnaire (SDQ), Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spielberger State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, and Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule were administered to all participants.

Ictal kissing behavior: neurological and psychodynamic overview.

This study is based on the psychodynamic and neurological analysis of three Turkish patients who displayed ictal kissing automatism during their seizures. To unveil the probable underlying causes of their kissing behaviors, all patients underwent psychiatric interviews after being evaluated by ictal video-EEG recordings. The group consisted of two females (ages 35 and 29) and one male (age 26).

Treatment with group psychotherapy for chronic psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Although there have been a number of psychotherapy trials for chronic psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, evidence-based treatment options are limited. We developed an eclectic group psychotherapy which combines psychoeducation and behavioral and psychoanalytic techniques. Nine patients completed 12 weeks of psychotherapy.

Childhood trauma and dissociation in schizophrenia.

Background: This study is concerned with relationships between childhood trauma history, dissociative experiences, and the clinical phenomenology of chronic schizophrenia.

Sampling And Methods: Seventy patients with a schizophrenic disorder were evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, Dissociative Experiences Scale, Dissociative Disorders Interview Schedule, Positive and Negative Symptoms Scales, and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

Results: Childhood trauma scores were correlated with dissociation scale scores and dissociative symptom clusters, but not with core symptoms of the schizophrenic disorder.

[The effect of permanent ostomy on body image, self-esteem, marital adjustment, and sexual functioning].

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of permanent ostomy on body image, sexual functioning, self-esteem, and marital adjustment.

Method: SCID-I outpatient forms were administered to 52 subsequent patients that underwent permanent colostomy or ileostomy operations, and 40 of them that did not fit any of the diagnostic criteria for psychiatric disorders were then administered a sociodemographic data questionnaire, and the Body Image Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, and Golombok Rust Sexual Functions scale. The control group consisted of 20 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers.

[Charles-Bonnet Syndrome: a report of two cases].

Charles-Bonnet syndrome (CBS) occurs after the loss of vision or a decrease in visual ability and is characterized by visual hallucinations with insight and preserved cognitive status. In this paper, 2 cases in which vision was lost (in one patient due to hypophyseal macroadenoma and in the other due to diabetic retinopathy) are presented. The first case is a 35-year-old male referred to the psychiatry department for depressive complaints.

[Transference and countertransference in medically ill patients].

Transference and countertransference feelings/reactions are a valuable source of information about a patient's inner world. A consultation liaison psychiatrist has to help the entire treatment team to understand the patient as well as treat the patient. Studies about transference and countertransference in medical settings are insufficient.

Quetiapine vs. risperidone in treating psychosis in neurosyphilis: a case report.

Objective: A 44-year-old male patient presented with agitation, auditory hallucinations, and delusions of persecution was diagnosed as having neurosyphilis.

Methods: He was treated with penicillin G 24 million units/day, risperidone 6 mg/day, and memantine 20 mg/day with partial response to psychotic symptoms and significant extrapyramidal symptoms.

Results: On his follow-up, after 5 months, his cognitive status and serological tests remained the same, and his cell count was increased.

Dissociative identity disorder presenting as dermatitis artefacta.

Dermatitis artefacta is a rare psychiatric condition characterized by rubbing of skin blisters and denial of self-infliction. Dissociation may be comorbid with self-injurious behavior. A background of emotional disturbances during formative years and in later life often results in feelings of isolation and insecurity, which can lead to dissociation as a primary defense mechanism used to overcome traumatic events.

Severe liver enzyme elevations after three years of olanzapine treatment: a case report and review of olanzapine associated hepatotoxicity.

Atypical antipsychotics commonly cause isolated asymptomatic increase in the aminotransferase levels. Among these atypical antipsychotics, mostly transient, asymptomatic increase in hepatic enzymes has been reported with olanzapine, however olanzapine rarely may induce a clinical and/or biological hepatic toxicity. The pathogenesis of olanzapine-associated hepatotoxicity is not well known and is mostly a transient phenomenon.